It’s recommended that you have your roofing system inspected twice a year, in the spring and fall. Routine maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your roof and ensure the protection of its occupants.
Here are elements that make a commercial roof maintainable.
Good Drainage
It’s an essential part of stopping moisture from entering the indoor spaces.
Limited Roof Access
Good access is necessary for roof repair and inspection. However, you have to control the foot traffic in your roof as too much could cause added stress to the roof. Consider locking the door that leads to the roof or using a removable ladder for exterior access. Make sure you don’t have nearby obstacles people can use to climb up the roof.
Sufficient Equipment Clearance
The National Roofing Contractors Association has guidelines on how high equipment stands should be for sufficient clearance to allow for traffic under equipment for maintenance and repairs. Larger equipment would require higher stands.
Space Around Penetrations
Penetrations through the roof require enough clearance for repairs. They should be at least a foot from the roof edges, other penetrations and other things on the roof.
Water Barriers Under Expansion Joints
You can use 6-mil polyethylene or scraps of single-ply membrane to fix these barriers. They will prevent water that leaks from the joints from entering the building. You can also install them around the coping.
Limited Legs at the Corners
Metal expands and contracts consistently so limit the legs in the corner to only at least a feet to reduce stress on the corners.
Two-Piece Counterflashing on Parapet Walls
You’ll have to replace or repair the flashing of your roof a couple of times throughout its lifetime. Save yourself from the hassle by installing a two-piece counterflashing on the parapet during your next roof replacement.
Pipe Support Systems
Placing a block of wood on top of a roof doesn’t provide sufficient pipe support. The wood can rub against the membrane and cause tears and damage.
For quality commercial and residential roofing needs, choose Roofer Chicks®. We’re a GAF® Master Elite™ contractor, offering a wide selection of roofing services. Call us at (830) 214-2400 or fill out our online form for a free estimate. We serve clients in New Braunfels, TX.