If you want to operate a business seamlessly, all the moving parts must work together and your building is a big part of a well-oiled machine. It’s crucial that you maintain the building and to do that, you need to stay on top of roof maintenance.
As a business owner, you need to understand the most common roof problems in your region to take proactive measures to keep it in good condition. The local climate and weather patterns heavily impact the state of your roof and you need to know how.
Common Commercial Roof Problems in Western Sydney
Western Sydney is a wonderful place to live and do business, but there are a few common commercial roof problems you should keep your eye out for.
Leaks and Water Damage
You might not need to worry about heavy snow settling on a flat roof, but Sydney is prone to wet weather and when a heavy storm rolls in it can do serious damage to your roof, leaving you at risk of leaks and water damage. This is of particular risk to older or poorly maintained roofs. Once the damage is done and water makes entry, it can damage your inventory, equipment, and the building’s structural integrity.
Ponding Water
If a flat roof is poorly designed, installed, or sagging, it can lead to ponding water. Another reason for ponding water is drainage issues and overflows, so keep your gutters clean and clear. Handling gutter repair quickly is a must because ponding water can degrade the roofing materials and lead to leaks.
Roof Debris
Having debris build-up in your roof, such as gum trees dropping leaves in the box gutter, doesn’t just create ponding as mentioned, it can also cause major damage to the foundations of commercial buildings. If you want to make sure your gutters are working properly with no overflows, we can schedule in regular cleaning for businesses and residents – keeping them clean and flowing!
Poor Installation/Maintenance
If a roof system is poorly installed, it can lead to various issues, including leaks, flooding, and water damage. It might not seem like a big issue at first, but you should call in a professional at the first sign of an issue. If it’s still in warranty, the roofer who did the work should be your first stop.
An annual roof inspection is a good idea and not just for insurance purposes. Regular inspections can flag issues early and allow for affordable repairs before more serious damage is done.
Debris Build-Up
If your business is located in a leafy area, you must prevent leaves, branches and debris from building up in your gutters and drainage system. This is something to stay on top of because a gutter leaking can lead to water damage to your building. Put your gutters on the cleaning schedule to avoid this issue.
Climate and Regional Considerations
From serious heatwaves to severe hailstorms, there’s a lot of Western Sydney weather that impacts the performance and longevity of your roof system. That fluctuating temperature can be bad news for your roof system, but so can the harmful UV rays and wind and hail.
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
- Schedule regular roof inspections either annually or after heavy storms or extreme heatwaves.
- If your building isn’t located near trees, you could get away with clearing your gutters twice a year (right before the rainy season begins and once the autumn leaves have fallen). If you are located near trees, increase the frequency to be sure.
- If you notice cracked, damaged, or missing tiles, call a professional. The quicker you handle roof repairs, the cheaper it is because ignoring them can lead to heavy damage and massive bills.
- If your skylight has darkened or it’s making a noise, it could mean they’re brittle and require replacement.
- Always choose a reputable commercial roofing contractor near me to carry out roof inspections, roof repairs and roof maintenance.
When to Call a Professional
If you are plagued by persistent leaks, spot visible roof wear, or you’ve taken major damage after a storm, call in a commercial roofer. A musty smell could indicate the presence of mould and dampness, which could indicate roofing problems.
Hiring an expert quickly will result in long-term savings because you’re getting someone with expertise to inspect and assess the situation from a safety standpoint. The last thing you want is to delay action or take a DIY approach because that could void your insurance policy and leave you holding the repair bills, plus the disruption to your business and potential liability if someone is injured. If you need a commercial roof replacement, gutter repairs, gutter replacements, or general roof work, contact Ivy Roofing Specialists, Sydney. We’ll be more than happy to assist with your commercial or residential roof repairs and preventative maintenance
