Category: Roofing

MaintenX specializes in roof construction and repair and is always on the lookout for better technologies for our clients. While most commercial roofing is either designed with concrete or an affordable shingle, there are many other options property owners should consider before remodeling or beginning new construction. 

 

Below are three smart roofing systems you should consider that break expectation and will provide lasting value to your building: 

 

EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber is a relatively new commercial roofing option with many benefits for larger facilities. It is cheap and easy to install, making it ideal for industrial sites where costs are scrutinized down to the dime. EPDM rubber is also highly durable and can withstand weather, rooftop maintenance, and years of direct sunlight. EPDM rubber provides a smooth surface, and though it is not as aesthetically pleasing as other roofing options, it is much safer for things like rooftop HVAC maintenance and other building repairs. 

 

Built-up Roofing (BUR) systems

BUR roofing consists of a semi-flexible membrane constructed in many layers (hence “built-up” roofing). This design maximizes durability and water resistance which is ideal for buildings that face harsh weather conditions throughout the year. In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we often use BUR roofing systems to protect buildings from hurricane damage. This system can be more time-consuming and expensive to install but will provide your facility with a roof that is meant to last. 

 

Solar paneling

Though not a roofing system on its own, the installation of solar panels can make your entire building and roofing system work more efficiently. Sunlight is a common problem for the insulation and maintenance of a roof. Why not transform it into something useful for your facility instead? Solar panels are becoming more efficient and affordable every year, and many states offer subsidies for installation on commercial sites. 

 

If you are in the process of building or remodeling your roof, talk to MaintenX about these options today! We’d be more than happy to help guide you in the right direction for your roofing repair and installation.

Roof cleaning is a necessary burden for all commercial maintenance. Typically, it is neglected until visible signs of wear and tear are present on the roof. However, with a few simple tricks, you can make your roof cleaning much simpler, and in turn motivate you to schedule it as recommended. 

 

Use these four tricks to make your commercial roof cleaning easier for both you and your maintenance team: 

 

Schedule it in advance. 

Roof cleaning is a pain, so many facility managers avoid it until it’s absolutely necessary. However, if you schedule roof and gutter cleaning every six months, you’ll see it becomes easier and easier every time. Frequent roof cleanings can also protect your gutters and roof surfaces, making them last longer and need fewer repairs. 

 

Install a gutter guard. 

Gutter cleaning is time intensive and often unpleasant, but you can make it much easier with a rain gutter guard. This allows your gutter to effectively redirect water without gathering as much debris over time. While you’ll still need to clean it for buildup of dirt and smaller leaves, it won’t clog with large leaves, moss, or other debris nearly as badly. 

 

Use the right cleaning solution.

The cleaners you use will likely end up in the grass down below, do choose roof cleaners that won’t kill your surrounding greenery. Natural cleaners or simply a water hose can typically do the job and won’t cause brown spots in your grass. 

 

Use a garden hose over a pressure washer.

Unless your roof is concrete or another hard, flat surface, you should never use a pressure washer for roof cleaning. This can cause damage to the shingles and flashing and cause them to come off prematurely. Use a garden hose instead for removing dirt and debris.

 

Want to make roof cleaning even easier? Contact MaintenX to schedule a professional cleaning service! We offer roof repair, maintenance, and cleaning services to make your maintenance routine easy and affordable. Call your local MaintenX team today to learn about your options.

When working on repairing or installing a new roof, it is easy for clients to get lost with all of the jargon and acronyms thrown at them. Terms like TOP, R-value, and roof substrates are very important to us but often fall on deaf ears when talking to a manager who simply wants their leak fixed. 

 

MaintenX believes that education is the first step to a productive technician-client dialogue. If you’re curious to learn more about your roofing service, below are a few of the common terms you may hear, and how they pertain to your roofing service: 

 

Roofing systems: EPDM, BUR, TPO, and PVC 

The roofing “system” used simply means the type of material used for your rooftop. While some systems you may be familiar with – such as concrete or asphalt – these less common systems are important to understand for commercial applications: 

 

• EPDM – A single-ply hardy rubber material that is common for walkways and roofing. 

 

• Built-up Roofing (BUR) – A semi-flexible roofing membrane that is constructed in layers to achieve maximum durability and water resistance. 

 

• TPO – A single-ply roof membrane made of synthetic compounds to increase durability and water resistance. 

 

• PVC – a double-layered roof material where polyester is added between the layers of PVC to support the system.

 

Roofing coatings: elastomeric or acrylic

Roofing systems are not constructed in a single layer. They have materials underneath and coatings to protect the material from sun and water damage. The two most common types of roofing coatings are elastomeric and acrylic, both different kinds of plastic which provide a waterproof barrier. 

