Is Your Commercial Roofing as Strong as You Need It To Be?
How strong is your roof? Spring and summer rains can cause minor leaks that you aren’t even aware of. As the seasons change and snow and ice begin to fall, those minor leaks could become big problems. If you aren’t sure if your commercial roofing is as strong as you need it to be, now is the time to find out. Ask your roofing contractor to consider the following points as he or she is checking your roof.
The Slope of the Roof
The steeper your commercial roofing is, the easier snow and ice will slide off it during the winter. Most steep roofs are made of tiles, shingles or slate. These materials can last for decades but require proper maintenance. Despite the benefits of steep roofs, most commercial buildings have flat roofs. Flat roofs are typically made of EPDM, PVC or TPO materials. They are durable, come with a warranty of up to 30 years and are economical. If you have a flat roof on your commercial building, it is important to have a plan if winter snow becomes too heavy. Even the most durable roof can collapse if the snow and ice on it becomes too heavy.
Metal as a Roofing Material
Metal roofing is gaining popularity each year. Metal provides a wide range of advantages for your roofing. It is lightweight yet still durable and long-lasting. Even better, metal is very low-maintenance. Finally, because metal roofing can reflect the sun, it keeps your property cooler during the summer months and can reduce your energy costs drastically. Metal, which lasts up to 50 years, is available in several materials, including copper, zinc and prefinished steel.
Think About Going Green
It is becoming increasing important to be environmentally conscious when building your commercial property. If you would like to go green, talk to your roofing contractor about which materials would work best. In most cases, the answer will be a solar roofing system. Solar roofing typically has warranties for as many as 25 years.
Perform Maintenance
Of course, one of the easiest ways to ensure that your commercial roofing lasts for years to come is to properly take care of it. Always follow the recommended manufacturer instructions and perform maintenance on it at least once per year.
If you are interested in learning more about how to get the most out of your commercial roofing system, talk to your local roofing contractor for help. He or she can assess your current system and provide tips for making it better.