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

Commercial Roof Maintenance

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!

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!

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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
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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!

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Why Preventative Maintenance for Commercial Roofing is Important

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS PROTECT A COMMERCIAL ROOF’S INTEGRITY

Your commercial roof is the first line of defense against the elements making it the most important structure for protecting the interior of a commercial building.  Roof leaks are often difficult to track down and can lead to a damaged interior, angry tenants and costly repairs.

That is why it is important to have a preventative maintenance plan in place to protect the longevity of a commercial roofing structure. All roofs eventually break down, but regular inspections and maintenance can protect the overall integrity of a commercial roofing structure.

REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF COMMERCIAL ROOFING IS THE FIRST STEP IN PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Preforming regular roof inspections helps to identify any possible problems, such as drainage issues, leaks, and damaged expansion joints. Look for building settlement issues, cracked or missing caulking or flashing, ponding water, warping, or loosened screws. Examine the parapet wall and all around the building for any penetrations.

KEEP ROOF CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND DEBRIS

Leaves, dirt, pine needles, branches and other debris can all lead to clogged gutters and downspouts, which, in turn, can create ponding water. The risk of allowing ponding water to freeze and thaw on a commercial roofing structure is great. It could create major leaks and cracks to your roofing system. Regular clean out gutters, drains and surfaces of the roof to prevent clogs and ponding water.

PERFORM THE PROPER MAINTENANCE NEEDED TO MITIGATE ANY ISSUES THAT ARISE DURING THE ROOF INSPECTION.

Once a full inspection and clearing of roof has taken place, repair any open seams, splits, loose screws and cracks. If there are a number of issues, you may want to contact a commercial roofing contractor who can help mitigate the issues by professionally repairing and possible applying a roof coating to protect the roof.

INSPECT ROOFING AFTER MAJOR WEATHER EVENTS, SUCH AS HURRICANES OR HAIL STORMS

Keep in mind that major weather events can cause severe damage to a roofing structure. High winds, heavy snow and hailstorms can compromise the integrity of a commercial roofing system. When these events occur, it is wise to contact a commercial roofing contractor who is experienced in identifying any issues that might become a major problem down the road.

PROTECT YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOF BY PROPER MAINTENANCE

When commercial roofing is not properly maintained, there is a great chance of costly damage done to the building’s interior and exterior. That is why regular inspections, maintenance and repair is so important to protecting your commercial establishment. Proactive measures will save you money and protect your investment for years to come.

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DO YOU NEED A COMMERCIAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR IN DELAWARE AND THE TRISTATE AREA TO HELP WITH YOUR ROOF REPAIRS?

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

Benefits of Commercial Roof Coatings Vs a Full Roof Replacement

Commercial Roof Coatings Often Can Help Property Owners Avoid a Complete Commercial Roofing Replacement

If you commercial roof is leaking, you should consider checking into whether a roof coating can be a more economic and efficient solution. Rood coatings is a great alternative solution to avoid a full roof tear-off and roof replacement. In many instances, a restoration membrane can save you from an expensive roof replacement.

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DID YOU KNOW? 40% OF COMMERCIAL ROOFS DON’T NEED REPLACEMENT

Building owners faced with the decision of a complete commercial roof rip-off or repair should fully explore the innovative acrylic and silicone roof coatings available. When forty percent of commercial roofs do not need necessarily need replacement, it seems prudent to explore all your options.

Considering Silicone Restoration Membrane (SRM) or Acrylic Coatings are smart alternatives to re-roofing your failing commercial roofing system. These innovative coatings are durable and flexible. Coatings applications are possible for all types of roofs; flat or pitched roofing systems, those with skylights, drainage systems and vents.

GREEN ROOFING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BRAND’S REPUTATION

Both acrylic and silicone coatings are eco-friendly, economical and durable. Better yet, roof coatings protect your roof from leaks, mold and mildew. The beauty of a roof restoration versus a full roof replacement is eliminating the need to rip your roof off, which is costly and harmful for the environment because those discarded materials end up in landfills.

White or reflective coating that will reflect the sun’s ray, known as cool roofs keep your building cooler and reduce energy consumption.

This lowers a building’s utility bills and lessens its building’s carbon footprint. This is a great way to increase a building’s energy star rating reflecting well on your company’s brand.

ROOF COATINGS EXTEND A ROOF’S LIFESPAN

We are The Specialized Commercial Roofing Professionals

Roof coatings will protect and extend the lifespan of a commercial roofing system. Coatings are applied directly over existing roof coverings; metal, single ply membranes, BUR, modified bitumen and spray polyurethane foam.

Roof Coatings are seamless membranes applied across the roofing system, around any protruding elements such as pipes, vents, HVAC and other equipment. This enables a fully sealed and waterproofed roofing system. When sprayed, the coating melts together around those hard to seal and reach areas.

BETTER PROTECTION FROM PESKY ROOF LEAKS

Because these roof coatings are seamless, silicone or acrylic coatings make for better protections from leaks and add up to 10 years to a commercial roof’s lifespan. Roof Coatings better protect a roof from the elements, such as hail, UV rays and other extreme weather events.

Another benefit of roof coatings versus a full tear-off is less disruptions of business. Roof coatings eliminate the noise and interruptions that a costly tear-off process brings. Roof coatings involve little noise and often implemented in under a day.

There are great benefits gained by opting for roof coatings versus a full roof replacement. If you would like to find out if your commercial roofing system is a candidate for a roof coating system, get in touch.

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If you would like to learn more about our white roof coatings, please call us today at 302-998-8500

Interested in learning more about our commercial reflective 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!

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