Last week we discussed preparing your home for monsoon season and roofing maintenance that can help prevent damage when one hits. While residential and commercial structures are very similar, preparing for monsoon season is a little different for commercial property owners. Since most commercial properties are covered by a flat roof, monsoon season preparation will need to be tailored to flat roofs.
Since a commercial roof is much larger than a residential roof, there is a greater chance of damage.
Flat roofs are susceptible to damage from the heavy rains, winds, and hail that come with a monsoon. Craven Construction has provided professional commercial roofing services to the East Valley for over two decades. When it comes to monsoon damage, we have seen significant issues that could have been minimized with proper maintenance. Today, we are going to help you understand the best items to examine and fix before a monsoon hits.
1. Check for Pooling Water
Whether you can see water pooling on top of your roof or it is dried, you should look for areas where water has and does pool. Water pooling or ponding on a flat commercial roof can cause significant damage, especially if a monsoon drops a significant amount of water. The longer water sits on a roof, it will corrode away and weaken the roofing structure that can cause mold growth or leaks.
When examining your roof, there are specific signs to look for that is a sign water has been ponding. Look around drains for stains or discolored materials as this is an indication water has pooled for an extended period of time. If the roofing material looks cracked, this is also an indication of pooling water. If you see an area that has been damaged, you will want to discuss with your local commercial roofer as there could be underlying damage that you cannot see.
2. Clear Drains & Gutters
If you notice water pooling on your roof, you will likely need to also clear your drains and gutters of debris. Over time, natural debris such as twigs, dirt, and leaves make their way onto your roof and into the drainage systems. This debris will cause a blockage in these systems and water to not properly drain from the surface.
Schedule an inspection at least twice a year of these systems, but especially before monsoon season. Monsoons drop a significant amount of rain at once and if your gutters are clogged, the water can cause damage to your roof.
3. Examine The Area Around Equipment
Many commercial buildings choose to install HVAC and other heavy equipment on the roof because of their massive size and weight. This area can also be the cause of damage when it is not properly cared for. Touching up the caulking or sealants around the equipment can help prevent significant damage from a monsoon. The smallest crack in the sealant can lead to a leak within your roofing system.
4. Look For Missing or Damaged Material
When material is missing or damaged, it leaves the entire roofing system open to significant damage. Water has a way of finding every area that has missing or damaged material. When a monsoon dumps a significant amount of rain in a small amount of time, it can cause a lot of damage to these areas where material is missing. Heavy winds can also rip materials off and open the roofing system up to more damage.
Before monsoon season hits, you will want to visually inspect each piece of the commercial roofing system. If you notice any areas where there are missing or damaged materials, you will want to have a professional roofer fix it immediately. The longer you allow materials to be exposed, the more damage will be sustained in the near future.
Keep Safety In Mind
Before you begin your commercial roofing inspection and maintenance, you will want to ensure you can do so safely! Be cautious walking on the flat roof and make sure you do not leave any impressions or holes with work boots. If you recognize an area of damage, do not step on it as there could be underlying damage that cannot be seen.
Is Your Commercial Roof Prepared?
Monsoons can pop up out of nowhere and sometimes last just a few minutes. Ensuring your commercial roofing system is properly prepared can help prevent significant damage. Proper maintenance and inspection from a commercial roofing company can help!
If you are located in the East Valley and in need of commercial roofing services, contact Craven Construction today! Our team is highly experienced with commercial roofing systems of all sizes and material. We are available to inspect your roof and provide you with our greatest recommendations. Call our office today, schedule your estimate and learn why Craven is your trusted roofing contractor.