Roof maintenance is important when you own a commercial building and you have a flat roof with a membrane covering. Your roofing contractor can recommend the best schedule for checking and servicing your roof. It's important to inspect the roof regularly since a flat roof can't be seen from the ground and damage can go unnoticed and cause water damage. Here are some flat roofing services you may need to have done throughout the year.
Routine Inspections
The roofer should walk the roof periodically to look for loose seams, punctures, bubbles, rips, and other signs of damage in the roof membrane. Any damage that's found should be repaired right away so rain won't leak through the membrane and cause roof damage. A roof membrane can be damaged by storms and by contractors walking on the roof, so it's important to check for small punctures and other damage regularly.
An advantage of membrane roofing is that it is easy to patch and repair. Seams can be sealed, fasteners can be replaced and puncture holes can be patched so the roof stays in good repair.
Clear Debris From The Roof
Unlike a sloped roof, leaves, twigs, and other debris can't roll off a flat roof. This debris has to be cleared away manually so it doesn't clog a drain, hold moisture against the roof, or create a dam that causes water to puddle rather than roll off the roof.
Look For Water Puddles
A flat roof isn't totally flat. It has a slight slope to it so water rolls toward a drain. If something interferes with the slope, water will form puddles and stay on the roof until the water evaporates. If it's not possible to check the roof soon after it rains, the roofer can look for signs standing water leaves behind such as watermarks on the roof and rust on metal flashing. When water puddles are found, repairs should be done so water drains as it should.
Look For Damage To Flashing
Metal flashing can rust over time and exposure to rain and water ponding on the roof. The flashing is checked when the roof is inspected since the flashing is a common area for roof leaks. If rust is found, it should be removed, and holes patched. Flashing can also work loose, and when this happens, it might be possible to cement it back in place or the flashing may need to be replaced.
When your roofer inspects the roof and performs preventative maintenance, you'll want to keep a log. This lets you know the condition of the membrane and allows you to track repairs so you know when it's time to get a new roof membrane.