Commercial Roof Maintenance: Creating a Year-Round Prevention Plan
For commercial property managers in the Greater Toronto Area, maintaining the integrity of your building’s roof is critical to avoid costly water damage, extend the life of your roof, and keep your tenants happy. As a leading commercial roofing contractor with over 30 years of experience serving Toronto and the GTA, Nusite Group understands the unique challenges of our local climate.
Blazing hot summers, icy cold winters, and everything in between take their toll on commercial roofs. That’s why having a proactive, year-round roof maintenance plan is essential. In this article, we’ll cover the key components of an effective commercial roof maintenance program and share some Toronto-specific tips.
Assess Current Roof Conditions The first step is to evaluate the current condition of your commercial roof. Look for any obvious signs of damage or deterioration, such as:
- Cracks, blisters or gaps in the roof surface
- Ponding water that doesn’t drain
- Damaged flashing around vents, skylights, etc.
- Blocked drains or gutters
- Loose or missing roofing material
- Staining or leaks on interior ceilings
If you notice any major issues, contact a trusted commercial roofing contractor to conduct a thorough inspection. With over three decades serving the GTA, Nusite Group provides comprehensive roof assessments and roof restoration services to get your roof back in top shape.
Develop a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist Toronto’s dynamic weather means your roof maintenance needs change with the seasons. Develop a checklist of tasks to complete in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Some key items to include:
Spring
- Clear debris from roof, drains and gutters
- Inspect for damage from winter storms/ice
- Make any needed repairs before summer heat
Summer
- Check AC units and vents are properly sealed
- Look for blistering, cracking from sun exposure
- Remove any vegetation growth
Fall
- Clear leaves and debris
- Inspect flashing and sealants
- Prepare roof for winter
Winter
- Remove heavy snow accumulation
- Check for ice damming
- Repair any leaks promptly
By breaking maintenance down into seasonal tasks, you can catch small problems early before they turn into big headaches.
Schedule Regular Inspections
In addition to seasonal upkeep, have your roof professionally inspected at least once a year. A commercial roofing contractor can identify issues you may miss and make expert repair recommendations to maximize your roof’s lifespan.
Nusite Group’s experienced technicians know exactly what to look for on commercial roofs in the GTA. We use the latest imaging technology and non-destructive testing methods to provide the most thorough inspections and accurate condition reports.
Keep Detailed Maintenance Records
Documenting all your preventive maintenance and repairs is key to extending your roof’s life and avoiding warranty issues. Keep a binder with dated checklists of completed maintenance tasks, inspection reports, repair invoices, and warranty information.
Not only does diligent recordkeeping demonstrate you’ve upheld your maintenance responsibilities, it also helps Nusite and other contractors understand your roof’s unique history and needs. With our extensive experience in the Toronto area, we can spot red flags and provide the best solutions to protect your roof investment.
Don’t Delay Roof Restoration
Even the most conscientious maintenance program can’t make a roof last forever. If your roof is showing signs of age like persistent leaks, it may be time to consider a full roof restoration. Nusite Group’s skilled crews can restore most low-slope commercial roofing systems to like-new condition, adding 10-15 years to the life of the roof at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
For commercial property managers in Toronto and the surrounding GTA cities, protecting your roof protects your whole building. Partner with an experienced local contractor like Nusite Group and develop a customized maintenance plan to keep your roof watertight for the long haul. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and condition assessment.
