Business owners who are successful enough to own their own building know that the building is one of their most significant assets. They also know that, from a business perspective, taking a proactive stance on an issue is usually better than employing a reactive or “wait and see” approach.
The same philosophy applies to a commercial building. Commercial roof repair is something Omaha property managers have to deal with, and staying on top of it proactively helps extend the life of the building and may even keep you within the parameters of your warranty. On the other side of the equation, taking a reactive approach to roof maintenance may result in costly repairs or even the need for a new roof.
Create a Commercial Roof Maintenance Plan
If you don’t already have one in place, create a maintenance plan and inspection schedule for your roof. You can enlist the help of a local roofing repair company to do this; there are several that are willing to come out and do a commercial roof evaluation on your Omaha property. But there are also steps you can take on your own. Here are a few tips to get you started on your own commercial roof inspection.
Note: These tips are designed for flat roofs. For sloped roofs, it’s best to call in a roofing repair company. They have the experience necessary to perform an inspection on a sloped roof safely.
- Check the drainage system. Your drainage system should be inspected at least twice a year and more often than that if it’s prone to clogging up. Clear away any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated, and inspect the drains for cracks. Any issues with the drainage system should be repaired immediately.
- Check roof covers. Roof covers are one of the known culprits when it comes to water intrusion. Remove any debris around the roof covers and inspect them for damage. If you notice anything amiss, consider replacing the roof cover.
- Check fans and vents. Clear any debris away from fans and vents, and make sure they’re working correctly. Fans and vents are designed to encourage airflow throughout the building, keeping moisture from building up and causing other issues like mold or mildew.
- Check the flashing. Inspect the flashing around chimneys and the perimeter of the building. Loose or missing flashing allows water to penetrate during thunderstorms or other high-wind situations. Repairing the flashing is a relatively minor project if it’s caught early. However, once rain gets inside the walls or roof, it can be a different story.
Stay tuned for more tips for commercial roof maintenance in Part 2. In the meantime, if you need a commercial roof evaluation in Omaha, give the pros at Shamrock Roofing and Construction a call. They offer free roof inspections for both residential and commercial properties, and they’ve been helping Omaha businesses and homeowners with their roofing needs for over 40 years. Call today to schedule an appointment or get all your roofing questions answered.