A new commercial roof is one of the biggest investments you can make in your business. Marlin Construction wants to help you get the most out of your roofing system. We encourage building, property and facility managers to perform annual roof inspections and make vital repairs before cooler weather sets in. Here are a few key areas that require special attention in the fall season to help ensure that your roof remains healthy for years to come.

Fall is a good time to perform a roof inspection because leaves can damage a flat roof. A little moisture can cause the leaves to biodegrade into a soggy, heavy mass that clogs drains, blocks scuppers and invites mold, fungi and mildew. If not promptly removed, leaves and debris can lead to backed-up water, which increases the live load on the roof deck. Organic debris can create roots and grow into your roof system causing serious damage and leaks. Keeping drains and scuppers clear is the single most important maintenance task. Any drainage clogs will trap standing water on the roof and lead to the hassle and inconvenience of a leak repair. The ideal time for you to undertake a flat roof inspection should be a cool but dry day when there is no dampness on the roof. This will provide you with a better opportunity to see where the pooling water will collect by identifying the remaining sediment and debris.

During your inspection, be sure to check for splits and cracks near vents, stacks, expansion joints, walls and perimeters.  These areas are stressed the most when the building shifts as the temperatures rise and fall.  Inspecting your flat roof in the fall provides you the opportunity to check for damage caused by the summer sun and heat, such as roof blisters.  Roof blistering occurs when air is trapped between the layers of felt or the felt and substrate. When the air heats, it moves and causes the separation of felts. Roof blistering can lead to a puncture, meaning the blister breaks. When this happens, water can pass through the roof, causing problems within your facility.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you hire a professional roofing contractor to assist you with checking your roof. In addition to disposing of leaves and debris, a qualified roofing contractor has the ability water-test both internal and external drains and inspect gutters and downspouts. He also has the knowledge to check the little things that can escape the notice of a maintenance crew, such as examining strainers to ensure that they are in place and that the bolts holding them are secure. It takes a trained eye to recognize early problems with sealants, flashings, mortar, seams and penetrations. Gutters and downspouts should be checked for sagging, loose connections and broken or missing fasteners.

Don’t put off your roof inspection until you notice issues, by then it could be too late for a low-cost repair. Call us today to perform a professional and in depth roof inspection. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your commercial roof is in the best possible shape going into winter. 

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