 

Flashing 

Like the roof coating, flashing helps protect the roof from water and weather damage. Flashing is placed underneath the edges of the roof to prevent leaks and debris from entering the interior of the building. 

 

R-Value 

The R-value of a roof is its rating for the ability to resist conductive heat. This is especially important for determining the energy efficiency of roofing in sunny areas like Florida and can determine whether a roofing system is safe for commercial or industrial applications.

 

Substrate 

The substrate is the foundation of the roof. It is the layer upon which everything else is built, including insulation, flashing, and waterproof barriers. 

 

With this knowledge at hand, you can better communicate with your MaintenX contractor and prepare for roofing maintenance for your facility. To learn more about the roofing industry and services we provide, visit our Resource Center.

Roofing is one of the most dangerous contract jobs in America. Because roofers must climb to the top of buildings, fall accidents are the number one concern when planning or implementing a roofing service. As the building owner or manager, you are just as responsible for providing a safe working environment as the roofer is responsible for following relevant laws and safety requirements. 

 

If you want to reduce liability and provide a safe working environment for your roofing contractors, there are several steps you can take to prepare before the service. OSHA provides simple guidelines for roofing work that can help both you and your contractor prepare.

 

OSHA’s Plan, Provide, and Train Model

OSHA recommends a three-step process for roofing safety compliance, including proper planning, providing adequate safety equipment, and training roofers as needed through licensing programs to ensure they are ready for the job. While you don’t need to train the roofers yourself, as a business you are responsible for several parts of this safety protocol: 

• Plan a safe working surface by removing surface hazards, holes, and impalements. OSHA requires a safe working environment for roofing work, so be sure to inspect the roofing prior to maintenance service. If you see a place where a roofer could easily trip or get hurt while walking on the roof, you must either warn them or remove the surface hazard yourself. 

• Plan the work site ahead of time to keep work materials close and on hand. Climbing up and down to the roof is the most dangerous part of a roofer’s job. To minimize fall risks, OSHA requires work materials to be close by while repairs or maintenance are being performed. Ensure your roofers follow this guideline and provide them with adequate materials for the job as needed. 

• Provide fall safety equipment. Most roofing contractors will provide their own safety equipment, so make sure your contractors are following guidelines and not skipping any steps. This liability can fall on you if you’re not careful. 

• Train anyone on the worksite on fall prevention strategies. Roofers are required to complete a licensing program before they can work on commercial sites, but training doesn’t solely fall on their shoulders. If anyone is on the worksite with them, be sure to go over safety protocols and ensure they are prepared for any part of the roof maintenance process. 

 

Roofing safety is critical for both contractor and business owner to understand. If you want to learn more about safety compliance for roofing or other maintenance work, visit our Resource Center.

MaintenX is known across the country as the go-to team for roofing repair and installation. We specialize in commercial and industrial roofing, and provide a variety of services from storm damage repair to new construction installations and more. However, you may wonder, “Does it matter who I choose to repair my roof? Can a residential roofer do the same job as a commercial roofer?”

 

Commercial, industrial, and residential roofing all have similarities, but they are much more different than what meets the eye. Below are some of the differences between commercial and residential builds that make the difference when repairing or installing a roof: 

 

Residential Roofing

Residential roofing is the type of roofing you are likely most familiar with. Because it is built to match the style of the home, aesthetic value is typically the most important factor when installing it. While you want your residential roof to be durable and practical, it is much easier to repair a residential roof, which means aesthetics can be factored in as a top priority. 

 

Commercial Roofing

Commercial roofing, on the other hand, values practicality and cost over aesthetics. Commercial roofing can be made to look like residential roofing, but is most commonly made from concrete to ensure it can withstand all types of wear and tear. Cost-effectiveness also plays an important part of commercial roofing design, which is why flat, concrete roofs are most common. 

 

Industrial Roofing

Industrial roofing prioritizes durability over all else, as the roofing and ceiling must be able to withstand heavy chemical processes, heating, and other demanding manufacturing conditions. Like commercial roofing, concrete is a common option but metal and other types of roofing can be used. Solar paneling is also common for industrial roofs as the large space can be maximized without having to worry about aesthetics. 

 

Because of the different materials and purposes for commercial roofing, it is best to call a commercial specialist for your roofing repair or installation. MaintenX focuses solely on commercial and industrial applications to ensure you receive the best service for your building. We offer a variety of services including repair, maintenance, storm damage assessments, and new roofing construction. To learn more about what MaintenX can do for your roof, contact us today!

Roof damage is one of the most difficult maintenance issues to fix once it happens. Roofing is responsible for so much of your building’s function – insulation, ventilation, protection from the elements, and aesthetic appeal. Once your roof has become damaged, it can take days or weeks to repair depending on how extensive the damage is. 

