- Regular inspections prevent costly roof damages and ensure store safety.
- Maintenance logs and tailored programs enhance roof lifespan and integrity.
- Professional inspections detect and address minor issues before they escalate.
There is no doubt that Los Angeles experiences a diverse weather pattern. Also, it is predominantly an urban landscape; thus, having a commercial store means being proactive with your commercial roof maintenance. If you neglect roof maintenance, you will experience severe issues in the future. The issue that may start with a small leak can become massive, requiring the replacement of the entire roof.
To manage your commercial building, you just don't negotiate leases or collect rent. You also maintain the roof because it is the main thing protecting the integrity of the store and ensuring its safety. So, addressing issues as they come is necessary to avoid more costly damages. How? Here are a few ways to ensure proper roof maintenance for your LA store.
Have maintenance logs
As a commercial store owner, you should maintain a log regarding roof repairs and activity. It is an invaluable piece of paper and is also useful, especially when selling the store or making repairs. The log can have details like who went on the roof, the date they were there, and what they were doing (inspection, maintenance, or so on).
Limit the load
Commercial roofs are sturdy and can take a lot of load. However, it is still important to limit the load you put on the roof. That will keep it secure and safe and also increase its lifespan. For instance, you can limit the amount of stuff you put on the roof or the number of people allowed there.
Get a professional
Getting your LA store roof inspected by professionals frequently is important. You might notice a big leak, moss or algae growth. However, the professionals are trained to notice even a single small leak or drainage issue. A commercial roofing contractor in Los Angeles would be able to figure out even the smallest issues in your roof. They can inspect, offer repairs, or even suggest if a complete repair is necessary or not.
Have a periodic inspection regimen
It is necessary to inspect your retail roof a minimum of twice a year (you can go for more!). The ideal seasons are fall and spring. Hiring a professional for yearly inspections is a great idea. If you want to do it yourself, ensure you follow a multi-point checklist of inspection areas like flashing, drainage systems, rooftop equipment, and more. Again, regular inspections help you catch minor issues even before they become major plot holes and the integrity of your store is shaken.
Choose the right roofing material
Prevention starts with choosing the right materials. So, if you are developing a commercial store in LA, choose the right roofing materials. For LA weather, the best roofing materials include metal roofing—a durable option with robust fire resistance. Its protective surface layers can withstand exposure to any element with ease. Shingles are used mainly in residential properties. However, some commercial buildings also use it to boost the curb appeal of their store. They come in various textures, are budget-friendly, and are also weather-resistant. Other options that you can use include EPDM.
Ensure the gutters are clean
The gutter is a collector of all the water on your roof due to rain or other things. So, if the gutter is clogged, the water drainage will not work properly. This can lead to leaks, dampness, growth of algae or moss, or other kinds of water damage, which you then have to restore. Therefore, a part of maintaining the roof of a commercial building is to clean the pipelines frequently.
Have a tailored maintenance program
Every commercial roof is different because the materials used vary. So, the materials age, how much they are used, and the maintenance procedure all matter. So, developing a maintenance program tailor-made to your store is important. That will ensure you can elevate the curb appeal and improve the life of the roof.
Trim the branches
If the roof is surrounded by overbearing branches or trees, it is necessary to trim them frequently. When the wind blows heavily, the branches can cause physical damage to the roofing materials. Also, they can cause extreme leaf litter, one of the main reasons for gutter clogging.
Maintain Surface Integrity
If your store roof is made of shingles or even tiles, you should replace any shingle damaged or lost immediately. Otherwise, it will lose its integrity. If the roof is flat, look for cracks or blistering in the covering. It is necessary to keep the surface of the roof in good condition to avoid deeper issues in the structure.
Final thoughts
In short, the roof of your commercial building is not just important for its structural integrity but also to keep you safe. So, regular inspection, checking for leaks or algae growth, keeping the gutter clean, and more are crucial for a perfect LA commercial roof.