We’ve always talked about the importance of regular maintenance and making vital repairs before cold weather sets in. However, we haven’t really covered the potential damaged caused by natural debris. In our region, Sam Boak knows those beautiful autumn leaves can wreak havoc on a facility roof, and cold winter weather follows close behind! That’s why he decided to share some of the common natural debris and the damage they can cause for your commercial roofing system.
Buildup of Natural Debris
Autumn leaves are beautiful, but over time they will biodegrade into a soggy, heavy mass that can clog drains and gutters and invite mold, fungi, and mildew to grow. If this isn’t addressed in a timely manner, leaves and debris can lead to standing water on a roof, which increases the weight on the roof deck. A single inch of standing water adds five pounds of pressure per-square-foot on the roof. Small areas of ponding can occur on almost any flat roof. This needs to be monitored to make sure that it is minimized as much as possible so that areas in ponding continue to perform properly. Over time, standing water can weaken the single-ply membranes, reducing flexibility and the life of the commercial roofing system.
Our Commercial Maintenance crews are trained to look for leaves and other debris around drains and in gutter systems. Regular maintenance checks allow for prompt removal of these debris to prevent buildup, blockage and standing water. Our crews also check for roof staining, which could be a sign of ponding water that may have dried up before we got there!
Winter Weather Snow and Ice
In the winter, standing water becomes a serious concern. Pooling water freezes and expands, and just like how potholes in roads form, that water creeps into tiny cracks and spaces in the roofing material. When it freezes and expands, vulnerable materials can experience holes and years. Plus, ice is heavy. That additional weight can cause structural damage to your commercial roofing system and expensive repairs.
Ice can also take a toll on your commercial gutter systems, especially if there’s blockage. Gutters and downspouts should be inspected regularly for sagging, loose connections, broken fasteners and other signs of damage.
Roof Asset Management
Here at Boak & Sons, our commercial services include a specialized program called the Roof Asset Management Program. This program includes inspections and repairs with our commercial roofing department. It also allows you to the program allows the user to report, track and budget roofing work for repairs, maintenance, or replacement all on your smart phone. You can also report problems, track leaks and view photos of repairs right from your computer or mobile device.
Our Commercial Roofing Department is happy to answer any questions you may have about your commercial roofing system, siding, gutters or even insulation. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our commercial roofing repair technicians, visit our website or call us at 330-793-5646!
