Most flat roofs can last a minimum of 10 years and even up to 30 years when cared for properly. It’s smart to maximize your investment by keeping your roof in good shape for as long as possible. This is true regardless of what type of commercial flat roofing material you have—whether it’s TPO, PVC, or modified bitumen. Learn how to extend the life of your commercial flat roof to keep your structure protected, prevent a premature roof replacement, and save money.
Reduce Foot Traffic
It’s necessary for people to access your roof from time to time. Your HVAC professional, your roofing company, or your regular maintenance person will all require roof access at some point. Foot traffic is unavoidable on your commercial flat roofing system.
However, frequent foot traffic or people walking in the wrong places can cause unnecessary damage to your roof over time. When possible, reduce foot traffic and have designated walkways around your roof. This can help preserve the roofing material and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
Maintain Your Commercial Flat Roof
Maintaining your roof is a crucial aspect of extending its life. Regular maintenance tasks to perform for your flat roof include:
- Keeping the roof clean and free of debris. This preserves the material and prevents drainage outlets from becoming clogged by leaves, sticks, dirt, or even trash.
- Pressure washing the roof on the lowest possible setting with a soft brush to remove debris, algae growth, and dirt that can accumulate and lead to damage.
- Addressing damage such as tears, deteriorating seams, bubbling or blistering, and large, deep areas of pooling water that won’t go away.
- Fixing leaks or addressing interior damage such as water stains or bubbling paint as soon as possible.
Consider a Roof Coating
Many commercial flat roofing materials can be recoated with a layer of rubber. Roof coating helps seal out damage and add years of life to the system. For your structure to benefit from a roof coating, your existing roof must be in relatively good shape and any existing damage repaired. Roof coating could add another decade or more of life onto your roof for a fraction of the cost of a new roofing system.
Get Your Commercial Flat Roof Inspected
Regular roof inspections are imperative to identifying damage to your roof. A professional commercial roofer can inspect your roof for issues that could lead to leaks, mold growth, and ventilation issues. Inspections can help you identify problems early before they lead to costly damage or the need for an early roof replacement.
CDS Roofing is your local commercial roofer helping you maintain your flat roof to extend its life. Contact us today to book an inspection with an experienced roofing professional and keep your roof protected for the seasons ahead.
