Most roof repair work is localized, small and not done as an emergency response. As a commercial building owner or facilities manager, do you know what to do when any one of the three worst roofing emergencies occurs on your watch?
She’s Taking on Water
After a hurricane or major thunderstorm, some commercial roofs become sieves, often with little advance warning. Prepare for multiple water infiltration by stocking up and knowing who to call.
Protect the interior — Stock plastic sheeting to protect furnishings, equipment and inventory; keep extra, large trash cans on hand to catch water, with smaller containers to cluster beneath multiple leaks; empty the smaller ones into the larger ones Clear rooftop water — Your building’s roof may have retained water around clogged internal drains and parapet scuppers; if safe to work on, have wide squeegees and brooms available to push the water away Contact your roofing contractor — A trustworthy, local roofer will respond quickly in an emergency
Vandalism
Roof hacking, impromptu parties, and deliberate, destructive vandalism can be unpleasant surprises for facilities managers. Company employees may be guilty of rooftop escapades, but serious damage usually occurs when vandals gain access.
Repairs to a vandalized commercial roof may require an emergency inspection, coordination with other trades (HVAC, satellite communications, sign company, the window washing equipment supplier), and a police response.
Keep contact information for all rooftop contractors readily available, and enlist your facilities crew to do a foot-by-foot inspection to uncover damage from stray feet, blunt or pointed tools, spray paint and meddlesome hands. Catalog the damage and inform the police, your insurance company and your roof repair contractor.
Wind Uplift
Strong winds can wreak havoc with a commercial roof, leading to emergency roof repair and big insurance headaches. Prepare for what could be a business-shuttering emergency by applying these three steps:
If safe, clear the damage so that additional winds do not grab the uplifted sections and pull more of your roof away If safe to work on, cover the damaged roof area with tarps to prevent water infiltration Keep all your insurance and emergency roof repair contact information in one spot for immediate access
We hope, as you plan your response to critical roof repairs, you consider Aderhold Roofing to be your trusted partner in roof repair, maintenance and inspection. Contact us today to learn how we can help you prepare and plan for the biggest emergencies.