Winter is in full swing and so are the high heating bills. Did you know the condition of your roof plays a significant role in maintaining a consistent temperature in your building? Let's look into a few ways to improve your roof's performance and decrease your heating demands.
Check your roof's insulation!
If your roof insulation is uneven or inefficient, air transfer through the roof becomes easier. Inadequate insulation affects indoor comfort and puts a strain on heating systems, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Additionally, damp insulation can lose up to 40% of its initial thermal resistance. If you have moisture buildup or roof leaks, you may be spending way more on heating bills than you should.
Roof leaks cost you money. Don't postpone roof repairs!
Leaks, damaged roofing materials and compromised seals around penetrations and rooftop projections are common issues that need immediate attention. If your area is experiencing a dry winter with minimal precipitation, roof leak repair may not feel urgent. However, any weakness in your roof is a potential entry point for cold air. A roof leak, active or not, is an indicator of something being compromised in your roof system. Whether it is a puncture in your membrane after a big storm, a failed seal or flashing issues, any unaddressed roof leak may contribute to your overall heating expense. Roof repairs are crucial to your overall building maintenance strategy.Where to start? Review your roof's current state.
A comprehensive commercial roof evaluation is the first step to understanding your current roof condition. If your location is not experiencing snow yet, now is a great time to schedule a free roof evaluation with CentiMark. An untrained eye may not easily notice minor roof damage. It often takes experience and professional diagnostic equipment to locate the exact origin of your roof leak, particularly when your facility has been exposed to rain or snow for a while. However, that point is a gateway for constant air exchange between indoors and outdoors. To take your evaluation further, ask us about thermal imagery scans that will expose all trapped moisture in your roof system, including wet insulation. Thermal scans with drones will pinpoint the exact locations where you are losing heat through your roof and siding.What's next?
After you receive your condition report and complete all necessary repairs, it is best practice to establish a preventative maintenance plan for your facility's roof. Often required by the terms of your commercial roof warranty, this routine maintenance includes regular inspections, debris removal, minor repairs, drain cleaning and other items needed to keep your roof in top shape for years to come. If your region is facing substantial snowfall, it is recommended to have a snow removal and monitoring plan to keep your roof healthy and leak-free. Check out this article for more winter-specific commercial roofing tips.To minimize the impact of cold weather on your roof and heating bills, it is important to adopt a strategic approach that involves enhancing roof insulation, carrying out timely repairs, conducting thermal imaging inspections and implementing preventative maintenance measures. Need help? Contact us today and let's get started!