Autumn is the perfect time to have your roof inspected before the harsh winter conditions hit. Not to mention you don’t want leaves clogging your gutters, resulting in expensive roof repairs. Be sure to give attention to your building’s roof this fall. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to protect your roof from costly repair and replacement.
Semi-Annual Roof Inspection
This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many property owners neglect their roof. Fall and spring are the perfect time to inspect your roof.
Key components that make up a roof inspection include:
- Walk the roof and look for foreign debris and excess dirt build up
- Check gutters to ensure leaves or other debris are not causing back-up or leakage
- Look for cracks, splits, or tears in roofing material
- Inspect roof mounted units, pipes and vents for cracks or failed termination
- Ensure sealants and flashing are secure
- Look inside the building for water stained ceilings and walls
Consider Weather Conditions
Fall and spring are recommended times to inspect your roof in the Midwest because it’s in between times of extreme weather conditions. The Midwest experiences extreme temperatures and precipitation in the winter and summer months. While inspecting your flat roof in the fall, check for damage that may have been caused by extreme summer weather, such as wind damage or sun damage.
Wind Damage
When air gets underneath the roofing material due to strong winds, the roofing material creates wrinkles or bubbles, leaving the flat roof flashing loose and unfastened. With an insecure roof membrane, rain and other materials can get underneath the roof, leading to rotting material and potential for roof leaks. Wind can harm your building’s roof just as much as snow, ice or hail. After high winds have hit your building, be sure to investigate damage done to the roof membrane itself, and inspect what might have blown onto or across the roof.
Sun Damage
Summer heat and UV rays can lead to blistering and splitting of your traditional flat roof. Fortunately, there are many “Cool Roof” options for flat roofs. Cool Roofs have taken over the commercial and industrial roofing industry, which is a white roofing membrane that reflects the sun’s heat and emits any absorbed solar heat. Duro-Last Cool Zone Roofing System is one of the most energy efficient roof systems on the market today. This roofing system from Duro-Last may cut the costs of heating and cooling your building.
Hire a Roofing Professional
While a building owner or property manager can inspect flat roofs, having professional roofing inspectors thoroughly inspect the roof is the building owner’s best option.
The Duerson Corporation has 25+ years of experience and knowledge in the commercial roofing industry. They will provide you with quality cleaning and repairs. Duerson’s team of expert roofing technicians can also provide photographs and a detailed report with the condition of your current flat roof. They will offer suggestions for repairs or replacement based on your roof’s needs. Call Duerson Corporation to schedule your roof maintenance.