Key Take Aways:
- Reliable infrastructure is critical for healthcare facilities.
- A solid and durable roof is essential for maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for healthcare professionals and patients.
- Leaks are the most common issue with commercial roofs.
- Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause roof damage, interior water damage, and overflow onto walkways and steps.
- Inspecting commercial roofs regularly for signs of damage, leakage, or other issues is essential.
- Coatings and sealants can provide an extra layer of protection to the roof.
- Leaks or other issues should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
- It is essential to regularly clean the roof of your healthcare facility to prevent dirt and debris buildup and safeguard the health of patients and employees.
Reliable infrastructure is critical for healthcare facilities. Whether large hospitals or small clinics, all facilities need safe and secure buildings to treat patients effectively. Even a minor infrastructure issue can mean the difference between life or death or other severe consequences for a patient.
The roof of a building plays an integral role in its optimal functionality. A solid and durable roof is essential for maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for healthcare professionals and patients. Roofing issues can cause water damage, resulting in mold growth and structural problems. This can lead to various health consequences for patients, including respiratory illnesses, skin irritations, and infections. In addition, it can create an environment that is ripe for the spread of diseases. Healthcare facilities need to maintain their roofs to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
Related: Choosing the Right Roofing Material for a Healthcare Facility
Regular maintenance and repair of a healthcare facility’s roof are essential to protect the building from water damage, mold growth, and other structural problems that can arise from neglect. Regular inspections should be conducted on a routine basis to ensure that any necessary repairs are identified and completed as quickly as possible. Along with these inspections, a schedule should be put in place to ensure that any repairs or improvements are made efficiently.
In this article, Standard Roofing Company discusses the common roofing issues for healthcare facilities and shares the standard maintenance measures to keep the roofs in top condition.
Common Commercial Roofing Issues
Roof Leaks
Leaks are the most common roofing issue with commercial roofs and can be caused by several factors, such as improper installation, poor drainage, or wear and tear. Additionally, inspecting and repairing any underlying damage caused by the leaks is essential because it can lead to water damage and mold growth. It is crucial to inspect the roof regularly for any signs of leakages.
Clogged Gutters or Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are an integral component of a roofing system, and if they become clogged or blocked with debris, it can have serious consequences. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause roof damage, interior water damage, and overflow onto walkways and steps. During the fall season, inspecting gutters and downspouts for any signs of clogs is vital. Leaves, sticks, and other types of debris can collect in gutters over time, resulting in blockages. Regularly cleaning out your gutters can help reduce the chances of any damage occurring due to clogging or overflow.
Poor Drainage
Poor drainage can lead to water accumulation, which can cause the roof to deteriorate and even collapse. Proper drainage is essential for keeping a commercial roof in good condition. Poor drainage usually occurs due to clogged gutters or downspouts, which can be cleared with the help of a professional. Sometimes it is also due to inaccurate roof leveling during installation.
Torn or Damaged Roof Membranes
Roof membranes can sustain damage for various reasons, such as extreme weather conditions, poor installation, or age. Torn or damaged roof membranes can result in water infiltration, which can cause severe damage to the roof structure, insulation, and other components of the building. In high-wind areas, torn or damaged membranes may also create openings that allow air to enter the building envelope and damage interior finishes.
If you notice that any areas of your roof membrane are torn or damaged, it is important to repair them immediately. Roof membranes should be inspected regularly for tears and other signs of damage.
Ponding Water on the Roof SurfaceÂ
Ponding water can cause damage to the roof and its components. It can lead to premature deterioration of the roof membrane, decking, insulation, fasteners, and other components. Ponding water can also lead to the growth of algae and moss, causing additional damage.
An experienced roofer should be consulted to determine the cause of the ponding water so it can be adequately addressed.
Blistering or Splitting of Roof SeamsÂ
The seams that hold the roof together can weaken over time due to extreme weather conditions or age. If left unchecked, water can seep through these weakened seams and cause severe damage to your facility.
Improperly Caulked Joints and SeamsÂ
Improperly caulked joints and seams are one of the most common commercial roofing issues. They can occur when a contractor does not correctly apply a sealant to all areas where two surfaces meet, such as between different pieces of metal or at vulnerable points along the perimeters of the roof. If left untreated, water can get into these unprotected areas and cause severe damage, such as interior leaks and mold growth. Inspecting your commercial roof regularly is essential to ensure there are no weak points or improperly caulked joints and seams.
Essential Maintenance Measures for Commercial Roofs
Regular Inspections
Inspecting commercial roofs regularly for signs of damage, leakage, or other issues is essential. This can include checking for cracks, loose tiles, or missing pieces. Inspections should be conducted at least two times a year to ensure that the roof remains in optimal condition and that any potential problems can be addressed quickly. If any issues are found during an inspection, they should be addressed right away to prevent further damage.
Applying a Sealant
Coatings and sealants can provide an extra layer of protection, help reinforce weakened seams, and protect against moisture, dirt, and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
Repairing/Replacing
Leaks or other issues should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage and costly repairs. In addition, broken tiles or other damaged materials should be replaced to prevent further damage. Once replaced, these materials should also be sealed with a sealant to help prevent any moisture from entering the roof structure.
Regularly Cleaning the Roof
It is important to regularly clean the roof of your healthcare facility to maintain its structural integrity, prevent dirt and debris buildup, and safeguard the health of those who visit or work in the building. Regular roof cleaning can help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other bacteria which can spread disease.
Related: How Poor Installation Affects Commercial Roofing
Why Healthcare Facilities in Enid Choose Standard Roofing Company?
There is no other roofing company in Enid, OK, or the surrounding areas as experienced as Standard Roofing Company. We have been serving clients for over 130 years. You can’t beat that! Our professional services cover roofing end-to-end, including roof replacement, roof restoration, roof repair and maintenance, annual inspections, and more.
