Understanding the Importance of Commercial Roof Service and Maintenance Plans
Owning a commercial building is no small feat. The very roof that shields your business, employees, and assets plays a crucial role in your company’s well-being. By understanding the importance of a commercial roof services and maintenance plan, you protect your investment and ensure the safety and well-being of everything underneath it.
Introduction to Commercial Roofing
What Is Commercial Roofing?
In a nutshell, commercial roofing (or sometimes referred to as industrial roofing) refers to the materials and services used to install or repair roofs on business structures. Unlike residential roofing, which usually caters to homes, commercial roofing often involves larger-scale projects with different materials and designs to accommodate the unique needs of businesses.
Flat and slightly pitched roofs are the standard roofing styles of most large commercial buildings
Types of Commercial Roofs
Business owners have a wide variety of choices regarding commercial roofing materials. But the roof itself, really there are only two options
- Flat Roofs: These are standard for most businesses due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. Flat roofs come in many varieties such as TPO, PVC, EPDM, and BUR, to name some of the major players. There is even a “green roof” option which is a membrane covered in vegetation
- Pitched Roofs: The two main types of pitched roofs are shingle and metal. Metal roofs can also be flat but usually have a slight pitch. Metal roofs are commonly chosen for their longevity when properly maintained.
Benefits of Regular Roof Maintenance
Longevity of Roof
Imagine spending a fortune on a new roof and then watching it deteriorate rapidly due to neglect. Regular maintenance ensures that minor issues are spotted and fixed before they escalate, ensuring the roof’s longevity. And because of the nature of the outdoors and the various elements constantly barraging your roof, minor issues can escalate very quickly!
Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained roof can lead to better insulation and fewer leaks, which means the building’s HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. In the long run, this means lower energy bills. Specifically for areas here in the Northeast USA, ‘cool roofing’ refers to the installation of a white roof material that reflects the sun’s energy during the summer months, saving you money over the long term. Deterioration of this membrane should be avoided at all costs.
Safety and Liability
A damaged roof can be a safety hazard. By maintaining it, you reduce the risks of accidents, which in turn reduces potential liabilities for your business.
Additionally, there are certain roofing warranties that will actually require the building owner to incorporate regular roof maintenance programs in order for the materials warranty to be valid. Be sure to check the details of your roof’s warranty to understand specific warranty requirements.
For a truly in-depth guide to understanding commercial roof warranties, read our detailed article titled “A Guide to Commercial Roof Warranties“.
Entropy is real! Without regularly maintained maintenance protocols, your roof can become a disaster and thus prone to all types of issues
Understanding Roof Maintenance Plans
What Does a Maintenance Plan Include?
A maintenance plan typically involves regular inspections, cleaning, repairs, and, if necessary, replacements. Most plans are customized based on the type of roof and the specific needs of the business. To gain an understanding of what a professional commercial service and maintenance plan should include, you can view J Smucker’s Semi-Annual Preventative Maintenance Plan
Why is a Plan Necessary?
By having a predetermined plan, businesses can budget for maintenance costs and ensure that they don’t overlook critical repairs. And more importantly, as stated before, it’s crucial to find the minor issues (leaks, cracks, seam-tears, etc.) before they become more prominent, more expensive ones.
Cost-Efficiency of Plans
While there’s an upfront cost associated with maintenance plans, they often save businesses money in the long run. Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Finding the Right Service Provider
Research and Reviews
Before hiring a roofing contractor, it’s always wise to research and read reviews. A reputable provider will have positive feedback and a history of satisfied customers. A great starting point would be a company’s Google Business Profile. They should have a solid amount of positive reviews from previous customers. An example would be J Smucker Contracting’s Google Business Profile.
Licensing and Experience
Ensure that your chosen contractor is licensed and insured (most commercial roofing companies are these days). Additionally, their experience in commercial roofing will be invaluable.
Cost vs. Value
Don’t just opt for the cheapest provider. Consider the value they bring in terms of quality of work, yuears of experience, and materials used. Most highly qualified, reputable roofing contractors are somewhere in the middle in terms of pricing; not the most expensive but not the cheapest either!
Challenges Without Regular Maintenance
Roof Leaks and Water Damage
Neglecting your roof can lead to leaks, which might result in water damage to your property. This not only harms your building’s structure but can also damage inventory and equipment.
Structural Integrity Concerns
Over time, without maintenance, roofs can weaken, leading to potential collapses or other severe damages.
It takes time and a meticulous eye to catch small cracks in the seam such as the one pictured above
Aesthetic and Curb Appeal
A well-maintained roof adds to the aesthetic appeal of your building! A damaged or neglected roof can deter potential customers or clients.
FAQs
What's the difference between residential and commercial roofing?
Residential roofing typically caters to homes, using materials like asphalt shingles. Commercial roofing involves larger-scale projects, often with materials suited for bigger structures.
How often should I have my commercial roof inspected?
Generally, commercial roofs should be inspected at least twice a year – before winter and after winter. However, if there are noticeable issues or after severe weather events, immediate inspection is advisable.
What signs indicate my roof needs immediate attention?
Visible damages, leaks, unusually high energy bills, or sagging areas are clear indicators that your roof might require immediate attention.
Can I conduct the maintenance work myself?
It’s advisable to hire professionals for commercial roofing tasks. They have the necessary tools, experience, and knowledge to ensure safety and quality.
How long does a typical commercial roof last?
The lifespan of a commercial roof varies based on materials used and maintenance. On average, commercial roofs can last anywhere between 20 to 50 years. However, it can vary slightly depending on your roof type. Take a few minutes to read our previous article, ‘Commercial Roof Lifespans‘ to educate yourself more on the subject. You won’t regret it!
Even a couple years of neglect can warp your commercial roof unexpectedly. Water leaking into an area like this can have catastrophic effects on the interior of your building
Lancaster County Commercial Roof Service and Maintenance Plans
If you’re a commercial property owner in Lancaster, PA or the neighboring tri-state regions, you’re aware of how the changing weather can impact your roof throughout the year. Be it hail, rain, gusty winds, or icy conditions, your roofing system needs resilience against these challenges. Hence, periodic roof evaluations by skilled professionals are crucial to the longevity of your building.
At J Smucker Contracting, our focus is on offering detailed commercial roof maintenance packages. Bi-annually, our skilled crew will pay a visit to assess your roof meticulously, pinpointing and addressing areas of concern, including checking and repairing flashings and seams, drainage systems, cracks, or decay. Tackling these concerns quickly mitigates more significant issues and is cost-effective in the long haul.
Recognizing that each building has its distinct requirements, we customize our upkeep packages accordingly. Regardless of whether you’re running a boutique shop or overseeing a spacious corporate space, our knowledgeable team is equipped to ensure your roof remains pristine.
Procrastination can be costly. Reach out to J Smucker Contracting to learn more about our Semi-Annual Preventative Maintenance Service Plan now to delve deeper into our commercial roofing upkeep offerings and explore ways we can safeguard your valuable asset.