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Commercial roofing products are constantly improving, and by those incremental improvements, lasting longer. Your commercial roofer may have installed a built-up roof a decade ago and just replaced it with with a single-ply membrane; that membrane could last 20 or more years. Helping your commercial roofing to last, no matter the material, is a goal not only of your facilities crew but of your commercial roofer.

For Every Roof

Every low-slope commercial roof can benefit from these life-extending ideas:

1. Minimize foot traffic
2. Maintain a rigorous schedule of frequent inspections and repairs, working with your commercial roofer to arrange annual or semi-annual maintenance
3. Removing debris and water promptly after Tampa’s (infamous) thunderstorms and hurricanes

Single Ply

Single ply membrane is tough stuff. In Tampa’s heat, humidity, and strong sun, it holds up well despite all that Mother Nature throws at it. Still, a facilities manager can extend the life of any single-ply product with a few judicious steps:

• Keep your roof clean
• Keep drains and scuppers clear to avoid water ponding — Ponded water acts as a prism, increasing UV light’s damaging effects
• Ensure open seams are re-sealed the same way your commercial roofer originally installed them — This can mean either chemical adhesive or heat, but the work should match for integrity

BUR

With built-up roofing (BUR), roofing felts start to lose their volatile chemicals from Day One. The goal of your commercial roofer with BUR is to minimize the sun’s effects, says National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) researcher R. L. Bonafont. The roof needs to be considered as an integrated whole, despite the movement inherent in the layers. Bonafont recommends:

• Increasing the overall thickness of the membrane by adding layers National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) researcher R. L. Bonafont. The roof needs to be considered as an integrated whole, despite the movement inherent in the layers. Bonafont recommends:
• Reducing shear movement by ensuring high penetration of the bitumen
• Increasing the use of polyester reinforcing layers to increase traction

Roof Replacement

Should repair and life-extension be insufficient, consider roof replacement. We strongly recommend thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes as economical, long-lasting replacements for Tampa roofs. TPO can be mechanically fastened, fully adhered or ballasted. It enjoys much stronger seam strength than EPDM and it has none of the plasticizers used in PVC membrane, making it a green choice. A good TPO roof, well installed by an expert commercial roofer, can last 15 to 20 years at a lower cost than typical PVC membrane.

For expert advice on extending your commercial roof’s life, please contact the professionals of Aderhold Roofing today.

Concrete dates back to the Romans. It is hard, durable and ideal for sidewalks. Single-ply commercial roofing membrane is only a few decades old. It is thin, durable and not intended for foot traffic. Treating your commercial roof like it is a sidewalk is only one of four things you should never do to the commercial roofing products protecting your business.

Invite Foot Traffic

Discourage foot traffic on your building’s roof not just to avoid slips and falls, but to preserve the commercial roofing material itself. Single-ply membrane and other roofing substances are tough but are not meant to hold up under daily pedestrian use. Consider the damage a pair of pointed heels could do to TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen.

Expect rooftop visitors to stick to the installed walkways, and keep a visitor’s log so you know who has been on the roof and for what purpose. Discourage casual visits by keeping access doors and hatches locked.

Defer Maintenance

One of the most damaging things you can do to your roof is postpone required maintenance and repairs. You may save a few dollars in this year’s budget, but you will pay far more in future years for today’s neglect.

Annual inspection and routine minor repairs extend your commercial roofing product’s life. Though it may cost a few percent of what a new roof will cost, it is money wisely spent.

Never Clean It

Keeping your commercial roof clean accomplishes several goals:

• Improved public relations — A clean roof has customer appeal and suggests an organized business
• Reduces damage — Wind-borne debris can scour and scuff the roof surface as it is dragged across it
• Prevents leaks — Keeping internal drains and parapet scuppers clear of debris allows water to flow instead of ponding
• Adds life — A clean commercial roofing surface lasts longer
• Lessens cooling load — A dark, moss-covered or algae-covered roof absorbs heat and drives up your cooling bill

Do It Yourself

Avoid assigning your facilities crew to roof repair work. First, it is dangerous — edges are closer than they appear. Second, your crew members are not experts trained in proper roof repair. Third, their actions could void any warranty that could cover the expense of bringing in trained roofers, like the pros at Aderhold Roofing.

