Category Archives: Blog

Blog, Roofing Damage

The Hidden Dangers of Storm Damage and How to Protect Your Business

With rough summer storms rolling through, you might worry about your roof more than usual. While you might be comforted by a quick look from the ground, you should know that some storm damage can be hidden below the surface.

While a professional roofer should be the one to do a closer inspection, you should take the time to learn about the potential damage your roof faces and what a roofer will look at after a big thunderstorm rolls through. If you think you might be facing hidden storm damage, call us at Heidler Roofing, and we’ll have a trained eye on your business ASAP.

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Types of Hidden Roof Damage

When a storm blows through town, you might see wind gusts pulling up roofing, hail pummeling eaves, and rain slipping underneath your roof’s surface. These are the most common ways that storm damage is caused, though downed trees and flying debris are more obvious and eye-catching. Here are some of the ways that damage stays hidden from sight:

Roof surface Damage

Flat or low-angle roofing is most common on commercial buildings. These roof types are often more durable but can face just as much damage from harsh storms. Debris and hail might damage the flat surface, resulting in weakening or subtle tears in the material that can’t be easily seen. Depending on the material it is made of, a commercial building’s roof might also be more susceptible to hail and damage from fast temperature changes.

Flashing Damage

Flashing is the metal edge around your building’s chimney, walls, and other points where the roof meets a vertical surface. This material guides water away from sensitive areas and corners, where it can pool and cause corrosion. Flashing can face similar threats from wind damage that paneling can face, where it is pulled and pried away from the surface it is supposed to protect.

Roof paneling Damage

The bulk of a commercial roof is typically made up of TPO or EPDM, which is nailed into place or glued down and secured. This provides the waterproofing and sun protection that keeps you safe and cozy inside. The major form of wind damage is loosened or pulled away paneling that occurs during strong gusts of wind storms. This harm leads to stress where the paneling is weak or poorly installed, which causes a potential avenue for water penetration.

How Storms Damage Your Roof

Depending on your business’s recent challenges, you might expect to see different types and signs of storm damage. Wind storm damage and hail storm damage pose various threats to your business.

Wind Damage

Storm damage is most commonly caused by wind and gusts. Tornadoes and simple wind storms can cause many common roofing issues, such as:

  • Flat roofing pulled away from the roof surface
  • Roofing panels that are lifted, warped, or cracked
  • Cracks or chips in siding, paint, or wood
  • Dings and dents from debris striking roofing or siding

Early signs of wind damage include loose or shifted roofing panels and drafts or temperature differences in your business.

Water Damage

Wind can weaken your roof, making water damage more likely. When that firm contact between roofing panels and the roof plane is disrupted, it can lead to:

  • Bacteria, mildew, and mold inside your business
  • Soggy, swollen wood in your attic or roof
  • Leaks in your ceiling and roof

Early signs of water damage include musty smells, dark or wet spots on your ceiling, or even sagging ceilings.

Hail Damage

Hail damage is usually apparent—dents, dings, chips, and other signs of roof damage can be clearly visible. But some issues might be less obvious:

  • Hairline fractures to roofing panels, downspouts, and gutters.
  • Cracks and damage to the roof plane underneath the roof plane
  • Warped or bent roofing panels, flashing, or metal siding

Hail damage is the least common storm damage but can often be easier to assess.

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What to Do After a Storm

A close-up of a commercial roof drain with some small signs of storm damage.

Storm damage requires capable eyes to assess accurately. The first thing you should do is call a professional roofer who can adequately evaluate your commercial roof’s repair needs. In the meantime, there are some things that you can do after the weather clears to ensure your roof stays safe and sound.

  • Prioritize Safety: Don’t go up on your roof alone! Walking around your roof’s surface is generally not advised, but if you’re committed to doing your check before calling a roofer, prioritize safety with the buddy system.
  • Prevent Further Damage: If you can do this safely, you can try to prevent damage from worsening. For example, a tarp can cover loose or damaged roof panels to prevent water penetration. Permanent repairs may take some time.
  • Document Damage: One thing that should definitely happen is documentation. For insurance, roofers, and anybody else who needs to know, taking photographs of damaged or missing roofing is good for you financially and your roofer professionally.

