Should You be on Your Commercial Roof?
You’re managing a lot of property and maybe a lot of people, too. The roof might be the least of your worries; it usually is until it leaks. The burning question is, should you – or shouldn’t you – go up there? We’ve got the answer.
Know your roof
This doesn’t mean you need to walk it, though. Have your roofing contractor draw up a roof plan so you’ve got a keen understanding of what roof elements are present and where. Share this with anyone getting on the roof to help them better identify hazards. If you do venture onto the roof though, don’t violate OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces rule for General Industry; you’ll need fall protection and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Make sure trades don’t damage your roof
How do you do this without getting on the roof? You’ve got three options.
- Ask your roofing contractor to walk the roof after the work is done.
- Have the laborers take photos of their work and the surrounding roof area. Pictures can reassure you that no damage was done and that no debris, tools, or parts have been left to clog roof drains.
- Use a drone to get a bird’s eye view. Loads of companies are available for hire.
Check for storm damage
After a storm event, look first for interior signs of roof trouble. Walk the ground-level perimeter and look up at flashings and downspouts. Is something out of alignment? Is there bent edge metal? Anything above 45 mph is considered a gale-force storm; warranties top off there. If you have gale to tornadic winds or see anything awry, call your roofing contractor and immediately schedule a roofing inspection.
Leave winter ice well enough alone
First of all, it’s dangerous. Secondly, ice melt, salt, and hammering away with ice picks can cause tremendous damage to the roofing membrane, much of which won’t be visible until spring rains. The physical damage you can do and the safety risks are not worth it. If you’re concerned about the ice, call a roofing contractor who knows how to work safely on the roof and has solutions that aren’t destructive.
Reconsider DIY repairs
Incompatible materials can exacerbate the damage, void the roof system manufacturer warranty, and cost more money to make right. Unless it’s an absolute necessity, hire a roofing contractor that’s certified to install and maintain the roof system you have. They’ll perform roof repairs, according to the roof system manufacturer’s specifications.
We know how to work safely on your roof. Contact D. C. Taylor Co. today!
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