Please consider teaming with Aderhold Roofing to prevent doing more harm than good on your commercial roof. Contact us today. We know our business, and want to protect yours.

A liability for a property owner generally connotes insurance. Yet liabilities are simply are simply obligations you have, as in being responsible for the integrity of your commercial roof. What liabilities does your roof create for you and your commercial roofer?

Mold

If mold begins to appear inside your commercial property due to leaks in the roof, you are responsible for mold remediation. This can become prohibitively expensive. The easiest way to deal with mold is to never let it in, by careful annual inspection and maintenance from your commercial roofer. An open seam or slight puncture can allow water to infiltrate.

Mold spores are commonly in the air at all times; only when they have a moisture-rich environment will they set up homes and start reproducing. Keep the water out of your building interior, and your HVAC system will keep the natural humidity low enough to prevent mold.

Slip Hazard

To prevent slip hazards on your roof, minimize foot traffic. Keep a log of rooftop visitors (satellite dish repair person; HVAC technician; window washers), and limit access to dry days, if possible. Ensure all third parties carry their own … wait for it … liability insurance, to protect your building from legal responsibility if a technician does slip and fall.

Another method to reduce slip hazards on the roof is to insist workers follow prescribed paths, preferably along foot boards. This also reduces the likelihood of a worker’s boot causing a tear in the membrane, which could lead to our next liability, leaks.

Leaks

Leaks do more than establish mold colonies. Leaks can ruin wall surfaces, ceiling tiles, and equipment. A sustained water leak can damage inventory or cause an electrical fire. Your commercial roofer can provide annual inspection and minor roof repair so a small leak is caught before major damage is done.

Asset

Your roof is your financial obligation, but it is also an important asset. It shelters your business from the elements, so treat it as an income-protecting asset. Ignoring simple inspection and maintenance programs as offered by your commercial roofer can mean a business-shuttering disaster. Invest in the inexpensive upkeep of your roof to increase your return on the original installation investment.

To learn what Aderhold Roofing can do to protect your business’s roof, contact us today. You can partner with us and transfer some of the worry about your commercial roof liabilities from your shoulders to ours.

Every year, commercial property owners dread hurricane season here in Tampa — specifically during peak hurricane season, which lasts from late August through the end of September.

Hurricanes can cause massive commercial roof damage, which can not only be expensive to repair or replace but can force businesses to temporarily shut down. Once a hurricane has come through your area, you’ll want to do a visual inspection of your property to determine if your commercial roof has experienced any damage.

Inspecting a Commercial Roof After a Hurricane

Safety should be your number one priority. This means that if your property experienced flooding, do not go inside unless the electricity has been turned off. Additionally, do not go up on your roof to look for damage. Even if it looks like it’s in good condition, it may be structurally unsound — and even if it’s fine, you could end up hurting yourself or damaging your roof due to a lack of training.

Instead, circle around your property and do a visual inspection. If it looks like anything’s been damaged, then you should have a professional roofer come and perform a thorough inspection.

Common Hurricane-Related Roof Damage

The following are some of the common types of commercial roof damage that occurs during a hurricane:

• Roof leaks – If you can see holes or other forms of visible damage on your roof or to the roof’s flashing, there’s a good chance there’s a leak. If large puddles have gathered on your commercial roof, there may be some risk for leaks as well. The best way to ensure that there are no leaks is to have a roof inspection performed.
• Gutter problems – High powered winds have been known to rip gutters from their roofing. Inspect your gutter system if you have one. Look to make sure that it’s still attached to the roof. You should also consider having your gutters cleaned in case debris has collected during the hurricane. This will prevent clogs from occurring.
• Roof debris – If you can see debris on your roof, such as branches, dirt, rocks, or other items, you should have them professionally removed. They are adding stress to a roof system that might be vulnerable to other roof damage.

Whether you can spot any damage or not, it’s a good idea to have an inspection performed following a hurricane. Schedule a commercial roof inspection by contacting us at Aderhold Roofing today.

