Which of these apply to you: “I don’t have time to worry about roof maintenance”, “I will worry about it next month”, or “My roof is fine, it doesn’t need maintenance.” While the reasoning varies, the best thing you can do for your business and commercial building is to make roof maintenance a priority. We take the stress out of regular maintenance to save you time and money when repairs go astray so that you can spend more time focusing on your customers. So what exactly encompasses commercial maintenance?
What’s the difference between a residential and commercial roof?
Unless roofs are your passion, comparing roof styles may not be the first thing you notice about a building. When it comes to differentiating between a residential and commercial roof, it comes down to materials and form. Residential roofs are built to fit with the aesthetic of the building, with pitched roofs or higher slopes being more common. Alternatively, commercial roofs are built with function in mind. The most common commercial roof type is a flat roof or lower slope.
Commercial buildings are more demanding in terms of maintenance as there is more extensive square footage to cover. If you store mechanical equipment on your roof, the weight capacity of a given material is more important than the look. Three elements to keep in mind are the material’s durability, the maintenance required, and the maximum lifespan of the roof type.
What can impact the lifespan of a commercial roof?
Living in Alberta has its perks, but we are all familiar with wild weather conditions that arise all year round. Weather is the number one reason for roof repairs, but it can impact materials differently. Hail or debris can tear the vapour barrier membrane in your roof, making it more susceptible to leaks. Heavy snow or rain can cause damage over time in the form of dry rot or structural damage. Exposure to high heat in the summer and extreme cold in the winter months can lead to materials expanding from the heat and shrinking from cold exposure. This results in flashing pulling away from the walls or cracking the vapour barrier. As a rule of thumb, roof maintenance every 6 months is the easiest way to stay on top of common pitfalls for commercial roofs and avoid high repair costs later on.
The lifespan of a roof varies depending on the type of roofing materials, but we have found a consistent trend in material life expectancy. On average, your roof can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years with regular maintenance. Check out the industry standard for each material type:
- TPO: 22 – 30 years
- EPD: 22 – 35 years
- Metal roofs: 30 – 45 years
- Asphalt: 20 – 40 years
If you are purchasing or leasing a commercial building, pay close attention to the type of roof and the materials. If the materials are not suited to diverse climate conditions in Alberta, you are more likely to need roof repairs more consistently or may need a roof replacement if the purpose for the building uses changes from its original use.
Why should my roof maintenance be a top priority?
When it comes to roofs, we can all fall under the category of “out of sight, out of mind.” We don’t look at the roof every day, but that does not negate responsibility. Staying up-to-date on roof maintenance can prevent significant damage and keep your overall repair costs lower. At Knights Roofing Ltd., we are here to help prepare you for what to expect so you won’t be caught off guard by the worst-case scenario.
Roof maintenance is not just about exterior protection, but it is about guarding against the internal structure of the building. Cracks and leaks can be a death sentence for the structural safety of your building. Moisture can cause dry rot, mould, or cause damage to lighting to create unsafe working conditions. Be on guard and protect yourself by looking ahead to maintenance.
What to expect with commercial roof repairs and maintenance
After the winter and summer months, you should schedule a regular roof inspection and maintenance service. Maintenance includes cleaning and inspecting each of the roof drains and gutters, cleaning off any debris from severe weather, and inspecting the surface. We looking for blistering caused by trapped water, punctures from branches or sharp objects that have struck the roof, and missing materials. Did you know that registering for a maintenance program with a qualified roofer can help you meet the requirements for your roof’s warranty?
After a maintenance inspection, you will receive a detailed report that layouts any damage or sections that are cause for concern. Being fully transparent on the condition of your roof not only upholds our commitment to your safety, but it can help you to plan and set aside a budget for completing the repairs.
At Knights Roofing Ltd., we offer the following services for commercial roof repairs:
- Dried or deteriorated membrane
- Wet or rotten sections of the roof
- Metal leakage
- Deteriorated caulking
- Delaminated membranes
Looking for a solution to your roofing dilemmas? Contact us today for a quote or book your spring roof maintenance service and help keep your commercial property up to code and ready for anything. Learn more about our commercial roof services and download our FREE commercial roofing maintenance checklist.