Once your roofer arrives, these steps that you take can help get them up to speed on your business’s well-being and get started on adequately addressing the storm damage that your business has experienced.

Expose and Resolve Hidden Storm Damage and Call Heidler Roofing Today!

Whether you’re facing subtle water penetration or apparent tree damage, Heidler Roofing can be on location in no time! Your business can face many concerning issues after simple rain or terrifying tornadoes. Don’t leave your business’s safety in the hands of just any company.

Heidler is a helpful and reputable roofing company that has dealt with damage of all kinds. We have helped fix roofs throughout the Mid-Atlantic area and are ready to help do the vital job of post-storm damage fixes.

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Blog, Roofing Materials

Revealing the Secrets of the Best Commercial Roof Materials for Business Needs

Are you confident that your business has the best roof possible? Are you sure it will hold up through the next big storm? The next sudden drop in temperature? With a new roof made from the best commercial roof materials on the market, you can enjoy a business experience without those kinds of worries.

No two businesses are the same, which is why we have so many options to choose from for commercial roofing systems. Here in the Mid Atlantic, we know how quickly the weather can change for you. This unpredictable weather is why businesses here need roofing that can withstand the sudden changes between hot and cold, wet and dry. If you feel it’s time to upgrade to a new roof for your commercial property, come to Heidler Roofing and start the discussion with a fast and easy quote!

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How to Choose the Right Commercial Roof Materials

When looking for a new roof for your commercial roofing, you should carefully consider your commercial property’s needs. From energy efficiency to foot traffic to the environment, you should think about what your commercial roof materials need to withstand throughout the many years of their lifetime.

How sloped is your roof? Low slope roofs (also known as “flat roofs”) are the most common form for commercial properties and can open up your options. Maintenance and installation can be more difficult if your roof is shaped a certain way. When choosing a commercial roofing system, you must note what each material provides and how it will meet your needs.

Built-Up Roofing

The roof of an apartment building with a built-up roofing system

Built-up roofing, or BUR, is a standard type of commercial roofing that can be compared to asphalt shingles. These types of roofing are very durable thanks to the bitumen (asphalt) layers and reinforced fiberglass fabric. These form ‘plies’ that are typically layered over each other.

Multiple layers of BUR ply can be highly durable, especially when covered with a final layer of gravel that provides UV protection. While a single ply is often enough, multiple layers offer more security and a longer lifespan. Additionally, built-up roofs are more than capable of standing up to heavy foot traffic.

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PVC Roofing

A drone’s-eye view of a PVC roof

Poly Vinyl Chloride – PVC – is an incredibly versatile commercial roof material. Because this material is a synthetic resin, it is particularly resistant to bacteria, mold, and algae, which are all common concerns in roofing materials. PVC is strong enough to manage high foot traffic and other stresses. The durability and resistance are marked benefits of PVC.

An additional benefit for those who choose a PVC roof is the cost-effective installation, thanks to simpler methods requiring less labor. This system is usually installed in sheets, laid down, and set in place mechanically or with adhesive. PVC also benefits energy efficiency, thanks to the white finish that reflects UV rays.

TPO Roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofing is an excellent alternative to PVC, which has many of the same benefits. Both PVC and TPO are synthetic commercial roof materials that provide high durability for lower costs and simple installation. Both are single-ply membrane systems that reflect the sun’s rays.

TPO roofs are relatively new and have many different formulations, while PVC has been on the market for more than 50 years and is more established as a material. TPO sheets are also stiffer, making them more challenging to install. This property means more risk of roof leaks and damage to the underlying structure. If you have a simpler roof design and desire a lower-cost option, TPO is a good alternative to PVC.

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EPDM Roofing

A commercial roof made with an EPDM roofing system

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer – EPDM for much shorter – is an excellent option for the right roof and commercial building. EPDM rubber roofing is low-cost, long-lasting, and can be given a white finish as an energy-efficient option. However, there are some downsides.

