As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change color, whether we like it or not, winter is just around the corner. Performing precautionary maintenance before the ice and snow arrives is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your commercial roof and get ready for the often brutal winter months. At The Duerson Corporation, we can’t stress enough how important it is to have your roof examined and touched up before winter hits. Here is our list of items to look for while performing roof maintenance this fall.
What to Look For During Inspection
Performing safe and regular inspection of your commercial roof is a good way to assess any damage before winter arrives. Doing this seasonally will help prevent future damage and is good practice when owning a commercial business. When you are safely on the roof, look for any visible tears, leaks, debris, or bubbling that may have formed and check the gutters. If you find anything during the inspection, contact a professional right away. If issues go unresolved throughout the winter, your building will be exposed to unwanted moisture that can lead to costly repairs down the line. Further, damage to your roof is prone to expanding during the harsh winter months when it’s exposed to ice and snow. Fixing any issues you find now will save you time and money in the future.
Clear Debris
Excess debris on your roof can result in moisture build-up that can cause major problems in the future. Debris can clog drains, create mold and add excess weight on your roof if left unchecked. Remove any leaves, branches or other debris before it gets buried under the snow and ice. If there are larger pieces of debris you and your group can’t safely remove on your own, give our professionals a call and we’ll safely remove any debris for you.
Check for Membrane Separation and Trapped Moisture
Membrane separation is commonly found on flat roofs. When performing an inspection, be sure to look for spots where the membrane has peeled back or eroded. If you find spots, they need to be addressed as soon as possible because they may cause leaks in the ceiling which can result in mold. Keep an eye out for other forms of trapped moisture that can accumulate on your roof such as bubbling and rippling. Have a professional commercial roofing expert inspect for swelling or bubbling of the roofing membrane.
Clean The Gutters
Make sure your gutters are doing their job properly. Check for loose fittings, early signs of corrosion and anything that might cause separation from the roof. If you find rust or other signs of corrosion, the gutters will need to be replaced to lower the chances of further damage later. Cleaning your gutters during the fall is a great way to ensure they are ready for the winter when ice and snow often get trapped or frozen in the gutter. Finding any problems now will save the stress of worrying about damages in below freezing temperatures.
Trim Nearby Tree Branches
Trimming any nearby branches or trees will result in less debris from forming on your roof causing excess weight. While a branch here and there can seem harmless, if left unchecked these branches can start stripping away at the foundation of the roof and cause structural damage that can be costly. Trimming nearby trees is a simple but effective way to clean and maintain your commercial flat roof during the fall.
Set Up Roof Maintenance Today
After performing a fall roof inspection and you feel a roof maintenance or roof repair might be needed, get in touch with us at The Duerson Corporation. We have been helping clients throughout Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and other surrounding states since we opened our doors in 1986. We look forward to hearing from you!