With every job comes heavy responsibility – sometimes, both metaphorically and physically. If you’re a building owner or property manager, you understand the responsibility of commercial roof maintenance and the weight that responsibility holds. You also understand that a shred of preventative care is worth the colossal damage that follows a poorly maintained roof buckling under the weight of natural weather.
So what causes commercial roof damage?
From minorly clogged gutters and a few missing shingles to severe weather and water damage, deterioration falls on a spectrum. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand how these symptoms correlate so you’re ready to act at a quicker pace and a lower price point. Once roof damage begins to spread, the cost of repairs rises and, more importantly, the safety of your tenants is put at risk.
Root Causes
As summer arrives and the weather inevitably changes, here are a few leading causes to stay mindful of as you remain vigilant and stop catastrophic damage in its tracks
- The Wind & The Sun
We’re not out of the woods when winter ends. Even with a flat roof, high winds can penetrate a roof’s waterproof membrane as the turbulence intensifies. That’s because strong winds add stress to roof flashing, the metal material preventing drain overflows. A blistering hot sun can create damage all the same, especially with dark black tar roofs absorbing every ray of heat. Harsh UV rays break roofing materials down until they’re warped, cracked, and vulnerable to water damage and leakage.
- Standing Water
When summer rainstorms arrive, standing puddles of water indicate that your roof’s structure isn’t up to snuff. The issue could be as simple as a clogged pipe or as deep-rooted as the construction of the roof’s slope. Standing water should always be your signal to contact a roof inspector and address the issue before moisture seeps through and causes significant interior damage.
- Roof Punctures
When you’re constantly in need of roof maintenance, the excess foot traffic can cause damage to your roof’s membrane. Always make sure your roof is professionally inspected after contractors step foot on your commercial investment.
- Faulty Materials
While every part of a roof plays a role preventing severe water damage, flashing and pitch pans are particularly important. Flashing is the seal holding up excess rainwater when the roof’s drain systems are thoroughly overworked while pitch pans seal exposed pipes and conduits. Unfortunately, when these materials aren’t properly installed or the winter freeze has done a number on them, water damage is inevitable.
- As Summer Arrives…
…the heat rises, and the sun intensifies. To prevent increased sun damage, be mindful of faded, warped, or broken-off portions of your roof. After a humid rainstorm, inspect your roof for dark patches of sitting water and check for missing shingles. When your roof’s missing materials, the exposure creates a perfect pocket for water to trickle in and cause structural damage. Plus, in advance of those summer showers and the telltale thunder and lightning, remove trees and loose tree branches unlikely to withstand severe weather.
Rethink Your Roof
Before the beach is packed and the vacations booked, consider an extra layer of protection with a Duro-Last roof. No matter the season, the root cause of many roof problems can be eliminated at the point of construction. Faulty workmanship on-site leads to weak materials unable to withstand sun, water, and wind damage.
To eliminate those risks before they arise, and to reduce maintenance needed throughout the years, Duro-Last roofs are built using custom prefabrication methods under ideal factory-controlled conditions. All Duro-Lasts are built with premium insulation (reinforced resins, plasticizers, stabilizers, and UV absorbents) that prevents moisture from penetrating the roof’s exterior.
Facilities managers and property owners alike trust Dura-Last roofs during summertime in particular. That’s because, in addition to water-resistant materials, Dura-Last roofs are available in coloring specifically designed to withstand intense UV rays and high temperatures.
In Sum
While the bitter winter cold has passed and snowstorms are but a distant memory, summertime isn’t for relaxing your reins on roof maintenance. In fact, summer brings unique challenges that can deteriorate your commercial roof just as quickly as ice, sleet, and heavy snow. Protect yourself and your summer fun by making maintenance and premium roof selection a springtime priority.
More questions on Duro-Last roofs? Contact MacDermott Roofing for the expert advice and workmanship. We have been installing commercial roofs as well as repairing and maintaining them on commercial and industrial buildings throughout the Detroit area for more than 45 years.
Our highly skilled and certified roofing specialists deliver the highest quality roofing services in the industry. Call for a Free Estimate today!