Failing to maintain your commercial roof can cause serious problems for both your roof system and your building as a whole. Though maintenance may seem like an unnecessary cost and burden, taking good care of a commercial roof actually pays off over time and can help ward off a disaster.
Here are a few of the things that can happen if you fail to maintain your commercial roof:
1. Your small problems may get bigger.
Much of commercial roof maintenance is making small repairs or cleaning up things that may cause problems down the road. To many, these small interventions may seem like a waste of time, but these tiny steps are crucial to keeping big problems at bay. Making a cost-effective and quick repair now may prevent the issue from worsening and causing more damage down the line.
2. You may spend more money.
Roof maintenance costs pale in comparison to a major roof repair or a roof replacement. Spending a little bit every year and sticking to a commercial roof maintenance plan will help prevent big expenses like a premature roof replacement or a costly repair.
3. You’ll lose out on warranties and insurance reimbursements.
In some cases, failing to maintain your roof adequately is grounds for voiding most warranties, and insurance can refuse to pay for a repair if they find that it was caused by poor maintenance. Sticking to a maintenance plan and documenting your repairs is the best way to ensure that your policy and warranties will cover you in case of an emergency.
4. Your roof may become a hazard.
Unmaintained roofs are more likely to leak. When water seeps into a roof, it can spread damage to the entire building. This can create a hazardous situation for tenants or employees in the building. A commercial roof maintenance schedule can help catch minor water problems before they become dangerous for those who regularly occupy your building.
5. Your energy bill payments may increase.
A commercial roof is also an important insulating component of a building. When the insulation on a poorly maintained roof degrades due to water damage, it doesn’t retain as much heat in the winter, leading to higher energy costs. Similarly, failing to clean a roof properly can limit its reflective properties in the summer, leading to a warmer building and higher energy costs to cool it.
6. You won’t be able to plan your budget.
A commercial roof maintenance plan helps businesses and organizations plan for repair expenses over the course of the year. Without regular inspections and maintenance, your business may encounter a large, unexpected roof repair, which can often cost much more than smaller maintenance fixes. Since budget planning is critical for large organizations, regular maintenance helps eliminate these unpleasant surprises.
If you’re ready to start developing a commercial roof maintenance plan for your roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is on hand to help with all of your roofing needs.