What is the best way to protect a flat roof?
Winter is just around the corner for all of America, and areas like Ohio can be super cold with lots of ice and snow. That’s why for commercial and industrial structures that have large buildings with big, expansive flat roofs it is time to prepare for that ice and snow with the best flat roof coating possible.
While a flat roof provides your commercial structure a certain aesthetic appeal and gives it a boost in energy efficiency, it needs routine maintenance and upkeep. Without the following steps being followed, you’re putting your flat roof and structure in jeopardy of large and expensive issues later:
- Gutters: Inspect and Clean Regularly
A flat roof system should have a minimum of one drain – more is better. Debris that gets windswept onto rooftops will block the drain, causing pooling and ponding, and leading to roof leaks. Annually, have the flat roof cleared of any branches, leaves, twigs, and other debris, clearing the drain(s) of blockage.
- Waterproofing: Coating and Sealing
Every flat roof should have the best flat roof coating, especially if it tends to drain poorly. Choose a waterproof sealant that will protect your roof from damage that can cause leaks. Having the best flat roof coating installed by a professional gives you the best results and a guarantee it will perform well.
- Standing: Don’t Stand on the Roof
Just because you have a flat roof doesn’t mean it is meant for standing and walking. This should only be done when absolutely necessary and by contractors that are equipped and trained to stand, walk, and work on a flat roof.
- Inspections: Schedule Regularly
Regular flat roof inspections are important. They allow a contractor to find small issues that can become big, expensive problems later. It is recommended to have a roof inspection once at the start of summer and once at the end of winter.
- Cracking: Take Care Immediately
It is inevitable that every flat roof will experience cracking, even with the best flat roof coating installed. These cracks and fissures should be repaired immediately. These are usually found around the raised ridges where water exposure can do the most damage the quickest.
- Foliage: Keep It Pruned
If your commercial building is positioned where trees and other foliage are close, this will increase the amount of debris falling on it from birds, critters, and wind. Keep surrounding trees cut and trimmed back to minimize this from happening.
What is the best flat roof coating?
One of the most popular and most recommended Flat Roof Coating Options is SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam). This eco-friendly option is considered one of the best flat roof coating options for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing structures. SPF is a liquid that is sprayed on and that expands into foam. The end result is a solid layer of damage and leak protection.
How often should you coat a flat roof?
For a flat commercial structure roof with an asphalt/coal built-up layering, recoating every two years is recommended. With a roof that has been properly installed and maintained, by using a roofing contractor that knows how to apply a flat roof coating correctly, you can extend the lifespan of your roof by 10 years or more.
How much does it cost to coat a flat roof?
A quality flat roof coating will cost up to $2.00 per square foot for materials with the additional cost of the layer around $3.00 per square foot. At $5.00 per square foot, you are protecting your commercial flat roof from possible extensive damage, prolonging its lifespan, and saving on your energy bills.
How do you stop a flat roof from leaking?
A leaking flat roof is not anything a commercial building owner wants. With routine and thorough roof inspections, this can often be prevented. Working with a commercial roofing contractor who can teach your maintenance team how to prevent ponding on flat roofs can be important, as that is known to lead to a leaking roof. They will also make any repairs needed to prevent water and moisture build-up that causes damage and hazards like flooding, mildew, mold, and rotting, including installing the best flat roof coating.
Some ways of preventing flat roof leaks include:
- Roof Flashing – Making sure your flat roof has flashing installed around any roof protrusions like chimneys, skylights, vents, and around edges will minimize the places roof leaks can start.
- Roofing Membrane – A rubber roofing membrane is one of the best flat roof coating ways to prolong the lifespan and minimize possible leaks.
On Top of It All
If a roofing contractor suggests another roof coating other than acrylic, you want to make sure you’re getting the best flat roof coating possible. You also want to know what materials you’re using for other issues when taking care of your roof. When it comes to repairs, is silicone roof repair good for a flat commercial roof? In most cases, yes. Silicone can restore almost any existing roofing membrane system. The roofing contractor can apply a layer of roofing silicone across the entire roof. This will eliminate leaks and form a membrane that is waterproof. If you’ve got any more questions about flat roof coatings, reach out to us by calling (740) 495-6629.