Did you know that a metal roof on a commercial building is generally going to stand up to the elements better than any other type of roof? That’s why it’s worth the extra expense. Commercial roofs all across the country are being punished these days by extreme heat, cold, and storms. There’s a lot of interesting and useful information about the science of commercial roofing as it relates to this.
Heat
In extreme heat, commercial roofs can get extremely hot. In fact, the surface of a dark-colored roof can get up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, so don’t walk on one with bare feet! Fortunately, protective membranes can be added on the roofing that can keep the temperature, as well as the energy bills, lower.
Modified bitumen roofing stands up well under extreme heat. It’s a mixture of asphalt and other materials, and it is designed to react well when extreme heat and freeze-thaw cycles cause shrinkage. It’s more expensive than some other types of roofing, but it’s likely worth the cost in the long run.
Snow
When a roof is put on a commercial building, the structural engineers on the project generally know how much snow it can withstand safely. When it gets anywhere near that amount of snow of the roof, it’s time to bring in professionals who know the right way to remove it.
Snow taking off a roof by avalanching off of it is also a concern in some areas. In these cases, special snow fences, guards, and other systems can keep snow on the roof until it can melt safely.
Storms
When it comes to storms and rain, one of the most significant causes of damage is simply clogged drains and drain baskets. The good news is that this problem can be prevented with regular inspections. Broken drain baskets in particular are a quick fix that can save thousands of dollars in water damage.
In strong winds, even small tears in the roofing caused by uplift or dislodged fans and other roof elements can lead to a whole roof blowing off. Again, the key to deterring this is regular inspections.
These days, drones are a big part of commercial roof inspections. Roofers use drones equipped with thermal cameras to very rapidly learn exactly where there are problems, and even potential problems, on even the biggest of commercial roofs. They’ve been a game changer and have allowed roofing companies to do inspections more cost-effectively than when humans had to walk every foot of the roof.
Knowing more about how roofing reacts in extreme weather can help you appreciate how relatively rare serious roofing mishaps are. Put simply, it’s remarkable how a well-maintained commercial roof can stand up to the elements. When you need commercial roofing services in St. Santa Barbara, CA, contact Action Roofing.