 

Roof damage often happens slowly over time, which is why it’s important to regularly inspect your roof and look out for early signs of damage. Below are the five most common culprits of roof damage, and what you can do to prevent them from ruining your roof: 

 

Wind

Wind is the number one culprit of roof damage in Florida and along the Gulf Coast during hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds can easily take off shingles and tear down trees landing on the roof. While you can’t stop the wind itself, you can invest in durable roofing material such as concrete or high-quality shingles to prevent wind from taking off the roof by itself. 

 

Rats

Rats often live on rooftops to escape predators and nest in a warm, comfortable place. While you may think it’s preferable to have rats on the roof than to have rats inside, they can quickly cause damage to your flashing and cause leaks that damage your interior. Plus, roof rats eventually become indoor rats. If you want to protect your roof from damage, ensure you check for rats during regular extermination inspections. 

 

Sun

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, businesses take a hard hit from UV rays during the summer. This most often affects roofing, causing shingles to become brittle and fade over time. If you want to ensure your roofing still looks good and stays structurally sound through several summers, be sure to invest in proper UV protection. 

 

Debris 

Neglecting to clean the rooftop and gutters will allow mold and mildew to grow on your roofing over time. Gutter debris can also put undue pressure on your roofing, causing it to sag and shingles to become damaged over time. Luckily, this is an easy fix if you’re vigilant about your roof cleaning. 

 

Improper maintenance

Failing to repair flashing, clean between shingles, or neglect waterproof membrane maintenance will allow your roof to deteriorate much faster than its intended service life. THis is one of the most common causes of roofing damage we see, which is why we recommend customers implement a simple roof cleaning and maintenance routine for their building. With an annual inspection and basic repairs, you can ensure you don’t have to treat or replace your roofing prematurely. 

 

MaintenX specializes in roofing repair, maintenance, and installation for commercial buildings. If you are looking for a roof remodeling or some simple fixes to bring it back to life, give your local MaintenX a call today!

Roofing problems are unfortunately very common in Florida. MaintenX is headquartered in Tampa, where coastal hurricanes and generally stormy weather threaten local businesses every summer. Coupled with the brutal summer heat and UV rays that can make roofing brittle over time, it is critical for Florida businesses to care for their roofing in their maintenance plan. 

 

Below are four steps you should take to ensure your Florida business isn’t negatively impacted by roof damage over time: 

 

Choose the right roofing material. 

During hurricane season, roofing is the most important part of your facility to care for. Most structural damage to your building can be fixed, but if the roof collapses, you’ll be looking at years of rebuilding. In Florida, we recommend choosing hardy roof material like concrete for commercial buildings to help it weather the stormy seasons. 

 

Care for metal flashing. 

Flashing is the barrier between the ceiling and rooftop to prevent water from leaking inside. When the flashing becomes damaged, it can lead to structural problems with the roof, as well as major leaks inside the facility. Metal flashing is often screwed or cemented onto to ensure it does not crack or leak over time. It is often more durable than plastic, but should still be well-maintained to ensure it lasts the full extent of your roof’s service life. 

 

Repair cracks or tears in the membrane. 

The waterproof membrane of a roof helps to maintain its strength and prevent water damage from accumulating over time. However, damage to the membrane is similar to damage to the flashing – it leads to leaks and water damage within the facility that can be disastrous. In order to catch these issues early, schedule regular roofing inspections before hurricane season. 

 

Get rid of roof rats. 

Florida is a prime location for rats to make their homes, as the weather is typically favorable throughout the year and they aren’t likely to freeze over the winter. Rats will live in any part of your facility, but roof rats are especially tricky to exterminate because they are larger and much better climbers than the rats that live within the facility. In order to prevent these pests from causing issues with your roofing, look for signs of them during your roof inspections and ask your exterminator to check roofing during their visits. 

 

MaintenX specializes in roofing repair, maintenance, and installation throughout Florida. If you are interested in learning more about proper roofing maintenance for your location, give us a call today!

Roof ventilation is a critical component for all types of commercial facilities. For retail stores and office buildings, it can ensure comfort and greater indoor air quality for tenants, while it can be required for commercial kitchens and manufacturing sites for health and safety. Regardless of your specific needs, choosing the right ventilation system is essential when designing your building roof.

 

Below are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a roof ventilation system with your MaintenX contractor. We can help you choose the right brand and system based on these needs, and plan an installation that will get you up and running faster: 

 

What type of building do you have, and what is its function?

A hospital, school cafeteria, warehouse, and office building all have different ventilation needs based on size, function, and operational time. For example, a hospital that runs 24/7 and has sanitization and food service ventilation needs will need a much more complex system than a simple office space that is open 9 to 5. The structure of the building itself can also play a big part in how large or complex your ventilation system will need to be in order to function properly.

 

Where will the ventilation system be installed?

