When you think about the cost of operating your business, the literal roof over your head may not always be top of mind. However, a quality commercial roofing system is an essential component to the success of any brick and mortar business. Your commercial roof protects your employees, equipment, inventory, and property from Oklahoma’s infamous heat, wind, and severe storms. It can only do this, though, when it’s in good condition.

The good news is that extending the life of a commercial roof doesn’t necessarily require complicated measures. Choosing quality materials, scheduling regular inspections, keeping the roof clean through basic maintenance, and addressing small problems before they become major ones can make a huge difference in the total lifetime of your commercial roof.

Here are five ways to maximize the life of your commercial roof in Southern Oklahoma..

1. Use High-Quality Materials

It may seem obvious, but it can’t be ignored: better materials, better roofs. A long-lasting commercial roof starts with the materials used to build it. Choosing inexpensive materials simply because they have a lower upfront cost can result in more frequent repairs and a shorter service life. Different roofing materials are also better suited to different kinds of environments and weather conditions. What’s recommended for business owners here in Oklahoma varies drastically from an office or warehouse up north which experiences frequent freeze conditions.

When installing or replacing a commercial roof, talk with an experienced roofing professional like those at Bailey’s Roofing & Construction about which materials and roofing systems are appropriate for your building. Consider the roof’s design, local climate, expected traffic, drainage requirements, and long-term maintenance needs, and not just the initial installation price.

2. Keep Your Roof Clean

Commercial roofing systems, and especially flat roofs, are more likely to accumulate leaves, branches, dirt, standing water, and other debris throughout the year compared to residential sloped roofs. Having a well-designed and professionally installed roof helps, but occasional maintenance will be required. Allowing that debris to remain on the roof can contribute to drainage problems and moisture-related damage.

Keeping drains, gutters, and other drainage components clear is particularly important. Water needs a clear path away from your roof. Clogged drainage systems can allow water to accumulate where it can eventually contribute to leaks and damage.

Commercial roof cleaning should be performed carefully. Avoid using cleaning methods or equipment that could damage the roofing membrane, shingles, coatings, flashing, or other components. When in doubt, have a professional handle the work.

3. Get Regular Inspections

One of the best ways to extend the life of a commercial roof is to identify problems before they have an opportunity to grow. Regular inspections by a professional Oklahoma commercial roofing company can uncover issues that may not be obvious from inside the building or from ground level. With their years of experience, roofing professionals can spot damaged areas, deteriorating materials, drainage problems, leaks, flashing issues, and other signs of wear that a  business owner might miss.

Bailey’s Roofing recommends regular inspections as an important part of maintaining a roof’s health and longevity. Annual inspections can help identify minor problems before they develop into expensive repairs, while older or higher-risk roofs may benefit from more frequent inspections. It’s also smart to have your commercial roof inspected after significant weather events. Oklahoma’s severe storms can cause damage that isn’t immediately visible, and catching that damage early can help prevent further deterioration.

4. Fix Problems as Soon as They Appear

Small roofing problems become big problems quickly, and when they do, the cost and the impact to your business can skyrocket. After severe weather, look for signs of trouble such as:

• Water stains or leaks inside the building
• Damaged or displaced roofing materials
• Punctures or cracks
• Pooling water
• Damaged flashing
• Clogged drains or gutters
• Loose or missing components
• New moisture or mold-related problems

If you notice a problem, don’t wait to see whether it gets worse. Prompt repairs can help protect the rest of your roofing system and potentially prevent a relatively small repair from becoming a much larger project. Bailey recommends acting promptly when a commercial roof is leaking and offers emergency repair services for business properties.

5. Work With a Professional Commercial Roofer

Commercial roofing is a significant investment, and maintaining it is not a job you should leave to guesswork. Working with an experienced commercial roofer can help you establish a maintenance plan and identify potential problems before they become costly.

A professional roofer can evaluate the condition of your roofing system, recommend appropriate repairs, help determine when maintenance is needed, and advise you when replacement may ultimately be more cost-effective than continued repairs.

It’s also important to choose a roofing contractor with experience working on commercial properties. Commercial roofs can involve different materials, designs, drainage systems, equipment, and maintenance requirements than residential roofs.

Protect Your Commercial Roofing Investment with Bailey’s Roofing

Bailey’s Roofing & Construction provides commercial roofing services including roof replacement, repair, leak detection and repair, emergency roof patching, ventilation, and related exterior services throughout Southern and Central Oklahoma. The company also states that every commercial project begins with an onsite inspection to evaluate the property and identify issues.