Maintaining a roof is different from repairing or replacing it. It’s the stage that helps keep those other two in check.
Good maintenance means fewer repairs and more life in your roof to delay replacement.
We’re sharing the 3 things you need to know about commercial flat roof maintenance, so you can save time, money and a lot of headaches down the line.
It’s More Than Tinkering About On A Flat Roof
There might be some trepidation when booking commercial flat roof maintenance for something that seems to be fine. Roof problems don’t really get noticed until they become other problems – leaks through to the ceilings, strange damp spots, cracking, and all the little things that give you pause. Pause?
If your roof isn’t actively collapsing, why bother doing anything to it?
We forgive you if you think maintenance is a way for roofing companies to make more money. But we don’t just scale scaffolding and catch some sun on top of your building – roof maintenance is laborious work, scouring your roof and checking every inch for potential problems even you might not see.
Here are some of the things we do as part of your commercial flat roof maintenance inspection:
Inspections
Visual Assessment: Checking for cracks, blisters, punctures, ponding water, and other signs of damage.
Flashing Check: Inspecting the seals around vents, skylights, and other penetrations.
Drainage Evaluation: Ensuring gutters, downpipes, and drains are clear and functioning properly.
Cleaning
Debris Removal: Removing leaves, branches, dirt and other debris that can clog drains or damage the roof surface.
Gutter Clearing: Regularly cleaning gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages and water buildup.
Minor Repairs
Patching: Repairing small cracks, punctures, or blisters to prevent leaks from worsening.
Flashing Repair: Replacing or resealing loose or damaged flashing.
Seam Sealing: Resealing seams that have come loose or are showing signs of wear.
Preventative Maintenance
Coating Application: Applying protective coatings to extend the roof’s lifespan and improve its resistance to weather and UV damage.
Vegetation Control: Removing moss, algae and vegetation that can damage the roof’s surface.
Leak Detection: Employing techniques like electronic leak detection or smoke testing to pinpoint leaks.
Commercial Flat Roof Maintenance Is Cheaper In The Long Run
Any business outlay requires careful consideration. Flat roof maintenance can feel like another expensive bill, but here’s why it’s actually a cost-saving exercise.
- Early problem detection: Picks up on potential problems that might go on to be more expensive ones.
- Longer roof life: A well-maintained roof has a much better chance of lasting longer, so you can keep the cost of a full roof replacement off the cards.
- Maintains warranty: Many warranties require a regular professional inspection, otherwise your roof’s warranty could be void.
- Energy efficiency: A maintained roof is a more energy-efficient roof, reducing your heating and cooling costs.
So while you might be marking down the cost of regular commercial flat roof maintenance, you’re actually tallying up the savings by keeping your roof safe and effective for longer. It’s a smart financial decision that will put money in your pocket in the long run.
You Can Get On With Business
You might be concerned about keeping your building open while your flat roof is looked at. You might be surprised to know that commercial flat roof maintenance isn’t disruptive.
You can crack on with what you do while we do what we do. Your team, clients and visitors can come and go as normal without delays or diversions around the building. There’s no need to close up or make special considerations.
Our goal is to keep your roof functioning for longer, so ultimately, your business doesn’t have to close for months on end because your entire roof needs to be replaced or overhauled. An inspection or even minor repairs won’t require you to hit the stop button on your daily operations.
If, for some reason, it is necessary for us to close off certain areas or disrupt the normal flow, we can work at times to suit you, so we can take care of your roof while you keep things running smoothly.
Who Should Do Your Commercial Flat Roof Maintenance
Once you have established that flat roof maintenance is the way to proceed (good choice), you’ll need to find a roofing contractor to carry out the work.
What should you look for in this roofing contractor?
- Experience & Expertise – Find a contractor who has a proven track record you can trust, particularly one who specialises (trained and experienced) in flat roofs. At PFR, flat roofs are our specialist subject. Our expertise is hard to beat, which is why our customers can rely on us.
- Customer Satisfaction – You can put your detective hat on and find out what others are saying about this contractor. Check online for reviews, testimonials and case studies on their website and social media..
- Accreditations – Before considering a contractor, make sure they have the relevant accreditations, or you could be getting inspections, maintenance and work done by someone who doesn’t really know what they’re doing. We are proud members of CHAS, Confederation of Roofing Contractors and Competent Roofer, because it shows our commitment to quality and professionalism.
- Friendly & Professional – You want to be able to trust this contractor with your roof and, let’s face it, the safety and wellbeing of everyone under it. Excellent customer service is a good indication that this contractor will make your roof maintenance smooth sailing.
How Much Is Your Roof Worth To You?
Commercial flat roof maintenance is of course optional. You can choose to ignore your roof until it shows signs of problems and burden you with a hefty cost OR you can be proactive and get ahead of those expensive issues and opt for regular maintenance.
Not sure if your roof is in need of some minor repair or maintenance? Book your 23-point roof inspection today, and get a professional insight into the health of your roof.