You have several options when it comes to choosing the installation site for rooftop ventilation systems. Some are built into the ceiling, while others are installed inline. Some can be installed on the rooftop along with the HVAC system, while others must be inside. Where you plan to build the ventilation system makes a big difference in the specific machinery your MaintenX contractor will choose. 

 

Types of Roof Ventilation Systems

Depending on your specific needs, your MaintenX contractor will recommend a brand for one of these types of ventilation systems for your building: 

 

• Downblast roof ventilators move clean air steadily in low-to-high static pressure
• Upblast roof ventilators move air away from the roof and walls and are often used in commercial kitchens 
• Turbine ventilators are used to create a natural draft that keeps air circulating up and out of the building
• Exhaust fans installed near the roof remove pollution and hot air rising, as well as help control humidity
• Smoke exhaust ventilators for fire safety 

 

MaintenX can help you install, maintain, and repair ventilation systems for all types of commercial facilities. If you’d like to learn more about installing or replacing a current system, give us a call today!

If you’re lucky, you never have to experience roofing issues while owning or leasing a commercial building. If you do, you’ll soon realize just how much of a headache they can become when you’re not prepared. Roofing maintenance is much easier than roofing repair and replacement, so we recommend avoiding these common roofing mistakes at all costs. 

 

Below are the most common issues we see with our clients’ commercial roofing. If you are experiencing any of these issues or want to avoid them in the future, talk to your MaintenX team about proper preventative care for your roofing type: 

 

Poor installation

Improper installation is unfortunately one of the most common reasons that commercial roofing does not last to the full extent of its intended service life. If your roofing was installed without proper flashing, insulation, or simply does not look good aesthetically, it can have adverse effects on your facility as a whole. Ensure you avoid this mistake by hiring MaintenX professionals who specialize in commercial roofing only. 

 

Roof leaks

A roof leak often happens when damage to the shingles or flashing happen during a storm. However, left untreated this can cause major water intrusion, mold, and other health hazards within your facility in no time. Roof leaks can also happen due to poor installation, but luckily these can be fixed by a commercial roofing specialist. 

 

Gutter damage

Gutter damage not only makes it less welcoming for guests to walk into your facility when it rains, but it can put pressure on your roofing that will damage it over time. Gutters that are not cleaned in the spring will build up debris and cause your roof and flashing to sag. Avoiding this issue is easy with annual cleaning and maintenance, so be sure to schedule your gutter cleaning in the spring. 

 

Wrong roof type

A roof that is not properly suited for the building will need more maintenance than one that has been planned and installed properly. For example, if your facility is in a sunny location and is not made to resist UV rays and heating in the summer, you could be replacing it early. However, if your facility is on the coast and the roofing is not rated for hurricane-force winds, you’ll likely have much more damage than other buildings during a major hurricane season.

 

MaintenX helps businesses plan, install, maintain, and repair roofing for all types of industries and building types. To learn more about roofing maintenance and repair, give your local MaintenX a call today!

Winter is here, which means your gutters are likely to fill up with snow, fallen leaves, and other debris that isn’t present in the summertime. While this may seem like an afterthought in your exterior maintenance, it is actually detrimental to your roofing to neglect gutter maintenance in the autumn and winter. If you want to better maintain your roof, follow these tips for proper gutter maintenance:

 

DO fix leaks as soon as you notice them. 

Gutter leaks and cracks are easiest to detect in the winter as the snow starts to melt. You’ll notice water dripping along the roof line in areas where it shouldn’t, which could intricate either ice dripping or a leak. If you see this, check your gutters immediately to repair the damage. If you don’t you could lose the gutter entirely or face worse damages in the spring. 

 

DON’T wait for ice to melt in order to remove it.

Icicles and ice dams within the gutter are not only a problem for your gutters, but can be dangerous to visitors at your facility. If icicles fall they can cause injuries, even if they’re small. Plus, ice dams can severely clog your gutters which can put pressure on your roof and flashing. If possible, remove any ice from your gutters on a daily basis in order to keep your facility safer. 

 

DO check to ensure the slope of your gutter is correct. 

Gutters aren’t effective if there is not enough of a slope for water to drain. However, a gutter that is sloping too much due to debris weighing it down may eventually fall off or cause undue pressure on your roof. Be sure to check this periodically and adjust as needed. 

 

DON’T skip regular cleanings in the winter. 

It may be tempting to skip your regular gutter cleanings in the winter now that the leaves aren’t falling as much as they did in the fall. However, organic matter and debris can still build up. Keep cleaning your gutters on their regular schedule in order to maintain them through the harsh winter season. 

 

If you find it hard to maintain your gutters and roofing in the winter, call MaintenX for help! We have roofing specialists available who can help you plan preventative care and make repairs as needed.