Installation costs can be higher because an EPDM roofing membrane is more flexible, leading to punctures and tears if not correctly installed. Without reinforcement, EPDM roof coatings are subject to shrinkage and ‘bridging’ at the end of their life when they begin to tighten across the roofing substrate. In the hands of a good roofing contractor, EPDM roofing material is one of the strongest and longest-lasting—but only when handled well.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

A downwards view of a mod bit roof system

Modified bitumen is a close relative of BUR roofing. Both use asphalt as a binder and base for other materials, but where BUR uses layers of fiberglass, Mod Bit roofing systems use synthetic rubber or plastic addition. The mixture of roof materials provides a new construction with higher tensile strength, lower energy costs, and higher durability.

However, this material is not as long-lived as other roofing systems since there are more ‘moving parts,’ so to speak. These roofing systems absorb heat more readily, creating a warmer indoor environment. Lastly, the installation can involve heat-welded seams that create strong chemical odors and potentially harmful fumes.

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Spray-On Roofing

This kind of roofing system is straightforward. Roofers spray polyurethane foam across the surface of your roof system. This layer of foam expands and hardens into a solid layer. This type is one of the most eco-friendly and straightforward styles of roof.

Spray-on roof systems provide insulation, thanks to the air pockets within the foam that heat can’t quickly transfer through. However, this roof needs to be installed during favorable weather without moisture, can be a bit more ‘temperamental,’ and requires at least one annual inspection. But when properly maintained, this is a desirable and unique option.

Heidler Roofing – Call Us.

You’ve been given a lot of information about commercial roof materials. If you feel a little overwhelmed, that’s understandable. Each roof system is unique and offers much to your commercial property. Durability, resilience, energy efficiency, and fire resistance are all significant factors to consider when you look for your roof.

Let us help you choose the best system for your needs. We at Heidler have over 65 years of experience installing roofs and providing regular maintenance to even the most sensitive systems. The roofing industry is full of advancements that can cause even more confusion. We can help guide you to the commercial roofing system of your dreams – Call us today and get started!

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Blog, Commercial/Industrial Roofing

Managing Manufacturing-Related Commercial Roof Damage: Causes, Costs, and Solutions

Have you noticed your roof leaks or fails, even though it was installed recently? Manufacturing-related commercial roof damage isn’t typical, but it can be incredibly frustrating. It is particularly disappointing for building owners because the line between manufacturer-related damage and installation-related damage can be challenging to navigate.

A professional roofing company can provide insights into where your damage originates and help you navigate the warranty and replacement or repair process. Property owners trying to place an insurance claim need to work with a roofing professional who can speak to an insurance company. Call us today, and we can explain the ins and outs of manufacturer damage and error.

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What Are the Risks of Manufacturer-Related Roof Damage?

If your roof is poorly installed, manufactured, or maintained, you risk significant damage to it and structural damage to the building itself. Even a newly installed roof should be regularly inspected to avoid costly damage down the line. Common causes of commercial roof membrane damage can also cause damage to trickle down into your building’s walls, interior, and even the foundation. This can lead to costly repairs or even a condemned building due to:

  • Fire Hazards
  • Mold and Fungal Growth
  • Roof Collapse
  • Cracks in the Foundation

Gathering debris and water leaks are common causes of expensive repairs in commercial buildings and aren’t just caused by wear and tear. When your roof age is still young, you might not think you need a maintenance plan or annual inspections. But if manufacturer and installation errors are caught early, you can avoid the worst damage caused by heavy rain and strong winds.

Common Types of Manufacturing-Related Commercial Roof Damage

A flat roof with a skylight built into it with a bright yellow section painted around it

When a commercial roofing system is not manufactured or installed correctly, water infiltration can occur in cracks and gaps in the roof system or around chimneys, skylights, and flashing. These different defects can cause damage to your building’s underlying roofing system and lead to moisture damage, rot, or worse. Here are a few of the most common types of defects you might see:

Cracking

Cracking is a relatively common form of commercial roof damage, which can occur when the material is too firm due to a formula or manufacturing error. This causes the material to be stiff when a roof’s natural expansion and contraction due to heat change require a roof to be more flexible.

