If your business has been closed or running at reduced capacity for a while due to COVID-19, the health of your roof may not have been a top priority. As you reopen, it’s important to take some time to review our roofings tips and give your roof a little TLC. This will help to keep your roof free of damage and leaks. Follow these roofing tips to ensure that your flat roof is in tip-top shape now that your business is reopening.
Roofing Tips for Reopening Businesses
Inspect From the Inside Out
Start inside the building, looking for evidence of leaks, such as stained ceiling tiles or pooled water. Then head up to the roof to check for punctures or other signs of potential roof leaks. Make sure to check all seams and penetrations for damage. Also, make sure any rooftop equipment (HVAC system, etc) is attached properly. By doing so, this will limit damage to your roof — ideally, equipment should be mounted on a platform of some kind. A roof replacement can be expensive, so If you do find damage, fix it ASAP with the help of a professional.
Clear Off Debris
Any accumulation of sticks, branches, leaves, or other debris will need to be removed. This is especially true if it’s been a while since you last cleaned it off. Debris like branches and twigs can cause punctures in your roofing system. Over time, even accumulated leaves and other organic material can retain moisture and encourage water pooling, which can lead to leaks. Get in the habit of regularly checking your roof for debris. During storm season, strong winds can throw debris onto your roof. It is important to check after each storm and clear it off right away.
And don’t forget to trim the trees that surround your roof. Any trees that are close to the building can increase the overall risk of damage. If trees are not kept trimmed back, limbs or leaves can fall onto your roof, and even increased shade can cause dampness to stick around longer, increasing the potential for damage.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Pay particular attention to gutters and downspouts as you clean off your roof. It’s important to keep them clear of debris so rainwater can drain sufficiently. In turn, this prevents water pooling that can cause leaks and damage. As you inspect your roof, look for ponding water. Ponding water can mean that elements of your drainage system are clogged. It may also mean that your roof needs leveling so water can flow to the drainage system properly.
Schedule an Inspection
Neglect is one of the top reasons flat roofs need to be replaced, so the best way to ensure a long life for your roof is to invest in routine roofing maintenance and inspection. Make it a habit to regularly assess your roof’s to make sure it is in good condition, fixing damage and leaks before they become bigger problems. In addition, have a professional inspect your roof twice per year — ideally in the spring and fall. Many building owners postponed their spring inspection this year due to being closed or working with a skeleton crew. If you are one of those owners, and you haven’t rescheduled yet, now is the time to make that phone call to McKinnis roofing company.
CONTACT MCKINNIS TODAY
If you need to schedule a roof inspection or roof repair, give McKinnis a call at 402-426-2644 or contact us here. McKinnis can take care of your Omaha, Lincoln, and Blair Nebraska area commercial roofing needs so you can focus on running your business.