While most owners take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to commercial roof maintenance, knowing the condition of your property’s roof is key to extending its life. Familiarity with your roof’s condition is also an important factor in reducing long-term maintenance costs by avoiding the need for extensive repairs caused by neglect.

The roof is a building’s first line of defense against the weather. From rain and UV rays to wind, lightning, and hail, each new season brings its own weather conditions capable of damaging a roof and affecting its performance. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can cause expansion and contraction of a roof system. Such contraction can compromise seams and sealants and weaken critical roof components.

The best way to keep tabs on your roof is to schedule regular assessments, according to industry leading roofing solutions provider Mid-South Roof Systems.

The longtime commercial roofing contractor recommends having roof assessments performed twice a year, once at the end of spring/start of summer and once at the end of fall/beginning of winter. These visual assessments offer a comprehensive inspection and analysis of a roof’s most vulnerable areas.

Potential problem areas on commercial roofs include:

-debris buildup in roof field and drainage systems

-roof terminations and edge metal at roof perimeter

-roof penetration sealants

-flashings around skylights

-pipes and pitch pans

-storm damage

-ponding water or signs of moisture trapped beneath the surface of a roof

With regular assessments and maintenance, you can maximize the lifespan of your roof while avoiding expensive major repairs.