Commercial Flat Roof Maintenance Guide

Flat roofs offer many advantages over traditional slanted ones.

Flat roofs offer many advantages over traditional slanted ones. However, they also require more maintenance and ongoing care than their pitched counterparts. Luckily, flat roof maintenance involves only a few simple steps that can extend its life and save property owners money on repairs.

Please keep reading to learn how to maintain a flat roof.

Inspect the roof regularly

Flat roofs can immensely benefit from regular maintenance. For this reason, property owners should create a schedule of roof inspections, including at least two annual examinations. Ideally, these should take place during spring and fall. If the property is in an area of extreme temperatures, owners will benefit from more frequent inspections.

During the inspection, property owners should ensure all aspects of the flat roof function properly. So, an assessment should entail the following:

• Checking the flashing

• Checking the roofing material for tears or holes

• Investigating water pooling on the roof

• Checking the insulation material beneath the roof by looking for bumpy patches on top

• Ensuring previous repairs don’t show any signs of damage

If any issues arise during the inspection, property owners should get them fixed immediately. Even small leaks can quickly escalate, leading to severe damage.

Clean the roof routinely

Adverse weather conditions and air pollution can take a toll on a flat roof. If the property owner doesn’t routinely clean the debris left behind, it will degrade the roof material. Something as simple as regular light brushing can keep the damage at bay.

Keep the gutters clean

Flat roofs can’t hold standing water for long periods without suffering considerable damage. Clean gutters will ensure adequate rainwater drainage, thus preventing standing water from causing costly repairs. So, property owners should ensure they remain clear and free of any dirt and debris buildup.

Pay close attention to rooftop gardens

Installing a rooftop garden on top of a commercial building offers several business and environmental benefits. However, it also means extra care needs to go into maintaining the roof beneath. Namely, heavy pots can create depressions in the roofing material, thus leading to pooling water. In addition, the organic matter can build up on the roof rather quickly, which means the property owners will have to clean it more frequently.

Hire a professional roofer

Efficient flat room maintenance boils down to three steps – inspecting the roof regularly, cleaning it consistently, and removing all hazards immediately. If property owners can safely access the building’s roof and have the skills and knowledge to maintain it, they can do this essential task independently. Otherwise, they should leave it to a professional roofer. These experts will always follow safety protocols, assess the roof’s state quickly, and make the necessary corrections immediately.

Roof X Inc. offers commercial and residential roofing for customers in Brandon,  Pensacola, Tampa, and surrounding areas. We install and repair metal, tile, shingle, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Family-owned-and-operated.