Several factors affect how frequently you arrange roof maintenance from your local, reliable commercial roof contractor. Experts will tell you the age of your roof, your typical weather patterns, and the composition of your roof all mesh to dictate whether you arrange annual or semiannual maintenance and inspection visits.
Age Before Duty
The age of a commercial roof is far more important than typical exposure patterns, such as the amount of foot traffic it receives or how your roof is used (storage area, greenspace, helipad, and so on). Age is really two timelines:
- Chronological age — In what year was the existing roof put down?
- Weathering age — Harsh conditions accelerate the age signs on any commercial roof
Experts at FacilitiesNet tell us that the best maintenance program begins as soon as the roof is installed. If you inherited either the building or your position as the property manager, you may not know the roof’s complete history. Rely on your trustworthy commercial roofer to perform a baseline inspection and help you determine how far along your roof is. Generally, older roofs require twice-yearly maintenance and inspection visits.
Weather
Florida weather patterns stress commercial roofs. Large expanses of low-slope roofing take direct heat and ultraviolet exposure more than shaded, pitched residential roofs.
Even a relatively new roof that shows signs of severe weather damage (crazing, crackling in the exposed surface, scouring of ballast, loosening seams from high winds) requires at least semiannual maintenance. Your roofer may recommend spot visits to keep tabs on problem areas.
Composition
Highly reflective roofs, such as PVC single-ply, tend to weather and age better in Florida than built-up roofs (BUR) or modified bitumen, even if light-colored ballasts are used. Volatile organics such as bitumen and other chemicals, evaporate, leaving behind a less flexible, more brittle and fragile roof.
Do This Now
FacilitiesNet and PSI Roofing agree on eight actions your maintenance crew can take right away to streamline your maintenance schedule:
- Clear rooftop debris
- Inspect your roof’s perimeter
- Examine roof penetrations
- Inspect the sealant at seams
- Keep internal and scupper drains clear
- Inspect the surface frequently (at least monthly)
- Prevent leaks by partnering with your roofer
- Consider having your roofer perform destructive testing on problem areas
Schedule roof maintenance soon. For honest, experienced commercial roof inspection, preservation and maintenance, contact us at PSI Roofing. We are ready to work with you to determine your building’s ideal maintenance schedule.
