For a lot of people, a roof is a roof. However, not all roofs are the same and not all are ideal for use on all types of properties. While residential and commercial roofing options can overlap, roofing systems are generally more suitable for a certain category. In the case of commercial roofs, options are typically geared towards addressing function more than form. Commercial roofs can also be beautiful, of course, but they are mostly concerned with addressing the functional needs of business owners.

Popular commercial roofing systems include:

FLAT ROOFS

Perhaps the most popular type of commercial roofing, a flat roof doesn’t have any visible slope because it follows a very low pitch. There’s just enough sloping on the roof to ensure that rainwater doesn’t pool when it pours. A number of roofing materials can be used on flat rooms but some of the most popular options include built-up roofing, modified bitumen, and EPDM. Because they offer a level surface, flat roofs can be versatile, allowing them to be converted into different purposes depending on the needs of a business, like a roof garden or an extra office.

PART 1: POPULAR COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS

SAW-TOOTH ROOFS

Saw-tooth roof systems are comprised of a series of ridges featuring a pitched roof and a vertical glass window. They were named as such given the resulting form of the roof’s design which resemble saw teeth (or tooth). This type of roofing admits natural light, which makes it great for daylighting warehouse-type properties, but as the pitched roof is oriented to face away from the equator, it doesn’t let in a lot of heat alongside natural light.

ARCHED ROOF

One of the few sloped roof designs favored by commercial buildings, arched roofs resemble gable roofs, except without sharp angles meeting at the ridge. Properly designed, they can be self-supporting, and, when adequate reinforcements are provided, can even be load-bearing. Traditionally, arched roofs are made with wood or stone. Technological advancements, however, have made it possible for the roof to be made with concrete or steel.

o o o o o

How do you make the most out of a commercial roof? Find out about commercial roof replacement and maintenance in Part 2 of this e-book.

PART 1: POPULAR COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS

Like their residential counterparts, commercial roofs will have their fair share of problems. When their roof becomes problematic, business owners have to spring into action, addressing roofing problems immediately to not only get rid of inconveniences sooner but to save on costs as well. After all, the smaller the problem, the easier it is to handle, which will mean lower costs. By understand what sort of factors affect the condition of commercial roofs, business owners can prepare better, allowing them to mitigate roofing problems at the soonest possible time.

Some of the factors to take into consideration when assessing roof conditions include:

FACTOR 1 - MATERIALS

Different materials have different strengths and weaknesses. Some materials such as concrete can be very expensive to repair but are much more resistant to damage, taking a while to develop problems in the first place. Flat roofs, on the other hand, may develop problems sooner but holes can easily be patched in a matter of minutes, making repairs easy.

FACTOR 2 - BUILDING SIZE

The bigger an area is, the bigger the job will be when a repair or replacement is needed. With this in mind, business owners operating out of bigger buildings will want to invest in proactive maintenance to ensure that roofing problems are kept to a minimum, and what do crop up can easily be handled.

PART 2: SHOULD YOU REPAIR OR REPLACE?

FACTOR 3 - LOCAL CLIMATE

The kind of climate a commercial roof is subjected to will help determine how fast it deteriorates. If weather conditions in your area are generally harsh, for example, then you can adjust your expectations to help you get ready for roof failure sooner. There are also times when choosing a replacement makes much more sense than a repair. For instance, if your roof has already suffered extensive damage and the winter season is just around the corner, you might be better off getting a replacement because a repair might not be able to withstand the severity of the colder months.

FACTOR 4 - APPEARANCE

Commercial buildings are less likely to focus on aesthetics, but who says your business can’t look good? If you feel that your commercial building is currently looking outdated, you may want to consider calling a roofing expert to have your roof replaced, even though it is still in working condition.

o o o o o

How do you keep your commercial roof in top condition? Learn more about tips on how to care for commercial roofs as we conclude this blog series in the next part.

PART 2: SHOULD YOU REPAIR OR REPLACE?

There’s no doubt that your commercial roof will serve you well, but it will perform even better when properly cared for and maintained. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind and help you get the most out of a commercial roof:

1. Keep it clean

Over time, your commercial roof will accumulate all kinds of debris: loose gravel, foliage, branches, and even trash. If allowed to build up, debris can trap rainwater, increasing your roof’s risks of acquiring moisture damage later on. Gutters can also get clogged, which can also result in structural damage. While a thorough check will be needed no more than twice in a year, cleaning should be done more frequently, like once every quarter or as the seasons change.

2. Look for early signs of problems

Different roof problems produce different signs. Always be on the lookout for discolorations or unusual spots on your roof surface as these might be early indicators of a roofing problem. Be mindful of signs of wear and tear like worn-out portions of the roof, small holes in membranes, and loose flashing. If you’re not sure if you’re looking at a roofing problem, don’t hesitate to give your local contractor a call.

PART 3: KEEPING COMMERCIAL ROOFS IN SHAPE - SOME TIPS

3. Check other parts of the building

Sometimes, roof problems don’t show up on the roof itself. Water can seep through the roof surface and cause damage somewhere else. Look for signs of water leaks, rusting, or discoloration in the walls and gutter pipes of the building, for example.

4. Have all gaps sealed

Your roof may be your building’s main defense against the weather, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely waterproof. Check the flashing and seams to make sure there are no gaps between them where water can seep through to get into the more vulnerable parts of the building.

5. Minimize foot traffic

While regular maintenance is good for your roof, unnecessary foot traffic can damage the roof surface. Walking on roofs is also highly dangerous so any task requiring getting up on a roof must be left to the professionals.

PART 3: KEEPING COMMERCIAL ROOFS IN SHAPE - SOME TIPS

Campopiano Roofing

2100 Case Parkway North Twinsburg, Ohio 44087

(330) 425-1285(330) 391-7799

CampoRoof.com