In cities with harsh weather like Chicago in winter, many businesses may wonder what they can do to make sure their roof is in top condition. If your commercial roof isn’t waterproof or in good condition, it can quickly lead to disaster for your business. Even small leaks can damage the inventory!
So if you own a commercial property, whether you are in Chicago or another city with harsh weather, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Commercial roof signs must be replaced
Look for signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Watermarks on the ceiling or the smell of mold can indicate that there is a leak somewhere in your roof. Sometimes it can be difficult to detect leaks Flat roofs because you may not always be able to see the bottom of your roof.
You should also look for signs that the roof is no longer properly sealed. This can include bald spots on some of the shingles or lifting the shingles. You should also watch for signs of blistering on your shingles.
Repair or replace
Replacing a commercial roof can be expensive, but sometimes you can repair a roof instead of completely replacing it. If the roof is newer and you have had no other problems, it can be easy to fix a single problem without replacing the entire roof.
However, depending on how severe the damage is, keep in mind that the affected area is likely to develop other leaks over time. If the leak is not confined to a single area, it is better to replace it than to repair it. Most commercial roofs need to be replaced after 15 years.
Leaking commercial roofs
If your commercial roof has a small leak, you may be wondering if you want to spend the money on the repair or not. After all, you could just put a bucket under the leak and call it a day!
However, if you notice a leak in the interior, it most likely means that your roof is in pretty bad shape and will only deteriorate further. A small leak can quickly lead to structural damage to your office building. No matter how small the leak, you need to get it fixed.
Commercial roofing materials
Most commercially available roofs consist of single-layer membranes, which are rubber and plastic sheets that adhere to the insulation. Single-layer membrane roofs have proven to be durable, effective and energy efficient. It also does well in a variety of climates.
Other commercial roofs could be made of asphalt or metal. If your office is in a historic building, your roof may be made of materials that preserve the building’s architectural history while providing modern functionality. A commercial contractor can determine which roof option is best for your building.
Find a roofing company
When it’s time to get your roof repaired or replaced, you should look for a reputable roofing company. Do a search like “Flat roof repair ChicagoTo find a roofing company near you.
Make sure you do your research and look at several contractors before you choose one. Most commercial contractors offer you a free quote on how much it costs to repair your roof. You should also look at online ratings or ask the contractor for references to determine what others have to say about this company.
Preventive maintenance tips
There are also some proactive steps you can take to ensure that your commercial roof stays in good condition. Make sure that the roof is free of dirt such as leaves and branches. You should also make sure that the gutters are cleaned.
Also schedule regular inspections. During an inspection, a contractor looks for weak spots or other signs of damage to your roof. It can be particularly beneficial to schedule an inspection before winter, especially if you live in an area that has a lot of snow and ice. Some contractors will even come out after every storm.
Final thoughts
The maintenance of a commercial roof differs from the maintenance of a roof in a residential building. Flat commercial roofs require more maintenance and inspection due to structural factors. So find a contractor near you who can regularly inspect your commercial roof and don’t hesitate to replace your roof if necessary!