Tearing

Unlike cracking, tears are more likely due to a weaker formulation that can’t hold together as well as it should. Thinner layers of roofing materials will tear from wind damage and other common environmental factors. This damage can be very similar to cracking, but a skilled contractor can tell the difference and apply the appropriate repairs.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is an essential part of roofing contractor work, as it guides water away from the sides and corners of your building. Flashing damage quickly shows itself from water gathering under the roofing membrane near the roof’s edges.

It’s important to note that these three major problems can come from multiple causes, so it takes a professional roofer to determine the causes of your commercial roof damage. A good roofing contractor can ensure your replacement roof is installed correctly, avoiding future manufacturing errors and costly repairs.

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Common Signs of Commercial Roofing Damage

Any damage or issue with your roof is worth calling in, but if you are worried about manufacturer-related roof damage, you should call a roofer immediately. Signs of damage are all reasonably similar, but if you see the following issues without a clear cause (Fallen branches, standing water, drain blockage) or within only a few years of new roof installation, you may have defective materials:

  • Leaking Roof
  • Sagging Roof
  • Standing Water
  • Cracked/Torn Roof Membrane
  • Mold

Because manufacturers have so many steps of quality control, manufacturing-related causes of commercial roof damage are less common than the material being installed incorrectly. However, knowing the difference can require a knowledgeable eye, and most warranties require certified and qualified contractors to review the damage before paying out.

How to Avoid Manufacturing Defects

A flat roof with multiple pyramid-shaped skylights and several vents, one of which is brightly colored with blue and red paint.

While installing a new roof, a professional inspection of materials can prevent commercial roof damage by avoiding materials with rare manufacturing defects. Researching and working only with the best commercial roofing contractor is a critical first step to securing your roof’s health.

You can avoid further damage with routine maintenance and a regularly inspected roof. Another way to ensure the best roof is put on your roof is to ask your contractor about the materials your roofing company uses.

For example, we at Heidler Roofing are familiar with various commercial roofing materials, from PVC and BUR roofing to specialty roofing and roof coatings. We can help you avoid roof damage by ensuring your commercial building has the most substantial layers of protection and the most appropriate materials for your roofing needs.

Get Your Commercial Roof Damage Solution with Heidler Roofing!

If you’re frustrated by a new or recently refurbished roof membrane already failing, you don’t want to return to the same company. You want a second opinion on your commercial roof damage from a more experienced commercial roofing contractor or company that understands all the ins and outs of commercial roof maintenance, repair, and installation.

Our professional roofing company has over 65 years of experience providing solutions to roof leaks, damage, and failure. We can help you identify the causes of commercial roof membrane damage and prevent it from happening again! Come to us for solutions to your roofing frustrations, from regular inspections and maintenance to speedy repairs.

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Blog, Roofing Materials

Transforming Commercial Building Roofs: Exploring Innovative Rooftop Spaces

Are you looking to maximize your commercial property’s rooftop space? Or maybe you’re renovating your building and want to give it a new look. When you’re ready to embrace a new way of looking at your commercial property, call the roofing professionals who know the ins and outs of innovative rooftop spaces. We can help you determine what new and exciting uses for your commercial building roof’s space are appropriate for your building.

As a commercial property owner, you should research and understand your building’s zoning laws. If you have the freedom to re-use and re-discover your commercial rooftop space, you should take the time to consider some of the impressive and innovative rooftop spaces used by building owners just like you.

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Create an Oasis with Rooftop Gardens

A low-angle view of a rooftop garden with raised garden boxes.

Green roofs and rooftop gardens provide your commercial building roof with attractive and energy-efficient spaces. Gardens and plant-focused innovative rooftop spaces can help mitigate what is known as the urban heat island effect. This term describes how cities and urban landscapes have poor heat mitigation due to abundant concrete, asphalt, and other artificial materials. These artificial materials are heavily used in a city and typically don’t dissipate heat like trees, grass, and other greenery can.

Rooftop gardens provide a way to improve urban biodiversity and energy efficiency by countering this ‘heat island’ effect. Additionally, this can provide benefits such as sustainability, improved air quality, and the use of rainwater. The downside to these commercial building roofs is that the functional plants require upkeep and management, which causes more work for you or your office management team.