Updated: Oct 15, 2018

Taking measures to protect your commercial property in Tampa is important if you want to make sure that it gets through hurricane season.

Hurricane season starts on June 1st and lasts until November 30th. It’s at its peak from late August through September. During these times of the year, it will be your commercial roof that will be most vulnerable to the high winds and heavy rainfall that hurricanes bring. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help reduce the risk of commercial roof damage.

Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Hurricane Season

There are several things that you should do to prepare your commercial roof for hurricane season. These include the following:

• Schedule a gutter cleaning – It’s going to rain a lot, especially during peak hurricane season. Make sure that your gutters have been professionally cleaned so that they don’t get clogged up. If they get clogged, rainwater may build up in your gutters, which can cause damage to the gutter systems, leaks in your roof, and potentially water damage to your foundation.
• Schedule a roof inspection – You’ll want to make sure your roof is in good condition. If it needs repairs, you should make them before hurricane season hits. A roof that’s in poor condition will be vulnerable to damage. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that all leaks are fixed, no matter how small they are. A minor leak can result in major water damage should a hurricane come through.
• Secure outdoor items – If you have any loose items on your property, such as trash cans or lawn equipment, you need to bring it in if a hurricane is nearing your area. Strong hurricane winds can easily pick these items up and blow them into your roof, causing major damage.
• Trim your tree branches – If there are trees near your building, make sure that the branches aren’t too close to your roof. A strong enough hurricane could break off branches and send them tumbling into your roof. You may need to have a professional trim back the branches of nearby trees.

The best way to prepare your commercial roof in Tampa for hurricane season is to make sure it’s in good condition by performing any repairs that might be necessary. To schedule a professional roof inspection in Tampa before hurricane season hits its peak, be sure to contact us at Aderhold Roofing today.

Tampa’s strong storms bring out the best in people. They also, unfortunately, bring out the worst sorts of people: storm chasers, who prey on businesses big and small to turn a fast buck. Learn to recognize and avoid Tampa commercial roofing companies whose only goal is not to perform proper storm repair but to rip you off.

Check the Address

The fastest way to spot a storm chaser specializing in commercial roofing is to ask for a local address. Most roofing companies trying to cut corners and capitalize on insurance payouts travel with the storms. They have no local address, no ties to the community, and no local crews. Instead, they come in, promise complete storm repair, take what they can get from your insurance company, and depart. Left behind is a substandard roofing repair that will not last as long as the quality job a local, reputable roofer can provide.

Check the Trucks

Out of state license plates on the contractor’s equipment are warning signs you may be dealing with a storm chaser. In Tampa commercial roofing, most local contractors know each other and compete fairly and honestly; we recognize out-of-towners right away. What our customers do not recognize in these storm-chasing Tampa commercial roofing hucksters is the quick, unprofessional repair work they do. Only after the out-of-state trucks and their hodge-podge crews roll out of town will you start to notice open seams, unsecured flashing, or other problems from their fast roofing repair work.

Check the License

Storm chasers spin a story too good to be true: they offer to perform the Tampa commercial roofing repair you need with no out-of-pocket expenses to your company. You file the insurance claim, they collect the payout, and you (seemingly) pay nothing. This is just wrong because the best local Tampa roofers will work with your insurer but that still leaves you with a deductible to pay. Avoid this hassle with storm chasers by asking to see their Florida contractors license. Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains a searchable database that makes finding reputable roofers, like Aderhold Roofing, easy to look up and confirm. Avoid storm chasers. Engage the services of a reliable, local roofer with years of experience in Tampa commercial roofing. Contact us at Aderhold Roofing today and let us help you protect your business, its roof, and your company’s future.

Your home’s roof is an important structure that keeps your house safe. Despite its significant role, your home’s roof also happens to be one of the most vulnerable.

Punishing weather conditions like severe storms and freezing temperatures largely contribute to its deterioration, which increases the risk of damage to everything below it.

