7 Commercial Roof Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Projections show that the global roofing market will reach a value of $156 billion by 2030.

Roof maintenance isn't always at the forefront of a business owner's mind, but it shouldn't be neglected. Any roofing issues can result in major costs and other problems, so it's important to stay on top of it. When it comes to roof maintenance, there are several mistakes people often make that you want to be sure to avoid.

For a rundown of 7 major commercial roof maintenance mistakes that people make, keep reading.

1. DIY Roof Repair

When it comes to running a business, profits are key. The more you spend, the lower your profits will be. Because of this, people often try to save money wherever they can.

Sometimes this works out well, but it's a bad idea for something as important as roof maintenance and repair. While repairing commercial roofs may seem easy on the surface, it actually takes a lot of skill to do things right.

If you or your employees try to take care of roof repairs, things will likely go wrong. There's a good chance you'll even end up causing more damage. This then means that it will cost even more to get things fixed.

On top of this, anyone attempting to make any repairs without proper training could be at risk. The last thing you want is for someone to get injured while doing something they're not trained for. Hiring a roofing service to take care of any tasks is always a good idea.

2. Putting Off Your Roof Replacement

A roof can typically last for decades, but no matter how well it's installed, it will always degrade with time. There will come a point where a replacement is essential, and if you don't get this done there could be a risk of the entire roof failing.

If your roof is old and you're starting to notice the need for more regular maintenance and repairs, this is a sign that a replacement is needed. It will be a sizable expense, so it's not something any business will be in a rush to do, but maintaining a safe roof is essential.

It's worth noting that getting a roof replaced will help reduce repair costs, as a new roof won't have issues nearly as often as an old one. On top of that, a new roof will give your business a much better image than an old, damaged one.

3. Overlooking Inspections

A common mistake that people make is neglecting inspections. People tend to do this when they think there's nothing wrong with their roof, so inspections may seem like a waste of time and money.

The problem here is that roofs can often have issues even when there are no obvious signs of roof damage, and they'll only be picked up on through a proper inspection. By having these inspections done regularly, any small issues can be discovered early, and repaired when it's both cheaper and easier. You also want to make sure these are done by reliable roofing contractors to ensure nothing is missed.

This is one of the best ways to avoid needing major repairs, as issues can be dealt with before they have a chance to grow into major problems. Even a new roof can be susceptible to some issues, so whatever state your roof is in, you should stick to regular inspections to stay on the safe side.

4. Covering Worn Shingles Instead of Replacing Them

It may seem easier and quicker to just cover up old shingles with new ones. While this can save some time, it can also end up causing more damage. This is because it can let dirt and moisture accumulate beneath the new shingles, which you want to avoid.

When replacing shingles, any that are worn or damaged should be removed first. Something you also want to think about when doing this is the color of the new shingles. Make sure the new shingles you're installing are the same color as the old ones, so you don't end up with a mismatched roof.

Note that even if they are the same color, the new ones might look a bit different just because they aren't weathered like the rest of the roof. With time, they will start to match up more accurately.

5. Inadequate Moisture Protection

One of the most important aspects of a commercial roof is moisture protection. While any roof should be able to keep moisture out when it's new, it may lose this capability with time. As shingles degrade, they often split/crack, making it possible for moisture to get in.

For increased protection, you should always have a moisture barrier installed. Get this installed when you're having a new commercial roof fitted by a professional roofing contractor to ensure it's done right.

6. Poor Attic Ventilation

Some roofing companies will install a roof, but not quite do it right. This can lead to issues that you may not notice for a while, such as poor attic ventilation. When an attic isn't well ventilated it can cause a build-up of excessive heat that can damage shingles.

You'll then have to deal with more roofing repair, and the heat build-up means your HVAC system will need to work harder to maintain the temperature of your home. If you notice your bills increasing and you're unsure why this could be the cause. Always go with a reputable roofing company when having a roof installed to minimize the risk of things like this happening.

7. Hiring the Wrong Contractors

Whether it's regular roof maintenance or full roof replacement, you're always better off going with a reliable, reputable contractor. Wooley Brothers are one of the best choices for St. Cloud roofers, with the skill and experience to ensure any job is done correctly. We're fully licensed and insured, so you don't need to worry about any liability issues.

Avoiding Commercial Roof Maintenance Mistakes

The best way to avoid commercial roof maintenance mistakes is to leave it to the professionals. At Wooley Brothers, we can handle installations, repairs, maintenance, and more to ensure your commercial roof is in the best possible condition.

With over 25 years of experience in roofing in St. Cloud, FL, we're prepared to tackle any job. Click here to get a free estimate today.

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