Invite More Visitors with Rooftop Dining Spaces

Many restaurants and dining establishments have creatively used their innovative rooftop spaces for outdoor dining spaces. This functionally adds to the number of customers you can manage but can require heavy renovations and re-design of your commercial building roof. You should pay particular attention to the zoning and safety of the spaces to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.

Another consideration is that the rooftop dining space won’t see much use throughout the winter. However, having additional space for visitors through the summer can pay for itself over the years. This provides ample opportunities to create a restaurant aesthetic that can quickly become a landmark in your city.

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Enhance Your Green Image with Solar Panels

A flat roof that has multiple rows of solar panels installed on top of it

With climate change continuing to be a hot topic, installing solar panels on a commercial building’s roof can easily improve a company’s reputation. Solar technology has continually innovated, removing many past challenges to rooftop solar installations.

Solar panels, shingles, and other energy solutions have experienced design and technology improvements that reduce weight, increase efficiency, and prevent damage to your rooftops. Solar solutions can enhance your building’s energy efficiency and give your business the image of being forward-thinking and eco-friendly.

Explore Your Options with Recreational Spaces

Many residential facilities use their innovative rooftop space to provide recreational space. Residents often cite amenities as a major draw for their apartment choices, which can improve camaraderie and tenant retention. Commercial rooftops can see many benefits when creating a committed recreational space, such as employee time spent on-site, employee retention, and happiness.

Some standard options for recreation space on a commercial building roof include rooftop gardens, play areas for children, or even smaller sports spaces like pickleball or squash courts. Embracing your roof as a common space is a great way to enhance feelings of community for those who spend time in your building.

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Benefit Your Health and Focus with Rooftop Relaxation

A rooftop space with small potted shrubs and four lounge chairs around a small table.

Provide employees with an oasis by adding a rooftop relaxation space to your commercial roof. A dedicated space for short breaks throughout the day can benefit employee retention, happiness, and productivity. Simply providing your outdoor spaces with durable seating and covered areas for shade and protection from the elements can add to your aesthetic and curb appeal.

This type of space doesn’t just benefit offices. Residential buildings, such as nursing homes, can also help the well-being of residents. Fresh air is always good for health, especially in locations with good weather. Hotels can benefit from providing guests with more ways to spend their vacation and travel in a relaxing ambiance.

Design Your Vision with Heidler Roofing

When creating a new space on your commercial building roof, you want to make the most of it. Your team, your residents, or your visitors will want to know that you are a person who considers the little things, from the plants you choose to the design you create. Let us help you make your building a place that people across your city will point to and want to know more about.

We at Heidler Roofing take pride in our work and process and want to share our expertise. We want to empower you to make the most of your roof, whether bringing nature to your team or providing your company with a new way to bring in business. So call us today and help us understand what you envision for your buildings, and we’ll help make that dream a reality.

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Blog, Roofing Materials

The Future of Commercial Roofing: Exciting Advancements to Look Out For

Would you trust your car with a mechanic who doesn’t keep up with the newest advancements in the automotive industry? Even the oldest industries make consistent innovations, spurred on by the creative use of new technologies. That’s why you should only trust your business with a roofing company that looks to the future of the commercial roofing industry for inspiration and long-term goals.

The commercial roofing industry is always advancing, even if it doesn’t look that way from the outside. While traditional roofing materials have been used for centuries, there are always ways to improve the tools, techniques, and technologies used. Call us today, and we can tell you all about the future of your business’s roof—or read on and learn about the future of the commercial roofing industry at large!

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Solar Panel Shingles

Solar technology continues to be one of the most popular ways to showcase an environmental initiative. The benefits of solar power have been long discussed among commercial property owners. Still, continuing advancements in battery storage technology will make solar panels and solar shingles more viable for businesses of all sizes.

Solar panels are becoming more well-integrated with roofing systems because they offset energy costs. Current solar shingles and commercial solar roofing systems have issues with bulk, weight, and efficiency, but these continue to see rapid advancement.

