Commercial structures can have a variety of roofing materials, and each type has specific installation and repair requirements. Though the materials may not be the same as most residential roofs, these products will ultimately require repair or replacement eventually for a variety of reasons, too. Whether it’s metal roofing, asphalt roofing or rubber roofing, commercial buildings will need roof repair eventually, whether due to gradual deterioration or sudden damage from wind, water, or severe weather. If you have a commercial roof here in Cincinnati, understanding more about these roofing materials is an important part of keeping your business, your clients, and your team safe, dry, and secure.
What Kind of Care and Repair Do Commercial Roofs Require?
Metal Roofing
While metal roofs can be beautiful, relatively inexpensive, and offer considerable protection from the elements, they can also be a problem to maintain. The metal panels that make up the roof can become loose or rusty, and both of these conditions could create severe problems. Metal roof panels may need to be refastened more securely, or they may need to be replaced if they deteriorate or become damaged. Loose or rusty panels can allow rain to enter into the sub-roofing and eventually into the building. The result could be the destruction of roof insulation or damage to the building structure itself. Metal roofs require proper commercial roof repair to continue to function in peak condition.
Asphalt or “Built-Up” Roofing
Commercial asphalt roofs are made by applying hot asphalt to a roof’s surface. Some roof repair companies can find it difficult to create the proper seal at connection points and along the seams, such as areas around vents. Thus, it is often necessary to repair this type of roof by applying hot asphalt to areas where the asphalt is missing or is too thin to be effective. For asphalt repairs to your commercial roof, you want to always work with a commercial roof repair company with specific expertise in working on asphalt roofs.
Rubber or EPDM Roofs
EPDM is another common material found on commercial roofs. Repairs to this type of roof also require specific experience working with these materials. This type of roof is comprised of synthetic rubber pieces that are connected together using a blowtorch to form one continuous rubber membrane. This is a good, reliable roofing product, but if it develops openings in the seams that allow water to enter the sub-roof, then these areas must be repaired properly. This type of commercial rubber roof repair often requires the material to be patched in the long run as well, as it can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements.
Routine Roof Inspections Can Help to Avoid Issues
Any time a local business owner notices a leak or any other potential issue with their roof, a Cincinnati commercial roof repair company should be called quickly to inspect the area, determine if and what repairs are needed, and provide solutions to best remedy the situation. But the best way to deal with roofing issues is to proactively avoid them by keeping up with a regular schedule of maintenance before serious damage can happen. It is a good idea to have a commercial roof inspected annually to determine if repairs are needed, before they lead to a bigger issue. Prevention is key!
Roof Material Recommendations
If it’s time to completely replace your commercial roof because of age or damage, it may be time to consider using a different material than your current installation. Depending on your geographic area and the needs of your particular commercial property, you may have several commercial roof material options available. However, not all roofing products are equivalent. An experienced commercial roofing contractor can recommend the best roofing product for a roof replacement for any building, based on its age, use, geography, and particular stresses or challenges.
Call a Dependable Cincinnati Commercial Roof Repair Company
Repairing the roof on a commercial building can be very expensive, and your ability to continue to serve your customers depends on getting your roofing needs taken care of quickly, affordably, and correctly. It’s important that precautions are taken to ensure that any damage to your commercial roof is discovered and fixed quickly to avoid unnecessary expenses and damage to the building’s interior. Because this type of work is important and can be complex, it is essential that an experienced commercial roofing repair company do the work. If you need commercial roof repair in Cincinnati, call Harper Siding and Roofing at 513.444.6098 for more information and to set up a detailed and thorough roof inspection.