Commercial roofs are out of sight, out of mind for most building owners. However, because they are constantly exposed to the elements, they are subject to gradual damage. Here are the top three culprits silently destroying your roof, and what you can do to stop them.
1. UV Radiation and Extreme Heat
The Florida sun is brutal. Solar radiation cooks your roof every single day, causing materials to dry out, shrink, and become brittle. This process, called thermal shock, is compounded by daily expansion and contraction as temperatures shift. To combat this, reflect solar heat with cool roofing coatings like white TPO or silicone coatings.
2. Foot Traffic and Trade Damage
HVAC technicians, painters, plumbers, and window cleaners all need access to your roof. Unfortunately, dropped tools, heavy equipment, and constant walking can puncture roof membranes, tear flashings, and damage shingles. Protect your roof by establishing strict access logs, installing designated walk pads around HVAC units, and inspecting the roof immediately after other trades finish their work.
3. Lack of Preventative Maintenance
Ignoring your roof until it leaks is the most expensive way to manage your asset. Small issues like a clogged drain, a loose flashing, or a small tear in the membrane can quickly escalate into structural wood rot or mold inside the building. Implementing a semi-annual preventative maintenance plan ensures these issues are caught and repaired when they cost hundreds, rather than tens of thousands of dollars.