Installing a commercial or industrial flat roof is one of the smartest financial investments a commercial property owner can do. At the same time, the roof can become one of the most neglected components of a building. In order for your roof (and property as a whole) to remain structurally safe, regular maintenance is essential. A well-maintained roof is the first line of defense against any sort of extreme weather or structural damage.

Additionally, roofing problems, if not addressed early, will cause major headaches for both you and the property manager who oversees daily operations of your building. Ignoring or not properly addressing the warning signs of industrial roof damage may lead to the need for roof replacement, or worse, building deterioration — both a costly and stressful undertaking.

As a commercial property owner, it’s important to maintain a secure, and more importantly, safe property for your tenants. Regular monitoring and maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. By consulting a professional industrial roofing company for guidance on proper roof maintenance, you’ll be able to correctly monitor your commercial or industrial roof, and know how to better recognize when it needs repairs or additional inspections.

These ten tips can help you detect industrial roof problems before damage becomes serious or, better yet, prevent damage from occurring in the first place.

1. Keep Roof Clean 

The easiest, and often most overlooked industrial roof maintenance tip is roof cleaning. Many commercial and industrial roofs need to be cleaned with every passing season. For example, if you’re located in the GTA, roofing problems are more prone to occur during Toronto’s harsh winter season. Do prior due diligence by hiring a professional industrial roofing contractor to inspect and clean your roof before the cold, wet weather hits. 

2. Ensure Proper Drainage 

Even though industrial flat roofs are designed to be a protective shield against water and other elements, a blockage mixed with heavy rain or snow can transform your roof into a miniature swimming pool – both a costly and frustrating mess to clean up. Regularly clean build up and debris to allow for proper drainage.

3. Inspect Roof Regularly 

If you own industrial property, you know how important it is to stay on top of regular building inspections – and yes, this also includes your roof. The primary cause of industrial roof problems is a poorly maintained roof. Think about it: every day your roof is exposed to environmental assaults and other conditions, all of which contribute to its wear and tear. As one of the largest parts of your property, your roof requires frequent inspection, so that you can not only maintain its longevity, but also protect the people under it.

4. Educate Tenants on Building/Roof Maintenance 

Properly educate your tenants on how to check for leaks or other structural damage, and encourage them to bring any notice of damage or leaks to your immediate attention, no matter where or why these problems occur. The sooner you know a problem has occurred, the easier it will be to repair.

5. Inspect Roof After Mechanical Repairs 

Always be aware of who’s on your roof at all times. Yes, that includes repairmen. Dropped tools or the weight of repair equipment can cause damage to your industrial roof, leading to immediate leaks or punctures. Ensure the industrial roofing contractor you hire to inspect or repair your roof is a highly trained, licensed professional.

6. Consider Your Location & Natural Surroundings 

Local wildlife can create entry holes through your roof and take residence in your building. With every new season comes a unique challenge against unwanted visitors, so it’s important to make sure that you have a specialized maintenance plan in place.

7. Consider Your Climate 

Wear and tear to an industrial flat roof can vary according to climate, which is why it’s advised to review your roofing maintenance plans each season. For example, in Toronto, winters can be severe with snow, freezing rain and frequent ice accumulation that can cause a build-up of moisture, and thus leading to structural damage if not properly maintained.

8. Look for Signs of Mold 

Heavy rain and humidity creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold. If you notice any signs of mold on the ceiling interior, or notice a foul smell throughout the building, consult a professional commercial roofing contractor. Interior ceiling mold could indicate severe exterior roof damage.

9. Limit Movement on Roof 

While your roof will need regular inspection by a licensed professional, it’s important to limit the amount of unnecessary walking or movement that occurs on your roof. When workmen walk on the roof to service or inspect it, ensure that they are doing so with care.

10. When in Doubt, Call a Professional 

If you have even the slightest doubt about anything to do with your industrial flat roof, it’s worth it to seek an inspection from a highly trained, licensed roofing contractor. Even the slightest bit of damage can lead to large, not to mention, costly problems if ignored. That’s why it’s important to react appropriately from as early a time as is possible.

Industrial Roofing Done Right 

Above all, knowing the age and condition of your industrial flat roof can help you measure the urgency of roof maintenance and gauge any forthcoming problems. By keeping these ten industrial roof maintenance tips in mind, you’ll be more capable of further extending the life of your commercial or industrial flat roof and, at the same time, prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches for both you, your property managers, and your tenants.

In the meantime, if you have any concerns about your existing roof, or if you want to avoid major damage to your industrial flat roof, do not hesitate to contact Crown Industrial Roofing. Our team of experienced commercial and industrial roofers have provided many commercial property owners across the GTA with both flat roof maintenance tips and damage detection. We also provide emergency leak detection and repair services that are available within 24 hours.

For more information, or in case of a flat roofing emergency, contact us today.