Green Roofs

One of the most common focuses of roofing advancements is the environmental impact. Many of the most common commercial roofing materials involve synthetic materials that can last for decades and eventually break down. These products can have a long-term environmental impact and as a result, many businesses are turning towards metal and green roofing systems.

The urge to use more eco-friendly materials has driven many architects and builders to lean into green roofs, which integrate living plants into roofing materials for a more environmentally friendly roof without the same type of maintenance or winterizing needs. This characteristic brings an excellent curb appeal, provides an easy public image win, and can be longer lasting than common multi-layer roofing materials. Green roofing systems will continue to see more use across commercial roofing. As technology advances, these will likely grow in the commercial roofing market.

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Synthetic Roofing Materials

A close view of a low-slope tile roof with an AC unit on top

Synthetic roofs are not new to commercial roofing trends, but there have been consistent advancements in synthetic materials. The roofing industry has difficult demands on durability, water resistance, and insulation. Composite materials can provide unique benefits to roofing systems, ranging from insulation to lower energy costs.

Reinforced polymers can be used alongside other synthetic materials to create roofing systems that resist extreme weather conditions and the harshest environments. Lastly, synthetic materials tend to be lighter and easier to install than more cumbersome materials. Advancements in materials capable of self-healing, weathering, and other useful benefits are likely to be seen in the industry.

Metal Roofing Advancements

Metal roofing systems have always been very popular for commercial roofing thanks to their ability to use recycled materials, strong structural integrity, and more. Smart roofing systems will increasingly use advanced metal alloys that build upon the benefits of metal roofs.

Commercial roofs often demand timely repairs, improved cost savings, and better energy efficiency. Advanced roofing material innovations in both synthetic and metal roofs have already developed their own space in commercial buildings, and you can likely look forward to seeing new materials on the market soon.

Cold Roofing

‘Cold roofing’ is a system that emphasizes a high thermal resistance index and heat dissipation. This characteristic leads to dramatically decreased cooling costs for commercial properties. This energy-efficient roofing decreases energy consumption during the summer and reduces heat loss during the winter.

Energy efficiency is one of the most useful ways to prioritize environmental initiatives since energy costs are a major concern for most businesses, and energy use is a large cause of greenhouse gases. Cold roofs will be one of the best steps towards reducing energy consumption, especially compared to traditional roofs. Cold roofing components are one of the latest commercial roofing trends.

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Drone Roof Inspections

A closeup of a drone in flight with a row of commercial buildings in the distance below

Proactive maintenance is one of the best ways to get the most out of our roofing systems, just like a yearly checkup lets you stay ahead of health issues. Therefore, drone technology will likely begin to see more use in the roofing industry.

Drone roofing inspections will allow a roofer to avoid risking injury from rotting wood or weak spots in a roof while also protecting the roof itself from the potential damage of a roofer exploring its surface for damage. For large commercial spaces and roofs, a drone can cover more space in less time, saving money for everyone involved.

Look Forward to the Future of Commercial Roofing with Heidler Roofing!

Commercial roofing contractors need to stay up-to-date on the latest roofing innovations to provide the best service possible. High-quality and professional roofing services don’t happen without the hard work to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable. You need to ensure you have the best materials and techniques on hand. This is why we are always looking to the future of commercial roofing.

If you are a commercial operation in the Mid-Atlantic region, you should look to Heidler Roofing for fast and friendly commercial roofing services. We will discuss the needs of your building, providing you with a new, restored, or renovated roof as fast as possible. Call us today!

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Blog

The 4 Biggest Benefits of a Preventive Maintenance System for Commercial Roofs

You might think that roof preventive maintenance solutions are nice but not necessary for your business operations. Plus, starting one can be stressful as you think of all the little details that might affect your building. Your priority is on your business and doing what you do best. But when your poorly maintained roof leads to leaks, cracks, and structural damage, you’ll be out thousands of dollars. Don’t wait for your roof to become your largest expense to start your preventive maintenance system for commercial roofs.

Take the stress and worry away by collaborating with a partner who will understand your priorities and put your building at the top of their list! Schedule your roofing estimate today to easily start your planned maintenance system and keep your business safe.

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Do You Need a Preventive Maintenance System for Commercial Roofs?

