Restore It Commercial Roofing, Inc

Commercial roof coatings, commercial roof restoration and roof leaks repair in Delaware and the TriState area

✆ Main: 302-998-8500

✆ Sussex: 302-740-9900

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7 Steps to Winterize a Commercial Roof

7 Steps to Winterize a Commercial Roof

Winter is coming. Preparing your commercial roof for colder weather will alleviate headaches throughout the season. Fluctuating temperatures from freezing to melting temperatures

Preparing a commercial roof for ice, snow and freezing temperatures is a prudent way to protect your building. With cold weather ahead, we thought sharing some tips on how to winterize a commercial roof might be a timely subject.

No-one wants to deal with a faulty roof, especially in the winter. Inspecting and maintaining your roof now can minimize damage from winter’s extreme weather. Commercial roofs take a beating all year round. But when it comes time to hunker down for winter, it is important to have your roof in great shape so it can do its job.

7 Steps to Winterize a Commercial Roof:

  1. Schedule a Roof Inspection: Be proactive by having a professional roofer perform a full inspection to look for any potential issues that may become worse during colder weather. A roofing contractor is better able to identify any weak spots on your commercial roof.
  2. Apply Fresh Caulking:  Caulking can become dry and brittle as it ages. It doesn’t last forever and needs to be refreshed regularly. Replace any caulking that shows signs of wrinkling, cracking or missing entirely. Re-caulk vulnerable areas as soon as possible.
  3. Check all Flashing: The flashing around skylights, chimneys, dormer windows, vents and HVAC units can also deteriorate as it ages. Ensure all flashing is installed properly and protecting your roof from leaking. Replace any damaged, loose or missing flashing.
  4. Clean and Repair Gutters: Blocked gutters can cause major leakage issues on a commercial roof. Keep gutters free of debris and check for signs of weak spots or missing fasteners. Repair and replace any faulty gutters or downspouts immediately.  Clean gutters will prevent ice dams or icicles from compromising the gutters and roof.
  5. Power Wash to Eliminate Debris Buildup: Silt buildup or excess debris can trap water and cause it seep into the tiniest of cracks. Keeping your commercial roofing clear of debris will eliminate possible issues from occurring.
  6. Inspect Valleys: A valley is typically sloped to divert water away from the roof. Valleys that are sloped incorrectly or cracked can allow seepage as water runs in the wrong direction.
  7. Identify any type of Pest Damage: Pests, such as rodents, squirrels or insects seek a warm shelter this time of year. Pests can cause major damage if undetected. Look for signs of a nest or a gnawed entry and call a professional exterminator if needed.

The more you do before winter arrive to protect your commercial roofing system, the better chance you will have making it through the winter months without any major issues. Preforming regular maintenance will expand the lifespan of roof.

Another possible way to prolong your roof’s lifespan is to restore it with a roof coating that permeates all possible flaws, such as cracks or holes. A roof coating will keep the integrity of your roofing system covered for the rough weather ahead.

Roof leaks are frustrating to property owners. Not only because of the damage a leak does to a building’s interior, but because finding the cause of the leak is hard. Restore It Commericial Roofing of Delaware has contractors that are experts at finding the cause of a leaky roof.

Have you had your roof repaired several times and still have a leak? It’s time to call a professional. Restore It Commercial Roofing helps many Delaware property owners identify the best solution their roofing problems.

We will perform a full roof inspection, as well as provide you with a free estimate. Our workmanship is guaranteed and we do our best to make your commercial roof working at its best.

Check out these previous articles:

10 Benefits of Roof Coatings for Your Commercial Roof

Silicone Vs Acrylic Roof Coatings: Which is Right for My Roof?

5 Money Saving Advantages of White Roof Coatings

Robert Burke, President of Restore It Commercial Roofing, personally trains and oversees all employees to ensure the job is done right. He has decades of knowledge and hands-on industry experience, so he can handle any type of problem. Not to mention, a full range of product knowledge in order to select the right one to protect your commercial roof!

10 Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Commercial Roof

Through Regular Maintenance

Presented by Restore It Commercial Roofing

Commercial roofing plays an important role in protecting any commercial property. Regular maintenance will help to prevent roofing problems from escalating into the need for expensive roofing repairs or for a costly roof replacement.

Check out our 10 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips:

Restore It Commercial Roofing can help repair and maintain your roof. Call us now: 302-998-8500 (main office) or 302-740-9900 (Sussex office).

