Common Issues That Can Be Avoided With Regular Roof Maintenance

The condition of your roof is important for the protection and efficiency of your commercial property. As your roof gets older, its ability to withstand the elements decreases.When this occurs, not only is your building more difficult to heat in winter and cool in summer, but water, wind, and snow can cause damage to your roof, walls, and equipment.

Thankfully, there are some common issues that can be avoided if you perform some regular roof maintenance tasks. In fact, it’s possible to even prolong the life of your roof. At Houck, we can recommend a commercial roof maintenance plan that corrects these common issues:

Cracked roofing materials: Over time, all roofing systems will break down. Flat-roofed commercial and industrial buildings are subject to extreme conditions, such as sun, rain, snow, and ice. Cracks in bitumen or EPDM roofs allow water and moisture to infiltrate the system, causing damage to the insulation and decking. In the winter months, that moisture can freeze and crack, resulting in additional damage.
Clogged drains: Clogged drains on your roof can lead to ponding water, which could create seepage into your roofing system and walls. Drains can easily get clogged with dirt and debris, leaves, plant matter or loose roofing materials. Eave troughs and downspouts also need to be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid stoppage.
Loose flashing: The flashing around the edges of your industrial or commercial building can become loose over time — especially in high-wind areas. When this occurs, rain and moisture can easily penetrate under your roof and along the top edges of your walls. At Houck, we can repair roof flashing as soon as it comes loose, becomes damaged or displaced.
Ponding water: If your roof wasn’t properly designed and installed, or if it has settled over time, certain areas can allow for water accumulation. When water doesn’t flow off your roof correctly, it can eventually cause swelling and cracking of your bitumen or asphalt, especially in winter.
Punctures: In single-ply roofing membranes, even a small puncture can cause a leak. This issue is common if you frequently have contractors on your roof for installing or inspecting HVAC equipment or other rooftop equipment. Small tears in roofing membrane can grow quickly, so they require prompt attention.

Our team will inspect and report on these issues and recommend the correct solution. We’ll also put in place a custom industrial roof maintenance plan that eliminates issues before they create a hindrance for your business. Regular roof inspections help to ensure that your roof remains leak-free. By educating yourself on common roof issues, you will be better equipped to notice warning signs and begin treatment in order to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Preventative roof maintenance can help to protect the financial value and integrity of your industrial or commercial property. Contact us today for a comprehensive roof evaluation.

Choosing a Roof Coating Option Suitable for Your School District

roof coating options for school districts

As the person responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your buildings, you know that the roofing system is one of the greatest areas of concern. When you find you are nearing the end of your roof’s lifespan, it would be beneficial to consider the option of a restorative roof coating system as an alternative to a total tear-off and roof replacement.

Roof coating systems have come a long way over time and can economically and efficiently add years to your system without the hassle and mess of a total tear-off.

The Benefits of Coatings Over a Total Roof Tear-off and Replacement

Whether the roofing systems of your school facilities are EPDM, TPO, built-up, modified or metal, punctures, holes and weaknesses can occur at any time due to wind, rain, snow and the movement of maintenance personnel on the roof.

When your coverage is no longer adequate, you can start to experience water infiltration and a loss in heating and cooling insulation. Once simple repairs are no longer sufficient, you are left with two options: total roof replacement or the application of a roof coating system. Depending on the situation, a roof coating system could be the optimal solution. Coatings offer the following advantages:

Affordability: The cost of applying a coating system over an existing system is significantly lower than installing a brand-new replacement.
Speed: It takes a fraction of the time to apply a coating system to your roof than it does to perform a complete tear-off and replacement – and this option also eliminates the issue of waste and disposal of the old decking and roofing system.
Durability: Our various coating options work equally well on flat and sloped school roofs. They provide a waterproof barrier that is resistant to leakage and water infiltration.
Aesthetics: Roof coating systems come in a wide variety of colors and textures and can be matched to any existing system.
Environmentally responsible: Coating systems help lower energy costs and are made with more waterborne solvents resulting in a reduced impact on the environment.

How to Select the Right Coating

We can quickly determine if your school roof is suitable for a coating system by performing an on-site inspection. We will provide a comprehensive report taking into account all aspects of your roof’s details, measurements and your district’s budgetary perimeters.

There is a wide range of coatings systems available, depending on your requirements. Once we have this information, we can help you choose the right system. Some popular options include:

Acrylic: A highly-reflective, UV-resistant option that works well in most climates.
Polyurethane: The most impact- and traffic-resistant type of system that is highly durable and able to handle ponding water well.
Silicone: This system is extremely weather-resistant with almost no erosion.

Discover the Best Coating Option for Your School

To find out more about our wide range of roof coatings available for your school district, take a look at our roofing pages. You can also contact us online or give us a call. One of our team members will answer any questions you may have, and we will work with you to select the right roof coating system that fits your budget, requirements and expectations.

Why should you have a roof maintenance service program in place?

Besides your employees, your roof and its functionality is one of the most important components of your facility’s operations. Protecting it against damage and deterioration is essential. Unfortunately, the roof can often be the most ignored section of the building when it comes to routine inspections and maintenance.

That’s where Houck’s Roof Maintenance Service Agreement comes in. Our program is designed to take the guesswork out of your roof’s maintenance and to set up structured, prescheduled inspections that will help prolong the life of your system.

Our experienced roof maintenance team will go through Houck’s 24-point roof inspection checklist, so you will have one less item on yours!

Houck’s Roof Maintenance Service Program Includes:

Detection of maintenance problems before they get out of hand
Routine inspections that will maintain the validity of your roof system’s warranty
Priority for emergency calls
Removal of debris from all accessible gutters, downspouts and roof drains
Detailed summary and photos of any repairs not included in service agreement