5 Maintenance Tips For Warehouse Roofs
Warehouse managers are responsible for the entire building they work in and protect it at all costs, including the roof. Follow the maintenance tips below, to ensure your warehouse roof remains damage-free, resilient, and intact.
A roof is crucial in maintaining a building’s structural integrity, whether used in residential or commercial settings. Unfortunately, some owners and building managers may be oblivious to how roof upkeep is as essential as other preventive maintenance measures.
For instance, a well-maintained warehouse roof is crucial in keeping the items, stocks, and other assets safe and protected. Similarly, a well-kept roof prevents damage, and significant losses from harsh elements like strong winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperature swings.
Here are some tips to ensure your warehouse eroof remains in good repair.
- Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
If you want to ensure that your roof can withstand potential weather problems and other roof issues, be sure to conduct regular commercial roofing inspections as they help spot and prevent problems such as leaks. At the same time, experts conducting semi-annual roof checkups can spot minor issues and fix them before they lead to significant problems.
While experts recommend you schedule roof checks at least twice a year, you may do it more frequently, mainly if your warehouse is in a disaster-prone area. Staying cautious is a must, as you’ll never know what might happen to the roof if a major calamity hits your warehouse.
- Fix Leaks Right Away
One of the worst things you can do as a warehouse manager is to ignore roof leaks. Over time, even a tiny crack can turn into a big problem, leading to costly repairs. A small leak can cause further damage to your warehouse and can compromise its entire structure. Leaks can also harm the people you work with, as they can cause electrical and equipment failures.
Additionally, your warehouse’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be a source of leaking. Faulty ductwork and improper attic insulation are two significant contributors to HVAC problems affecting the roof and the ceiling, so warehouse managers should also be wary of them. To check the soundness of your HVAC units and parts, especially the return vents located on the ceiling, seek the help of a commercial HVAC company.
- Minimize Weight On the Roof
Generally, warehouse roofs are designed to be solid and sturdy, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible.
A great way to keep the roof intact is to avoid adding too much unnecessary weight on them. This means you should always keep anything and anyone off the top of the building. Stop anyone from walking on the topmost section of your building unless they’re professionals conducting inspections, maintenance, or repairs. In addition, keep your roof and its surroundings free from overgrown tree branches and electrical wires.
- Clear Out Clogs And Gutters
Due to major health concerns, establishments and workplaces have added rules to make their workers feel protected and safe from viruses. In addition to these minimum health and safety protocols, warehouse managers must insist on cleaning the exterior and interior sections of the facility to improve the warehouse’s indoor environment.
Outside the confines of your warehouse, drains and gutters play a significant role in your warehouse roofing system. As such, they have to be inspected and cleaned periodically. Be sure to remove debris, such as leaves, nails, pebbles, and broken glass. Besides potentially causing injuries and property damage, clogged drains can lead to mold and mildew growth, which may cause health issues.
- Always Clear The Snow During Winter
It’s also vital that you pay attention to the amount of snow accumulation on a warehouse roof, if your building is situated in a colder climate. As little as four feet of snow can significantly weigh roof structures and cause roof collapse. Commercial roofs are particularly vulnerable because they’re often flat, and snow accumulates more easily than sloped residential roofing.
Snow can also cause leaks and ice dams. You can prevent this by adequately insulating your warehouse attic or ceiling and having your roof checked for cracks and issues before the winter season.
Final Thoughts
The roof is an essential feature of any residential or commercial building. And in warehouses, it’s crucial to keep physical assets safe and protected. You need to do your best to take care of it and request repairs as soon as issues arise. Regular maintenance and roof inspection can also give you peace of mind, as these ensure the structural integrity of your warehouse building. With that said, follow the tips above so your warehouse roof can protect all valuables inside the premises.