Robert Burke, President of Restore It Commercial Roofing, personally trains and oversees all employees to ensure the job is done right. He has decades of knowledge and hands-on industry experience, so he can handle any type of problem. Not to mention, a full range of product knowledge in order to select the right one to protect your commercial roof!

10 Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Commercial Roof
  1. Fix Leaks Right Away – Over time, leaks will only get worse, cause more damage and cost more to repair. Contact a trusted commercial roofing contractor at first sign of leakage, this could save you from further damage.
  2. Get Your Roof Inspected Twice a Year – for possible leaks, cracks, sagging or weak spots. Have a professional perform the inspection, as they can better identify problem areas.
  3. Avoid Walking on Roof – the least amount of traffic on your commercial roof, the better.
  4. Check the Roof after Bad Storms – high winds, sleet, hale, heavy snow and flying debris can cause major damage.
  5. Keep the Roof Clean – to avoid built up debris that can lead to clogs, algae or mold growth.
  6. Regularly Clean out Gutters, Down Spouts and Drains – which can cause water to backup, seep into cracks and cause leaks.
  7. Prune Overhanging Branches – from trees that could cause roof damage during violent storms and cause algae or mold growth.
  8. Make Sure Roof Equipment – is working properly. Faulty equipment can cause multiple problems with a roofing system.
  9. Clear Snow off Roof – in winter months to avoid heavy build up that can cause leaks, large ice cycles, ice dams or worse.
  10. Hire a Professional Commercial Roofing Contractor – to inspect and perform regular maintenance.

5 Common Causes of Why Your Commercial Roof is Leaking

This is the time of year were many commercial roofs experience damages due to weather conditions. Check out these common causes to why your commercial roof can begin to leak and how to fix the problem.

1) PONDING WATER: As many commercial roofs are flat, ponding water on the roof’s surface can be an issue. If not resolved, ponding water will eventually lead to a roof leak. To fix this, you would want to have a commercial roofing contractor assess how best to mitigate ponding water and prevent it from causing future issues.

2) DAMAGED, AGED OR RUSTED FLASHING: Flashing is designed to protect against leaks around HVAC equipment, vents, pipes and chimneys. Over time flashing can become rusty, corroded, dented and damaged. This will allow water to seep through to a building’s interior. The best option to not let this happen is to have flashing inspected and replaced when it is determined to be faulty.

3) SEAM DAMAGE: Many commercial roofs consist of membranes that bond together at seams. This can become damaged through exposure to the elements. When these membranes are compromised, roof leaks can happen.

4) LOOSE OR MISSING FASTENERS: On metal roofing systems and metal accessories on membrane roofs, movement from high winds, rain, and other elements can cause fasteners to loosen or go missing. This can cause roof leaks and other major issues. Having regular maintenance to tighten and replace faulty fasteners can save building owners and property managers from major headaches when it comes to roofing issues.

5) WRINKLES ON MEMBRANES OR FLASHING: When there is movement between a roof deck and the perimeter, the flashing or membrane edges can wrinkle on a 45-degree angle that is often referred to as a fish mouth because it resembles a bass mouth-like appearance. This can turn into a tunnel leading water into a building’s interior. Scheduling regular inspections will quickly identify this vulnerability.

Any one of the above issues can lead to an early demise of a roofing structure when ignored. On the other hand, staying on top of roof repairs and regular maintenance can lead to a prolonged life span of a commercial roof.

Why Your Commercial Roof is Leaking

Any commercial roof can suffer from a variety of different types of damages. This can be due to its exposure to the elements. Your roof gives protection and is the first to come in contact with these elements. It is extremely important to schedule regular inspections and maintenance to prevent unexpected surprises that can occur during commercial roof leaking.

The harmful UV rays, extreme temperatures, high winds, rain, hail, sleet, ice and snow can all be attributed to sudden roof leaks and failures. Often building owners and property managers assume that a full roof replacement is in order when it comes to fixing a leaky roof. However, this is not the case at all. In fact, in many circumstances a less expensive and labor intensive solution is available to fix a leaky roof and actually strengthen and extend the life of a commercial roofing system. This would either entail a roof restoration or a roof replacement. A roof replacement is not always the answer when you have a leaky roof. That’s why there are roof coating processes that illuminate the need to replace the whole roof and fix the current leak along with preventing ones in the future!

It is important to note if you notice your commercial roof is starting to leak, to not ignore it. If not repaired immediately it can become costly and even harmful if not mitigated as soon as possible.

