How To Maintain Your Commercial Roof

Keeping your roof in good shape may not be at the top of the list when it comes to things about your business to think about – but it should be.

Maintaining Commercial Roofs

That’s because building roofs will get old and will feel the effects of weather and wear and tear just like any other material does. Neglecting the maintenance of a roof can have negative consequences, and worst-case scenarios aren’t hard to imagine.

To ensure that your building is protected simply by keeping your roof is in good shape, make sure the roof gets inspected twice a year at minimum. This process shouldn’t be considered an expense, but rather an investment that can potentially save you from having to handle a roof catastrophe.

Make sure the surface is clear
Keeping the surface of your roof clear from debris is important as it can often be more harmful than it looks. Any debris will act as a trap for moisture and water – factors which will accelerate damage to your roof, as it can easily leak through the membrane – even leaching chemicals contained in the membrane – and drip through any puncture points. This can widely be avoided by ensuring you have a high quality roof, but proper clearance of debris is still important.

Clear any blockages from the drains
Make sure the drainage system is also checked, as standing water in drain pipes and spouts can cause big problems down the line, and of course gutters, too, should be looked at for blockages. One good tip here to check if a gutter is clogged is by pouring water down it and seeing how much comes out the other end. If it comes out slowly or there is significantly less than what went in, you likely have a severe drain blockage.

Sealant check
Odds are your roof has some penetrations on it – pipes and stands for equipment, or instance. These penetrations are likely waterproofed with a concrete ring or plastic/metal pitch pans. These are potential wear-and-tear points and should be checked regularly. You’ll want to make sure the sealer doesn’t have any cracks and that the point where the concrete ring meets the roof has its sealant membrane still in good shape.

Be on the lookout for surface punctures
The field membrane on your roof should have its surfacing intact – that means no puncture points, or worn-down sections. Also look for any diagonal wrinkles showing up in the flashings, as these are signs your roof deck and the wall are shifting, and can become cracks that let water in.

Keep nearby trees trimmed
It’s a good idea to keep branches on nearby trees trimmed down. These branches can snap off in a storm and potentially puncture your roof membrane.

For additional advice on how to keep your roof in perfect condition, consult with Empire Roofing today!

Dealing with Spring Thaw: Four Things to Look For

Winter can be long and harsh. But, for roofs, what happens when the snow finally melts away can be more damaging than the blast of wintry weather that precedes it.

Spring Thaw Roof
Source: adn.com

This is because many building owners have the mistaken impression that the only real time to worry about roof damage is during the coldest months of the year. While it is true that ice and snow and the weight they add to a roof can cause major damage, what many people don’t appreciate is that how the spring thaw that wipes away those signs of Winter is not the end of worrying about your roof.

That’s because when the snow melts away, it will reveal previously hidden potential dangers sitting on the surface of your roof. Just like snowbanks on city sidewalks will melt away only to reveal an unsightly accumulation of city debris that will have to be removed, so too will the spring melt for a commercial roof reveal risks that will also have to be dealt with.

Here’s what to look for during this year’s spring thaw:

Natural debris

Leaves and tree branches can be easily hidden on a snowy roof. They’re also some of the major things you should be on the lookout for on a commercial roof, because they can trap in water that can then leak through your roof membrane, causing major damage.

Membrane cracks

You’ll want to check your roof at points where the plane changes, or where the roof is penetrated by things such as air conditioning units. Once the snow is cleared, be on the lookout for any tears or punctures.

Flashings

Double check your flashings along the sides. The temperature shift from the winter to spring thaw can dislodge your flashings, possible making them a point where water can get in. Check them for wrinkles or other changes that may have happened throughout the winter months.

Penetration points

Check the sealing around penetration points such as pipes and roof equipment. These seals can be damaged due to the winter freeze, and if left unfixed will let water in once precipitation returns.

When in doubt, call in the experts. The cost of a routine roof inspection or regular maintenance will be minor in comparison to the cost of having to repair your entire roof.

Five Benefits of TPO Roofing

TPO roofing is an increasingly popular choice when it comes to roofing materials on the market, and for good reason.

TPO Roofing
Source: keller-assoc.com

TPO (meaning thermoplastic olefin) roofing is a roofing membrane that has been around for about 20 years. As a single-ply solution, TPO and its low-slope, three-layer thermoplastic polyolefin membrane offers some distinct advantages over other choices of roofing.

Durability

As a modern roofing solution using modern roofing materials, TPO roofing is highly durable and resilient to wear and tear and other impacts of nature. Compared to other thermoplastic membrane solutions, it stands out. This is because TPO will guard against the growth of mold, tears and punctures, and dirt. What’s more, TPO is flexible enough that it will be easily accommodate the structure moving or settling as time goes by.

Handles Heat Fluctuations Well

TPO can also safely handle any thermal expansion or contraction of the building. This means that it works especially well in climates that can see the temperature dip very low, making it a ready solution for buildings location in areas of heat fluctuations. TPO also helps prevent solar heat gain, and is UV resistant – factors that mean it will chop away at your utility bills. TPO also is effective against the so-called “heat island” effect, where built-up communities experience high temperatures.

Cost – Efficient

This one’s key – TPO roofing saves money. Since being introduced on the market, it’s become known as one of the most cost-efficient roofing materials available. Simply put, TPO offers the same pluses as PVC roofing solutions – especially when it comes to energy efficiency – but at a notable lower price point.

Easier to Handle and Install

Unlike other roofing materials, TPO membranes are often wider when it comes to sheet size, and lighter too. These size and weight advantages means less time installing the product TPO also features fewer seams than other materials, and the seams they do have are extra strong due to advantages from the materials used.

Ability To Match Aesthetics

TPO membranes offer several choices when it comes to aesthetics – meaning they’ll more likely match the unique look of your building. Reflective colour options include light grey, black and white.

If you’re considering a TPO roof for your building, contact Empire Roofing today to learn more about its extensive benefits.