Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.
A rubber membrane roof is a popular type of commercial roofing for buildings with flat roofs. This roofing is durable and easy to install. It lasts a long time as long as you keep up with repairs and maintenance. Here are some tips for maintaining your rubber roof and when it's time to consider a roof replacement.
Clean The Roof On Schedule
Bring in a commercial roofing company to clean and inspect the roof on the schedule they recommend. You might need to do this every quarter to keep your roof in its best shape. Before the roof can be inspected, the roof has to be cleaned. This includes sweeping off the debris and washing the roof.
With all the dirt and debris out of the way, the roofer can see small imperfections in the rubber that might lead to leaking later on. Plus, cleaning the roof with water helps the roofer see how well the roof is draining.
Repair Problem Areas
When tiny holes or gaps in seams on the roof are found, they should be repaired right away so the roof doesn't start leaking. Holes and seams can be repaired with a patch made of rubber roofing material and sealant, and seam tape might be applied over loose seams.
An advantage of having your roof checked more than once a year is that damages are found when they're small and easy to repair. This prevents water damage to your building and also prolongs the life of your rubber roof.
Keep Foot Traffic To A Minimum
HVAC contractors may need to access your roof periodically, and you might coordinate those visits with a roof inspection so any damage they cause can be repaired. Other than that, it's good to limit foot traffic on your roof.
Employees shouldn't use your flat roof for breaks or for non-essential uses because a rubber roof can be punctured when walking on it. You may want to talk to your roofer about installing walkways on the roof for people to use so damage to the roof can be prevented.
Get A Replacement When It's Time
Signs of rubber roof problems that might indicate it's time for a roof replacement include an increasing number of holes, seams that keep coming loose, and bubbles in the rubber that indicate water is under the membrane.
While your roof may need repairs occasionally over its lifespan, when the need for repairs escalates, you may want to consider replacing the roof instead. It's better to replace the roof early rather than wait until it leaks and you're left with water damage to clean up and repair. The commercial roofing company you use for routine maintenance will monitor your roof and let you know when it's approaching time to have a new roof installed.