Robert Burke, President of Restore It Commercial Roofing, personally trains and oversees all employees to ensure the job is done right. He has decades of knowledge and hands-on industry experience, so he can handle any type of problem. Not to mention, a full range of product knowledge in order to select the right one to protect your commercial roof!

RELATED ARTICLES:

How Our Elastomeric Roof Coatings Solve Roof Leaks for Delaware Commercial Properties – Restore It Commercial Roofing, Inc

Why Preventative Maintenance for Commercial Roofing is Important – Restore It Commercial Roofing, Inc

How Our Elastomeric Roof Coatings Solve Roof Leaks for Delaware Commercial Properties

elastomeric roof coatings delaware

When it comes to roof repair and fixing leaks on a commercial building, elastomeric roof coatings often are the answer to property owners who want to avoid a full roof replacement. Roof coatings is a good alternative and a great way to be successful in a commercial roof restoration.

Elastomeric roof coatings can be applied to a existing roofing system on a wide variety of roof styles. These thick roof coatings add a weatherproof and seamless (liquid-applied monolithic) protection for a roof membrane. The roof coating is applied with spray or roll on application to your existing roof, around pipes, vents, hatches and other common roof equipment.

While the roof coating resembles house paint, it is 5-10 times thicker. These elastomeric coatings are usually silicone or acrylic. The thick coating are membrane -like material and permeates any nooks or crannies, so there are no patches or seams around hard to reach areas.

7 BENEFITS OF ELASTOMERIC ROOF COATINGS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

1) Roof Coatings Can Be Applied to Wide Range of Roofing Systems

The beauty of elastomeric roof coatings is that they can be applied to all types of commercial roofing systems; metal roof coatings, aluminum roof coating, flat roof coatings and single ply roofing.

2) Roof Coatings are Cost Effective

Current coatings technologies provide economical means to restore aging surfaces, with solar reflectivity adding an energy-savings bonus. This makes roof coatings versus a total roof replacement more cost effective. One of the major reasons commercial building owners opt for a roof coating system.

3) Roof Coatings are Eco-Friendly

Restoring a roof through a professionally applied roof coating system reduces landfill waste and improves the environment. A good amount of our roof coating products contain ultra-low or zero VOCs and qualify for US Green Building Council’s LEED program for Sustainable Sites, Energy and Atmosphere, and Materials and Resources.

4) Avoids a Full Roof Rip Off and Roof Replacement

The savings of not having to rip off your current roof reduces the contribution to landfills, hence landfill fees.  In many cases, a roof coating system is applied to the current roofing system, speeding up installation time and lowering cost.

5 )Roof Coating Systems are Energy Efficient

Roof coatings last for the long term and can be re-coated every 10+ years, renewing the reflectivity, waterproof capabilities and prolonging the longevity of your roofing system. A white roof coating is better at reflecting harmful UV rays, lower heat absorption and utility bills.

6) Roof Coating Can Be Applied With Minimal Disruption

As much as a roofing contractor may try, there is a big disruption and mess associated when a full commercial roof replacement is required. This is not so when applying AcryPly or ARM systems.  These applications create minimal noise disruptions and low odor.

7) Roof Coatings Hold up to All Types of Weather Conditions

Perhaps one of our favorite reasons to opt for a roof coating system over a roof replacement is the advantage of a UV protection that extends a roof’s longevity, and lowers maintenance costs. Highly reflective roof coatings deliver a cooler more comfortable environment inside the building, lowering energy costs and increasing employee productivity.

RELATED ARTICLES:

WHY IS MY COMMERCIAL ROOF LEAKING & HOW TO FIX IT

WHY ROOF COATINGS ARE A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO RE-ROOFING

10 BENEFITS OF WHITE ROOF COATINGS

Robert Burke, President of Restore It Commercial Roofing, personally trains and oversees all employees to ensure the job is done right. He has decades of knowledge and hands-on industry experience, so he can handle any type of problem. Not to mention, a full range of product knowledge in order to select the right one to protect your commercial roof!

Free Estimate

Why is My Commercial Roof Leaking and How do I Fix It???

A commercial roofing system suffers all types of damage due to its exposure to the elements. It is a building’s first protection against the elements and regular inspections and maintenance is an important factor in preventing unwanted surprises that come when a commercial roof leaking.

why is my commercial roof leaking

DEAL WITH ROOF LEAKS IMMEDIATELY

Extended roof leaks into a commercial building can lead to much bigger problems for building owners and property managers. Issues such a mold and mildew growth that can greatly affect the health of inhabitants. Severe interior damage to walls, ceiling, wood structures and electrical short that could lead to fire could also occur.

