Category: Roofing

Most commercial roofing utilizes walk pads for protection of the roofing and for safety. These walk pads create a barrier between the roofing and workers who may have to walk on it, such as roofing specialists and HVAC repairmen. Otherwise, walking on the bare roof may cause damage over time. Typically, these walk pads are made of similar material to the roof and lead to the roof’s HVAC units or ventilation sites. 

 

While we recommend adding walk pads to your roofing, you need to do so strategically. Below are some tips we recommend for optimal installation of walk pads for your roofing: 

 

Install sparingly

Walk pads protect your roofing against long-term damage, which makes them a necessary part of preventative maintenance. However, they can become expensive if you decide to cover your rooftop with them. We recommend reducing your expenses by only adding walk pads en route to areas where repairs will be most needed such as to your rooftop HVAC system or rooftop drainage. 

 

Create a direct line from the access point to our HVAC system.

Most repairmen won’t notice the pathway you lay out for your walk pads immediately. They will simply make a beeline for the HVAC system or area of the roofing that needs repair. For this reason, we suggest designing your walk pads for practicality rather than in an aesthetic pattern. 

 

Ensure proper water drainage.

Unfortunately, walk pads can impede water drainage of your roofing system if too many are installed. If you install walk pads, make sure you have proper water drainage and a system in place to clean it regularly. Your walk pads will do no good if your roof is having water damage issues instead. 

 

Consider cover board

If you have a lot of surface area to cover and are concerned about the price of walk pads, a cover board may also be an option for your roofing system. This layer will protect the roofing membrane and is typically less expensive per square foot than walk padding. Talk to your MaintenX professional about this option for your roofing system. 

 

There are many different ways to protect your roofing from foot traffic and exterior damage. If you’d like to learn more about roofing maintenance and repairs, contact your local MaintenX today! We are always happy to help with all your roofing needs. 

Your facility’s roofing takes more damage than the rest of your facility on a daily basis. It is exposed to intense sun, rain, wind, falling debris, and even snow in some areas. It can also be damaged by foot traffic, faulty repairs, and myriad human errors during installation or maintenance. Hopefully, you’ve chosen the professionals at MaintenX for all of your roofing repairs. However, even with top-notch care your roof can experience maintenance issues throughout the year that need to be addressed. 

 

Below are four common roofing issues that often lead to major repairs when they are not addressed immediately. If you notice any of these issues with your roofing, contact your MaintenX specialists immediately:

 

Gaps in flashing

Flashing is used as a protective layer against moisture and debris, but sometimes gaps can develop around a roof penetration such as a ventilation site or from damage to the roofing. If the damage goes unnoticed during your roof inspection, it can allow water to seep in and cause permanent damage to your facility. By the time you notice the water damage from the inside, you’ll be in for thousands of dollars of roofing and interior repairs. 

 

Debris buildup

Debris in your gutters, stuck between shingles, or simply piling up on your roof is much more than an eyesore. It can put added weight onto your roofing system which can cause it to deteriorate and buckle under the pressure. Organic debris such as leaves and tree branches will also retain moisture which leads to mold growth. Proper roof inspections and cleaning will reduce problems related to debris. 

 

Restricted water runoff

Whether you have a gutter system or a drainage system for flat roofing, clogged water drainage is a major problem for roofing. This immediately leads to water damage which you may not notice until it has caused serious internal damage. This can even put your electrical and HVAC systems at risk if they are involved in the water damage. Schedule regular gutter or drain cleanings to ensure you never run into this issue.

 

Roof membrane damage

This is nearly impossible for the untrained eye to spot. Oftentimes, membrane damage occurs when workers are walking around the roof, or after a major storm has caused serious roof damage. This reduces your roofing’s ability to withstand water and can weaken its entire structure if not repaired quickly. Roofing inspections from MaintenX can help you spot membrane and other roofing structural damage before it becomes catastrophic. 

 

MaintenX’s roofing specialists can help you find roofing issues early and repair them for an affordable cost. Don’t let your roofing issues go unnoticed! Schedule a consultation today to learn what MaintenX can do for you. 

Flat roofing is becoming more and more popular for commercial facilities. Not only do they look sleek from a distance, but they offer many practical benefits to the owner or tenant in the facility. While they do come with unique challenges, a flat roof system is typically what we recommend to clients who are looking to switch to a new facility or if they are replacing an entire roof (such as after a hurricane or other major roofing damage). 

 

If you’re thinking of switching to a building with a flat roof, here are some things to consider: 

 

Cost-Effective 

Because flat roofing is not visible from the road, it does not have to be as visually appealing as a sloped roof. This opens the doors to using plain and cost-effective roofing material such as concrete for your roofing. Flat roofing also has less space to cover, which typically makes it most cost-efficient to install than sloped roofing. 

 

Minimal repair risks

MaintenX technicians always prefer calls with flat roofs because of how simple and safe they are. Sloped roofing is more tricky to repair because of the safety risks to the technicians. On a flat roof, there is virtually no risk of slip and fall accidents. Your roofing specialist can walk on your roof to repair it just as they would on the ground, which makes it a much faster and safer repair.

 

Rooftop HVAC systems 

Another benefit to a flat roofing system is the option of adding rooftop HVAC units instead of maintaining ground units. A rooftop HVAC system will require less maintenance than one that is constantly exposed to dirt and debris on the ground. This also reduces noise at the ground level and can hide otherwise plain or clunky-looking ground units. 

 

Durability

Because flat roofing is typically made with concrete or strong roof panels, it is considered incredibly durable. Water, wind, and debris cannot easily slide off so flat roofing materials are made to withstand great pressure. You can expect fewer repairs from flat roofing for this reason. 

