Many commercial building owners assume their roof needs constant attention. In our experience, most commercial roofs are close to maintenance-free. To maintain a commercial roof, focus on four tasks: keep the drains clear, remove debris, caulk the termination bar, and seal brick walls every five years or so.
The list is short. When the roof needs patchwork, our team handles it. We explain each task below so you know what to watch for.
What it Takes to Maintain a Commercial Roof
Drainage sits at the center of commercial roof maintenance. Water has to leave the roof, and two habits keep its path open.
Keep Drains, Gutters, and Scuppers Clear
Water leaves your roof through several outlets. We recommend keeping each of these clear:
- Drains
- Gutters
- Scuppers
- Scupper overflows
When any of them plug, water slows on its way off the roof. Check each outlet so the water always has a way out.
Pick Up Debris on the Roof
Debris left anywhere on the roof surface can wash into the drains. Pick it up and clear it away before it has a chance to plug them.
This one habit does most of the work. As our team puts it, commercial roofs are “pretty maintenance-free other than just keeping all the debris off of them.”
Key Takeaway: Clear outlets and a debris-free roof surface cover most of the maintenance a commercial roof needs.
Seal the Termination Bar and Brick Walls
With drainage covered, two areas need periodic sealing to round out your maintenance plan.
Caulk the Termination Bar
The termination bar is one of the spots that needs caulking as part of regular maintenance. Add it to the routine you already follow for drains and debris.
Seal Brick Walls Every Five Years or So
If your building has brick walls, we recommend having them sealed every five years or so. Brick is porous, so a sealant on that schedule helps keep the walls protected.
Pro Tip: Write down the date of your last brick sealing. With a five-year interval, the next one is easy to lose track of.
Need expert help with your commercial roof? Contact Precision Roofing for a free consultation.
Commercial Roof Maintenance FAQs
Building owners often have a few quick questions once they know the basics. Here are short answers based on the points above.
Are Commercial Roofs Really Maintenance-Free?
For the most part, yes. Outside of patchwork, the hands-on care comes down to clear outlets, a clean roof surface, caulking at the termination bar, and occasional brick sealing.
What Happens When Roof Drains Get Plugged?
A plugged drain, gutter, or scupper slows the water trying to leave the roof. Debris is the usual cause, which is why picking it up matters so much.
When to Call a Commercial Roofer
Some jobs call for a trained crew. Patchwork is the main example.
Leave Patchwork to a Commercial Roofer
If your roof needs patchwork, have a commercial roofer make the repair. Our team at Precision Roofing handles commercial roof patchwork for property owners in Kansas City.
Key Takeaway: Owners can keep up with drains, debris, and caulking. Brick sealing and patchwork go to a professional.
A Simple Checklist to Maintain a Commercial Roof
- Pick up any debris on the roof.
- Keep drains, gutters, scuppers, and scupper overflows clear.
- Keep the caulking on the termination bar in good condition.
- Have brick walls sealed every five years or so.
- Call a commercial roofer for any patchwork.
A few routine tasks keep your roof in good shape for years. If your Kansas City building needs patchwork, brick sealing, or a professional look at the roof, call Precision Roofing or request a quote today. We’ll help you maintain a commercial roof that stays clear, sealed, and draining properly.
