The term “roofing disaster” might bring to mind a sudden and catastrophic event like a roof collapse under a heavy snow load, or a large section of the roof membrane torn being off in a windstorm. While these events certainly qualify as disasters, the costly damage that stems from a lack of roof maintenance can be equally disastrous to your bottom line. The good news is that implementing a well-thought-out roof maintenance plan can protect your commercial property and help you avoid the expense and headaches of preventable disasters caused by:
Drainage System Blockages
When your roof’s drainage system isn’t maintained properly, blocked drains, scuppers and/or downspouts can result in backed up rainwater or spring snow/ice melt and leaks into your roof system. The weight of ponding water not only puts a strain on the roof’s structure, seepage into the roof system can saturate the building’s ceiling insulation. Wet insulation loses its R-value, so your heating and cooling costs will rise, plus you’ll also have the expense of major repairs to remove and replace it.
Roof Field Degradation
If you’re not having the roof field inspected and maintained on a regular basis, the membrane can degrade and start to fail due to UV exposure, weathering, foot traffic, vegetation growth and debris accumulation. A compromised roof field gives water multiple entry routes through punctures, tears, and cracks, and seam and lap separations. If membrane and roof field deficiencies aren’t found and repaired correctly, water that makes its way into the building’s interior can cause significant damage, like shorts in the electrical system, corrosion of costly HVAC components, staining and decay of wood, drywall, and ceiling tiles, mold growth that requires remediation, and ruined building contents like equipment and inventory.
Flashing and Seal Failures
Flashings and seals that aren’t checked for flaws and fixed when necessary can leave your commercial roof vulnerable to water infiltration. If the perimeter flashing is poorly attached, damaged or sections are missing, the membrane can shrink, tear or lift, leaving gaps where water can enter. Weathered and deteriorated flashings and seals around penetrations for installed equipment, plumbing stacks, vents, drains, pipes and other building elements are also entry points for rainwater and snowmelt runoff that can result in costly damage.
For expert help developing an effective roof maintenance plan to prevent these and other potential disasters at your Yonkers commercial property, contact us at Vanguard Roofing.