It becomes obvious that a commercial roof leaking is not something to ignore. It can be costly and harmful, even lethal if not mitigated immediately. Why do all commercial roofs have issues at some point in their lifespan?

WHY HAVE REGULAR ROOF INSPECTIONS?

Harmful UV rays, extreme temperatures, high winds, rain, hail, sleet, ice and snow can all attribute to sudden roof leaks and failures. Often building owners and property managers assume that a full roof replacement is in order when it comes to fixing a leaky roof.

That is not always the case. In many circumstances a less expensive and labor intensive solution is available to fix a leaky roof and actually strengthen and extend the life of a commercial roofing system could solve your roof leak issues. More on this towards the end of this article.

IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE ROOF LEAK

First order of business is to identify the vulnerability of your particular commercial roof leak. Where is the leak? How is water getting in? Is there a simple fix for the roof leak? Or is the issue more complex?

All these questions can be answered by having a professional roofing inspector do a thorough assessment of your commercial roofing system. It can be a combination of a variety of factors causing your roof leaks. Identifying all of them is paramount to assessing whether you need to repair versus replace your commercial roof.

5 COMMON CULPRITES OF COMMERCIAL ROOF LEAKS:

ponding water on a commercial roof

1) PONDING WATER: As many commercial roofs are flat, ponding water on the roof’s surface can be an issue. If left overtime, ponding water will eventually lead to a roof leak. To fix this, have a commercial roofing contractor assess how best to mitigate ponding water and prevent it from causing future issues.

damaged, aged or rusted flashing

2) DAMAGED, AGED OR RUSTED FLASHING: Flashing is designed to protect for leaks around HVAC equipment, vents, pipes and chimneys. As flashing ages, it can become rusty, corroded, dented and damaged. This will allow water to seep through to a building’s interior. It is suggested to have flashing inspected and replaced when it is determined to be faulty to prevent unwanted sudden roof leaks.

seam damage on a commercial roof

3) SEAM DAMAGE: Many commercial roof consists of membranes that bond together at seams. These seam can become damaged through exposure to the elements. When these membranes are compromised, roof leaks can happen.

loose or missing fasteners

4) LOOSE OR MISSING FASTENERS: On metal roofing systems and metal accessories on membrane roofs, movement from high winds, rain, and other elements can cause fasteners to loosen or go missing. This can cause roof leaks and other major issues. Having regular maintenance to tighten and replace faulty fasteners can save building owners and property managers from major headaches when it comes to roofing issues.

wrinkled roof membrane

5) WRINKLES ON MEMBRANES OR FLASHING: When there is movement between a roof deck and the perimeter, the flashing or membrane edges can wrinkle on a 45-degree angle that is often referred to as a fish mouth because it resembles a bass mouth-like appearance. This can become a tunnel leading water into a building’s interior. Regular inspections will quickly identify this vulnerability.

Any one of the above issues can lead to an early demise of a roofing structure when ignored. On the other hand, staying on top of roof repairs and regular maintenance can lead to a prolonged life span of a commercial roof.

ROOF RESTORATION VERSUS ROOF REPLACEMENT

As we hinted to earlier, there is an easier option to consider when encounter roof vulnerabilities. A full tear off and replacement is not always necessary. Thanks to technology, there are roof coating processes that can fix your roof leaks and protect your commercial roof from future ones.

Fluid applied roof coatings are so far advanced that they have become a great option to apply to your existing roof! They are a great investment, reduces your energy consumption due to the “cool roof” benefits, reduces the use of your rooftop HVAC equipment, has a low installation cost, plus the roof coating is sustainable and requires little maintenance.

Roof restoration versus a full roof replacement saves you tons and actually prolongs the lifespan of your commercial roof. All roofs have an expected life cycle. Waterproof, seamless roof coating systems will increase that life cycle by restoring your existing roof and saving money.

RELATED ROOF RESTORATION TOPICS: ​

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ROOF COATING PROCESS
BENEFITS OF ROOF COATINGS
WHY CALL RESTORE IT?

Robert Burke, President of Restore It Commercial Roofing, personally trains and oversees all employees to ensure the job is done right. He has decades of knowledge and hands-on industry experience, so he can handle any type of problem. Not to mention, a full range of product knowledge in order to select the right one to protect your commercial roof!

Free Estimate