Absolutely. Sometimes, a preventive maintenance system for commercial roofs schedules will be necessary to comply with your roofing manufacturer’s warranty. But besides this, you should consider the money you spend yearly for roof maintenance an efficient and wise investment. A regular planned maintenance system can save you thousands of dollars every year by catching cracks, leaks, and drain blockages before they cause damage. Keep reading to find out the four biggest reasons why you need to schedule your preventative maintenance.

1. Saves You Money

Your roof protects the structural integrity of your building’s interior by keeping the elements out. But weather, animals, and simple accidents can cause small cracks and holes that might lead to larger tears and leaks. Eventually, these issues can lead to complete roof failure and require you to replace the roof entirely.

A preventive maintenance program works for your business by keeping an eye on any potential damage and fixing issues before they need expensive repairs.

Regular inspections will catch these cracks and punctures, as well as monitor for other common roof problems such as:

  • Cracks in the roof surface or subsurface
  • Standing water and water stains
  • Detached or damaged flashing
  • Leaking and broken seams

A preventative maintenance solution makes these small issues a priority for a longer roof lifetime. Roof inspections and maintenance plans will make the well-being of your roof a priority in the eyes of a professional.

2. Protects You from Interior Damage

If you were working with a customer and they slipped in a puddle, what would you do? Or how much would your worker’s compensation insurance increase if an employee slipped and injured themselves? How would you manage a power shortage if electronics got wet? Preventative maintenance systems for commercial roofs will promote public safety as well as keep your business safe.

Using a commercial roof maintenance plan can keep leaks, water stains, and damage from affecting your bottom line. Upkeep and patching on a roof membrane will keep a safe and dry interior, so you can keep your employees and customers safe. A good maintenance plan is more than just an investment in your business. It’s the right thing to do to prevent further damage and injury to others.

3. Lengthens Your Roof’s Lifespan

A poorly maintained roof will last nowhere near as long as a well-maintained roof. Small dings and scratches on a roof can quickly lead to long-term damage that will shorten the time you have a stable roof. Some roof lifespans are upwards of 25 years or more, but this can be extended even further by keeping up with a preventive maintenance system for commercial roofs.

4. Shrinks Your Energy Bill and Keeps Your Climate Controlled

It’s easy to see how roof a preventive maintenance system for commercial roofs will save you money by saving you from making costly repairs and roof replacements, but your energy bill is also strongly affected by your roof’s health. If your roof is unhealthy, you might find yourself putting on more layers during the winter or languishing in the heat. Your roof has a massive surface area, meaning it is a large heat exchange with the outside air.

Proper roof maintenance promotes better insulation and efficiency by preventing both water leaks and air drafts that will push your air conditioning and heating to their limits. When trying to budget out your roofing expenses, always consider the cost of the worst-case scenario.

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Preventive Maintenance Systems for Commercial Roofs: What to Expect

A trio of construction workers install roofing on a commercial building

Every maintenance system is different, but there are some general and basic expectations to look for in a good program. A roofing inspector should collect baseline data. This data collection should include a report and will help you track problem areas and ensure roof maintenance is working.

This inspection should provide every building and roof with a priority list of repairs needed and the cost of each option. These actions will serve you by giving you actions to take toward extending your roof’s lifetime.

Lastly, a good preventive maintenance program will include the implementation of recommendations. You should receive a complete schedule of what to do and when, a routine maintenance plan, and regular inspections moving forward.

A preventive maintenance program gives you the benefit of having comprehensive support on hand for your roofing system. Much like you might invest in IT support to protect your network or a security system to keep out thieves, a roofing maintenance program puts your roof in the hands of professionals.

What Is Included in Preventative Maintenance?

