Month: November 2022

5 Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Fall and Winter

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The changing of the seasons is a prime time for roofing problems to begin or worsen, but there are a few simple steps you can take to prepare your roof for the temperature and weather change that accompany fall and winter. By taking these precautionary steps, you can winterize your roof and avoid some of the damage that can result during the colder months.   

1. Landscape in early fall.

Overhanging branches and overgrown trees are always something to be aware of when you’re assessing possible damage to your roof. That’s especially the case during the autumn months. Before temperatures drop too much, take the time to trim vegetation and remove any problematic trees before they begin dropping leaves, branches, or other debris. Anything you can avoid hitting your roof will help extend the life of your commercial roof.

2. Clean your roof.

During the fall, leaves, sticks, and even nesting materials can collect on a roof or in gutters and drains. While this might seem like just a minor nuisance, debris can damage a roof if left for too long. Leaves and sticks can block drains and allow moisture to pool on the roof. In the winter, this pooled water can freeze, causing damage. The end of fall is the ideal time for a roof cleaning in order to prepare for winter. When you’re cleaning your commercial roof or having your roof cleaned, check for debris and low-lying areas where water could collect. Both of these issues should be addressed before winter. 

3. Get a roof inspection.

As the weather gets colder, it’s critical that a commercial roof operates at peak performance. Missing a leak and winding up with wet insulation could be a disaster in cold weather. Getting a roof inspection is the best way to identify any small problems that could worsen as the seasons change.  

4. Finish repairs before winter set in.

Winter is not the best time for repairs. Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions for both the building owner and the workers. If your building has tenants living in it, they likely spend more time indoors in the winter and could be inconvenienced by leaks. Following your fall inspection, it’s best to get any repairs done as soon as possible before winter sets in.

5. Plan your winter maintenance. 

If snow is common where your building is located, it’s important to schedule a maintenance visit before your locale experiences snowfall. Choose a company familiar with commercial roofing to assess the condition of your roof before the winter. Ideally, photos of the roof in good condition could be taken to help support any insurance claims that might later result from storm damage. Scheduling a maintenance visit is a good idea to know your roof’s current health before the storms, high winds, hair, or other winter hazards.

If you’re ready to prepare your roof for fall and winter, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help.

What Time of Year is Best for a Roof Replacement?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

With milder temperatures and less rain, fall is undoubtedly the best time of year for a roof replacement. If you’re preparing your budget for a big roofing job, here are a few reasons you should consider starting the commercial roof replacement process sometime between August and November.

1. Avoid weather delays

Extreme summer heat and frequent spring rain storms can force work crews to delay a project. In the fall, temperatures are relatively cool, and rain is much less frequent, making weather delays rare. The average temperatures in fall make work easier and more efficient. It’s also generally a more convenient season for tenants of a commercial building. 

2. Repair damage from summer

Summer is one of the most damaging months for a commercial roof. Sun and heat can crack or fade the roof surface, pushing a roof that’s already aging or damaged over the edge. When leaves, large branches, and other debris fall on a roof in autumn, it can further weaken roofs that have taken a beating during the summer months. The best fall roofing protection is to get a replacement when a commercial roof is no longer effectively protecting your building.  

3. Prepare your building for winter

If your commercial roof is already on its last leg, it’s best to get it fixed before the cold winter months set in. Without a functioning roof, winter weather events can do serious damage to your building. If your roof is compromised, your building may not stay dry in the winter, and your interior spaces may not be insulated from the cold. Mold remediation and huge heating bills can add up to a much greater cost than replacing a roof when it’s ready.

4. Streamline your maintenance schedule.

Because of the danger winter weather can present to commercial roofs, fall is also considered the best month for maintenance, cleaning, and inspections. Getting a roof replacement this time of the year sets your business up for the ideal annual maintenance schedule. 

If you’re hoping to get your roof replaced before winter sets in, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help with your roof replacement.

How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Roof?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roof cleaning may not seem like the most important roof maintenance issue, but cleaning your commercial roof is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to ensure that your roof continues functioning properly.

So how often should you clean your commercial roof? You should clean a commercial roof at least once a year, but exactly when and how often will depend on your business, climate, and the type of roof you have. 

Clean your roof between seasons

As temperatures change, the situation atop your roof also shifts. Moisture that collects on the roof or in a gutter may freeze in winter. Scattered debris will get swept around in spring rainstorms, and the roof itself will expand or contract based on the temperature. 

If left alone, water or snow can turn to ice, forming a barrier on the edge of the roof and blocking moisture from escaping through drains or gutters. Debris can build up, deteriorating the roof and its surface. It can also cause water to back up into the building once the ice melts. To prevent these seasonal changes from damaging your roof, it’s wise to clean your commercial roof before temperatures change, preparing it for the season to come.

Clean your roof after a storm

Storms and other weather events are a primary cause of roof damage. Tree branches, leaves, and excess water can all wind up on a roof after a storm. Even if your commercial roof avoids damage in a storm, you should still be sure to clean off any debris, which can cause damage or block moisture from leaving the roof surface.

Clean your roof throughout the summer

In hot climates, many commercial buildings have “cool roofs,” a white roof to reflect the sun away from the building. To function properly, cool roofs need to maintain their clean white surface. Cleaning dirt and grime off a cool roof in summer will allow the roof to continue reflecting the sun’s rays and cooling the building. It also allows for a roofing contractor to thoroughly inspect the roof’s surface for any deficiencies or blemishes. 

Always clean your roof at regular intervals

Even when there are no storms or dramatic seasonal changes, it’s important to maintain a regular cleaning schedule for all commercial roofs. Commercial roof cleaning is necessary for both sloped and flat roofs at least once a year.

If you’re ready to learn more about commercial roof cleaning, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to guide you to the best services to keep your roof clean and functioning well.