As such, it goes without saying that maintaining your property’s roof is critical. For landlords, property maintenance is not only your responsibility but it’s also your legal obligation, warns Florida Property Management & Sales.

Although each state is different, most habitability laws require that your rental property be “liveable” or “habitable.”

So, to safeguard your property from the elements, conducting regular inspections is unquestionably the best preventative care you can take.

Besides inclement weather conditions, the roof of your rental property can also get damaged as a result of:

· Ponding water: If water is standing or pooling near your roof, it’s definitely a sign of trouble. It accelerates the deterioration of many materials, including roofing asphalt, steel equipment supports, and seam adhesives in single-ply roof systems.

· Poor roof ventilation: Lack of proper roof ventilation can cause a myriad of problems, which can cause serious damage and pricey repairs.

· Blistering, splitting, ridging, and surface erosion of shingles: When any of these things happen to your shingles, the life of your roof can seriously be cut short.

· Improper maintenance: This is the roof’s worst problem. This can cause your roof to lose functionality and strength.

With that being said, here are 5 rental property roof maintenance tips for landlords.

Tip #1: Inspect your roof.

Roofs are often said to be like tires. They only come to our attention when a problem arises, and we only fix them when it becomes absolutely necessary.

Now, doing regular roof inspections can help you prevent costly roof repairs in the future. Experts recommend checking your roof at least twice a year. When inspecting your roof, the following are some things to consider:

· Missing or lifting shingles

· Damaged drip edge

· Missing, loose or buckling flashing

· Exposed or exposed fasteners

· Broken or sagging gutters

· Piles of granules

Tip #2: Clean the gutters.

Roof gutters are traces and chutes that route water off your roof. Keeping your gutters clean can protect you from costly roof and foundation repairs. It can also help you extend your gutters life expectancy.

If you neglect them, they can seriously cost you, both monetarily and in terms of labor and frustration over the long-term. Also, improperly functioning gutters can cause a myriad of problems.

Besides causing roof damage, improperly functioning gutters can cause damage to your foundation, siding, and landscape.

Tip #3: Trim the trees.

Pruning those trees in your yard will make them healthy, productive and pretty. And, more importantly, doing so will help keep you and your loved ones safe. One good storm can send branches crashing into your roof.

Additionally, trees with overgrown branches can:

· Enable the growth of moss. Moss requires moisture to grow. This is facilitated by the shade trees provide.

· Make it easier for animals to enter. A nice long tree branch can help squirrels, raccoons, possums, and skunks access your attic.

· Clog your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause severe issues in your home. One of these issues is water damage.

Tip #4: Check for moss and algae.

Moss and algae are not only unsightly, but they are also damaging as well. Left unattended, these organisms can cause a huge dent in your pocket. Luckily, removing and preventing their growth is easy.

To hinder their growth, you’ll need to keep your attic properly ventilated, remove any debris in your gutters, and trim overhanging branches.

With an existing problem, you’ll just need to mix water and chlorine bleach in the ratio of 50:50. Then, you’ll need to use a sprayer to apply it on your roof and leave the solution for about twenty minutes before rinsing it with water.

Tip #5: Re-caulk, if necessary and Check Insulation

If low-grade caulking was used during the roof installation, flashings may not hold their seal. Flashings help secure joints in your roof and places that tend to receive a lot of water, like valleys between slopes.

If the flashing is missing, installed incorrectly, or damaged, it may allow water into the home leading to structural damage.

If you have spotted large water spots on the ceiling of your home’s interior, it’s a tell-tale sign of a damaged roof flashing.

Lastly, check your roof’s insulation. The role of your roof’s insulation is to keep the building’s hot air and cold air. Ensuring your attic is well ventilated and insulated can help prevent moisture-related problems.

There you have it. Top 5 rental property maintenance tips for landlords. If you notice a serious problem with your roof, it may be best to just call a professional roofing expert.

Written by:

Beth Nathanson

P.A., Realtor & Director of Sales

Real Estate & Property Management are a passion for Beth, and she’s excited to provide ever evolving solutions to her customer’s needs, proudly serving her clients and their families in both management & sales since 1994.
https://floridapropertyrealty.com