Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan by Reducing Foot Traffic

A large variety of locally made commercial roofing materials are durable and can withstand an enormous amount of foot traffic. But, if you can reduce foot traffic, you can lengthen its lifespan even further. Here are a few things you can do to reduce foot traffic.

Limited Roof Access

If there’s absolutely no reason to access your roof, bar anyone from entering. You can keep it locked and only accessible by electricians, roofers, and HVAC professionals if you have ventilation and HVAC systems on your roof. Don’t just let anyone enter it without your permission.

Walkways

Some commercial properties must give workers uninhibited access as part of their responsibilities. Instead of having them step on the roof material, create a designated walkway that supports foot traffic. You can ask your roofing contractor to create these walkways around the sensitive spots of your roof to prevent damage.

Reassign Roof Tasks Elsewhere

Change routines that involve your roof and set them elsewhere if possible. The roof is a fragile network of supports and materials left to less foot traffic. Identify tasks and routines of various teams, see which can be done without involving anyone stepping on the roof, and implement the new routines.

If your roof is old, we recommend replacing your roof first and using these steps to prolong its lifespan further. Learn the signs that your roof may need replacements from Modern Roof Co.

Bubbling

Membrane style roofs like Built-Up roofing, TPO, PVC, and EPDM are all prone to bubbling, also referred to as roof blistering.

A roof blister is a bubble that forms under the membrane.  It is typically caused by moisture or air getting trapped under the membrane.  The two main reasons it happens are poor installation and poor ventilation.  It is important to note that climates with extreme temperature fluctuations like the Denver area are more prone to this issue.

While small blisters may not cause problems if taken care of right away, left unrepaired they can cause significant damage to your roof.  If you notice blisters or bubbles forming have a qualified roofing contractor inspect and repair it as soon as possible. You may catch the problem soon enough to avoid a replacement project. Our roofing expert may determine that a repair will suffice for this type of roofing.

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Damaged Pitch Pan Or Flashing

Pitch Pans are the metal sleeves placed around any protrusion in your roof.  They are the first line of defense in keeping water out of your building in the place that is most likely to have an issue.

Flashing is used to divert water away from areas where the roof meets a vertical surface.  Typical places you would find flashing are chimneys, dormers, or skylights.  Just like pitch pans, they are the first line of defense for keeping water out of your building.

When pitch pans and flashing become damaged they may not be able to shed the water away from the protrusion, thus allowing water to leak into your building.  Typically, these leaks start slow and may be hard to detect at first. This is why conducting roof maintenance checks regularly is critical to your commercial building’s longevity.

Holes Or Tears To The Roof Membrane

Many buildings have critical equipment like HVAC and generator systems on their roof.  These specialized pieces of equipment require regular maintenance.  During installation and maintenance, there is always a possibility that your roofing membrane could become torn or punctured.

Good preventive behavior is to inspect the roof before and after all major work done on rooftop equipment.  Check all flashing and areas where workers may have been present. (Continued)

Roper Roofing & Solar is a trusted commercial roofing contractor by various establishments and businesses in your area. We’ve been helping properties like yours with their roof replacement, installation, and maintenance needs. Call us today to learn more about our products and services.