Fall 2024 Commercial Roof To-Do List: Get Ready for Cooler Months After a Hot Summer.

Are we ready for cooler temperatures and pumpkin spice? Fall is almost here, along with shorter days, falling leaves and precipitation. Depending on your location, your facility may be dealing with a significant increase in rooftop debris, cold rain showers and even snow. We have created a three-step to-do list to help you prepare your building(s) for the change of season!

Step 1: Inspect your roof, even if you don't see any new leaks.

Schedule a free comprehensive inspection to identify any damage your roof sustained over the summer. A large portion of North America has been experiencing a dry spell recently, which may trick us into putting the roof's condition on the back burner. However, this strategy may backfire with fall and winter rains and snow. Unfortunately, extreme heat and ultraviolet (UV) exposure may be escalating the aging process of your roof components, particularly if you have a darker membrane that does not reflect the sun's rays the same way as a highly reflective "cool roof." Here's what extreme heat and sun exposure may do to your facility's roof:

✔ Thermal expansion: When roofing and other building components are exposed to high temperatures, they will expand. When temperatures cool off at night, the components will contract. This constant cycle may lead to cracks, blisters and other minor damage that may build up over years and become a more significant repair. Other issues related to extreme heat may include warping, buckling or shrinkage of the roofing materials.

✔ Degradation from UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV may affect chemical bonds in some roof systems. This degradation may cause certain materials, such as asphalt or rubber, to become more brittle. If you have an older roof, it may have accumulated years of such damage. While fading and discoloration are primarily an aesthetic concern, it may be an indication of material degradation from extreme UV exposure.

✔ Blistering: Heat and humidity may cause blistering of the roof surface due to the evaporation of moisture trapped in roof layers. Eventually, those blisters may pop, creating an opportunity for water intrusion.

✔ Adhesive failures: High temperatures can cause the deterioration of sealants, adhesives and caulking. With the record-breaking heat we experienced this summer, checking your seals, flashings and other roof components is imperative.

✔ Roof membrane damage: Prolonged heat exposure may cause deterioration of the roof. This makes them more susceptible to impact, resulting in punctures and tears.

In addition to the heat and UV-related damage, this summer also brought severe storms, hurricanes, monsoons and hail. Learning the exact condition of your roof after facing those elements is the crucial first step to preparing for the next season. Sign up for a free commercial roof inspection with CentiMark to receive a detailed report outlining all damage with photographs and repair options.

Step 2: Proceed with repairs, cleaning and maintenance.

Once you know the exact state of your roof and have a list of needed repairs, it's time to schedule the services you need.

✔ Repairs: Complete your repair checklist. The key is to minimize emergencies. Take full advantage of good weather and repair all issues before dealing with a colder, rainier season or snow. In many areas of North America, roofing work may halt during winter. Your goal is to repair everything you need before then and minimize roof emergencies during the winter months, when accessing roofs may be more challenging and completing work may be more expensive. Remember, reputable commercial roofing contractors already have many projects scheduled, so planning ahead is a good idea.

✔ Debris removal: Ensure your drain systems are ready for rain and snow. Having your drains, gutters, downspouts and other components clear of leaves and debris is imperative. To stay watertight, you need to ensure rainwater and snowmelt can freely drain from your flat roof. Ponding water is a recipe for roof leaks, membrane deterioration, algae growth and other issues that may shorten the life of your roof.

✔ Preventative maintenance: Create your custom plan and schedule based on your roof’s needs. Are you in charge of a manufacturing facility producing chemical exhaust that may affect your roof? Do you run a hotel with a variety of roof projections to ensure the comfort of your guests? Are you responsible for ensuring that servers in a data center are protected from any water intrusion? Commercial buildings in different industries have drastically different challenges related to their operations. Therefore, there's never a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to roof maintenance plans. Some types of commercial buildings are fine with seasonal roof cleaning and inspections. Others opt for specific services every month due to the stringent compliance standards of their industry. Developing a preventative roof maintenance plan and schedule based on your exact needs and geographical location is paramount to maximizing your budget and the life of your roof.

Step 3: Keep your roof's documentation in order.

Understanding your existing roof's warranty and staying compliant with its terms is essential to maximizing your roofing budget. We recommend evaluating your roof warranty and ensuring it fits your building's needs. Retrieve past repair history and any other documentation you may need to be fully prepared for unexpected or planned future replacements and upgrades. To simplify access to all historical documentation, current repair data and future recommendations, the CentiMark team created CentiMark’s Digital Customer Experience (CMDCX). This comprehensive customer portal lets you see all the available information on your roof online, anytime, anywhere. If you manage a portfolio of buildings, CMDCX will streamline your multi-location management by providing data on all your properties.

The fall season is almost here and winter will soon be upon us. After enduring summer storms and record-breaking heat waves, it's important to give your roof the attention it needs. Interested in a free comprehensive roof inspection or have any other questions? Contact us today!