 

Energy-Efficiency 

Flat roofing can be more energy-efficient than sloped roofing in some circumstances. The design helps to reduce the workload on your HVAC system, and makes the installation of energy-efficient upgrades such as solar panels much easier. If you are looking to make your facility greener in the future, flat roofing is the way to go. 

 

MaintenX offers flat roof installations, waterproofing, and preventative maintenance for commercial facilities. To learn more about our comprehensive roofing services or to choose the right roofing for you, contact our offices today!

If you are considering replacing your old facility roofing, you’re in luck! While it may not seem like an advantage to have to replace roofing, this opens up doors to improve upon your current roofing system and choose a material that is more appealing and energy-efficient. At MaintenX, we often recommend metal roofing for commercial facilities. This durable and energy-efficient roofing material is a great option for many types of commercial buildings. 

 

Why choose a metal roof for your facility renovation? Here are just a few reason why we recommend this material to our clients: 

 

Durability

Metal roofing is proven to last several decades with proper care and maintenance. It is strong enough to withstand tropical storms, snowstorms, and falling debris. Plus, it is resistant to mold and mildew growth because it will not absorb water after rainfall. Overall, metal is a strong roofing material that lasts the longest among most roofing materials if you care for it properly. 

 

Energy efficiency

Metal roofing reflects sunlight. In the summer months, this can lower your cooling costs within your facility. In addition, solar panels can be installed on top of metal roofing in many cases. This gives you the option to add panels well after installation, and further increase your facility’s energy efficiency. 

 

Curb appeal

Metal roofing is often attractive to potential commercial building buyers or renters. Because it is durable and energy-efficient, it adds real value to your property if installed by a reputable contractor. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colors, so it can add to your curb appeal and really make your building stand out. 

 

Minimal maintenance

Because metal roofing is so durable, it typically requires less maintenance than shingles or even concrete roofing. It still needs to be cleaned regularly and inspected for repairs, but otherwise, you’ll have to invest very little time in maintaining your metal roof. 

 

If you are considering replacing your commercial roof, call MaintenX! We can help you determine whether metal roofing is right for you, or if another material would better suit your needs. To learn more about our installation and maintenance services, contact your local MaintenX today. 

Concrete roofing has many advantages to other types of commercial roofing. It is incredibly durable, water-resistant, and offers a unique aesthetic appeal that is fitting for a variety of commercial applications. However, concrete roofing is not indestructible. It can become damaged by water over time and will form leaks, cracks, or even grow vegetation if not properly treated. Below are our recommendations for preventing these issues with concrete waterproofing: 

 

Step One: Clean and repair your roofing

A roof that is dirty, damaged, or already has cracks in it cannot be properly waterproofed. Before you schedule your waterproofing service, be sure to ask your MaintenX technician to plan a day for cleaning the roof, repairing minor cracks, and placing a seam tape over any cracks or spaces between concrete shingles. 

 

Step two: Add a primer

Adding a concrete primer underneath your waterproof sealant will help the sealant adhere to the concrete and ensure a long-lasting application. On the morning of your service, your roofing technician will spray or paint the primer onto the roof, starting from one corner and working linearly. It may take several hours for the primer to dry, which means that waterproofing your roof could be an all-day event. 

 

Step three: Add your concrete sealant of choice

There are a variety of waterproof sealant options for concrete roofing, from paints to liquid rubber to concrete-specific sealants that will provide a waterproof barrier. The design (sloped or flat roof), age, and your facility’s budget will all factor into which concrete sealant is right for you. However, your MaintenX roofer will be able to help you decide which one will be most suitable for your building. 

 

After your waterproof sealant is dry, your roofing will be guaranteed safer, more aesthetically pleasing, and of greater value than it was before. A MaintenX roofer will walk you through the specific steps, but we are confident you’ll be happy with this long-term investment in your facility. 

 

MaintenX also offers concrete roof installation, repairs, and preventative services for commercial facilities. To learn more about our roofing services, contact your local MaintenX

A leak at your commercial facility, even if it is small, can be disastrous. Water damage quickly leads to mold, mildew, rot, and structural damage if not addressed immediately. Luckily, waterproofing your roof is as simple as adding a waterproof coating or paint. MaintenX specializes in roof waterproofing and offers plenty of options from which to choose: 

 

Liquid rubber

Liquid rubber sealants offer many advantages for your commercial roofing. These roofing sealants create a waterproof membrane over the raw material that will stretch and move with the roofing over time. This protects the rubber from splitting or cracking like paint or another type of sealant. Many liquid rubbers do not require a primer and are fast-drying to protect your roofing as soon as it is applied. These are great products for flat roofing and emergency sealing services. 

 

Waterproof acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is also a great option for waterproofing your roof on a budget. Acrylic paint comes in white and a variety of colors and though it takes a while to dry, many believe it offers a better aesthetic outcome than rubber roof sealants. Check with your roofing contractor to ensure the paint you choose is of high quality and won’t require multiple touch ups over time. 

 

Waterproof stains

Some natural roofing materials will take stains instead of paint or liquid rubber to waterproof them. You can use wood stains on your roof to protect its surface and prevent leaks. Stains are also versatile, as you can use them for outdoor benches, pergolas, or other wood elements at your facility. 

 

Ask your roofing specialist what they recommend for your specific roofing material and design. Some of the top recommended manufacturers for commercial roofing include: 

 

• Liquid Rubber
• Jetcoat
• Rubberseal 
• Behr
• Kool Seal

 

At MaintenX, we care about the long-term satisfaction of our clients. Talk to our roofing specialists to find out waterproofing options for commercial facilities that are both affordable and of high quality.