Proper roof maintenance covers a wide variety of potential problem areas that are easy to miss, including:

  • Roof Cleaning for Commercial Properties – Algae, dirt, leaves, and trash can all gather on a roof, no matter how tall or well-covered a commercial roof is. These can harm the heat efficiency, as well as be unsightly or cover up more critical damage. Deep cleans and should be done at least once a year.
  • Gutter and Drain Cleaning For Commercial Properties – Gutters and drainage pipes are often the least favorite part of commercial roof maintenance. Trust a professional to best handle the more complex drainage systems of your building. They will have the right tools and techniques for handling complicated systems.
  • Roof Membrane Repair and Maintenance – Small tears and punctures can be dealt with via simple maintenance. A roofing professional can also monitor your roof sheet for signs of aging and keep you updated on when a repair will be needed. Your roof membrane is critical to your roof system.
  • Flashing and Seam Maintenance – Seams in your roof’s surface are points of water entry, which can lead to damage to the underlying structure. The same applies to the metal flashing around the roof’s edge. These can often become detached due to severe weather but can be kept healthy by regular inspection.

Should Winterization Be a Part of Your Roof Maintenance System?

Winterizing your roofing can be very helpful in preventing damage and reducing wear. During winter, ice dams can form and prevent proper drainage on your commercial roof. These hazards can lead to large amounts of water and snow build-up that can cause large problems and damage to occur. Winterization keeps your roof healthy through the cold months and can also prepare you for the spring thaw.

Winterizing a roof is a special assessment and inspection that takes place before winter weather sets in and ensures that your commercial roof maintenance prepares your roof for rough weather. This inspection focuses on cracks and tears that might let ice wreak havoc on your roof system. Don’t mistake this for fall maintenance, though they can often go hand-in-hand.

Start Your Preventative Maintenance Program for Commercial Roofs Today!

Your business’s commercial roof isn’t just a flat surface. It’s a shield. Your inventory, your employees, and your customers all rely on the stability and reliability of your roof. A commercial roofing system can require a huge amount of time investment to ensure that it stays well maintained.

Avoid major issues in your commercial roofing by investing in a preventive maintenance system for commercial roofs that will provide your structure with the proper maintenance it needs. A new roof is a massive cost that is easy to avoid. Call the professional roofing contractors at Heidler Roofing, who will make your business a priority—just like you do!

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Chapter 3: All About Commercial Roof Installation

When you’re constructing a new commercial building, like a manufacturing facility, restaurant, or retail center, the type of roof you choose to install will affect your company’s future for years to come. You’ll want to be sure that the roofing material is suitable for your building and the business you conduct. Believe it or not, a restaurant may need a different type of roof than a jeweler! You also want a roofer who has the experience to perform commercial roof installation for that roof system.

With over 60 years in the roofing business, Heidler Roofing can provide the expertise you need to learn about roofing solutions for your building. In this third installment of our Ultimate Guide to Commercial Roofing post series, we’ll cover what installing some of the most common commercial roofing systems entails.

From the decision-making process of choosing the most appropriate materials, making our professional recommendations to our customers, and designing the appropriate roof—we take the necessary time and craftsmanship to make sure the job is done right with a solid and long-lasting roof as a result.

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How to Winterize Your Commercial Roof

Now that days and nights have finally turned colder and summer is officially over, it’s clear that winter is coming once again. Is your commercial building’s roof ready for the snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures?

If you’re not sure, now is the time to take action and prepare your roof. Membrane damage, clogged drains, and ponding water, among other problems, could be waiting to cause leaks this winter, and without a thorough inspection, you may not have advance warning.

So, how can you winterize your building’s roof to assure that leaks (or worse) don’t threaten your livelihood or safety? Let’s take a closer look. Continue reading →



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Why the Kind of Roof Your Commercial Building Has Matters

Commercial roofs can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. The roof you decide on has to be one that not only matches your budgetary needs, but the needs of your commercial building as well. While many of the most common roofing systems are single-ply, not all of them can weather the same conditions—from foot traffic to the chemicals vented through the roof. Understanding the nature of your commercial building and its effect on the roof will help you determine which one to go with.

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Protecting Your Commercial Roof from Storm Damage

When a major storm is in the forecast most people plan accordingly. They might secure loose items around the house or even inspect their roof/shingles to ensure everything looks good. As a business owner, do you put the same consideration into how your commercial roof will fare during inclement weather? Reality is, we can’t control the weather; but we can control how we prepare for it, and that includes making sure that our commercial roofs are able to survive sudden downpours intact.

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