Industrial Roof Maintenance: What Landlords And Renters Need To Know

Industrial Roof Maintenance: What Landlords And Renters Need To Know

Too often we take the roofs over our heads for granted. Many businesses expect that their roofs will continue to shield them, along with their machinery, with minimal upkeep. This is a huge mistake! Industrial roof maintenance plays a vital role in keeping a business running smoothly and preventing costly downtime.

But, what does industrial roof maintenance involve? Can you extend the life of an industrial roof? Let's dive into these questions and more to inspire you to get your roof checked!

What Is Maintenance On A Roof?

Roof maintenance refers to assessing wear and tear, along with checks and repairs, to ensure a roof is strong enough to withstand natural elements.

It's extremely important to keep up to date with roof maintenance checks to prevent mould, debris build-up, and deterioration.

If regular roof repairs and upkeep aren't a priority, the building can be damaged as well as the machinery in it. Plus, it creates an unsafe and unhealthy working environment.

"Regular roof maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your roof. A well-maintained roof can last up to 20 years or more. A poorly maintained one may only last a few years before it needs to be replaced. Regular inspections can help you identify small issues before they become bigger problems that require costly repairs or replacement," explains Universal Roofing.

Roof maintenance can also help your business save on electricity! Heating and cooling systems are relied upon more when a roof is damaged as it can't regulate temperature effectively.

How Long Do Industrial Roofs Last?

The lifespan of an industrial roof depends on the type of material it's built out of.

IBR: Inverted Box Rib is extremely popular because it's easy to install and cost-effective. The lifespan of an IBR roof is around 25 years. However, this choice does have a few cons, namely excessive noise and buckling.

Chromadek: This is galvanised steel coated with a layer of Chromadek paint. "This paint is a specially formulated, high-performance coating that provides the sheeting with excellent corrosion resistance, weatherability, and durability," explains Renovated. While it is durable, the downsides of Chromadek include insufficient noise and thermal insulation. This paint has a minimum lifespan of a decade with proper maintenance. 

Zinc: Zinc is a common type of roofing for commercial properties in South Africa because it's durable and low maintenance. However, it can also be pricey compared to other materials and can warp due to heat. But, with proper maintenance, zinc roofing can last up to 100 years! "Maintenance is vital on a zinc roof and should be conducted every 5-10 years to ensure the longevity of your roof, "says Tremco.

Flat: Often built using concrete, flat roofs are - as the name suggests - more level compared to their sloped counterparts. People opt for concrete flat roofs for versatility - roofs can be used when extra space is needed. They're also easy to maintain and repair. Problems can arise, however, when there isn't proper drainage. According to SA Decor and Design, flat concrete roofs have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.

How Do You Extend The Life Of A Commercial Roof?

It's essential to get a roof installed by a professional who is well-versed in your chosen material. For example, as some metals can expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations, a roof made from these metals needs to be installed with specialised joints to minimise this warping.

Scheduling regular roof inspections is one of the keys to extending the life of a commercial roof. You can get your roof inspected once or twice a year, depending on the roof material.

Outside of inspections and fixing any issues timely, part of roof maintenance is cleaning the roof and gutters to remove any debris build-up.

Important! When buying or renting an industrial property, always get the roof checked out first before signing a contract. When investing in a property, ensure you have access to all warranties and maintenance reports.

Industrial Roof Maintenance Checklist

Here's a checklist to use when roof maintenance on your property rolls around:

Leak Checks And Drainage

It's essential to make sure that no water is getting through the roof via worn-away material, inefficient drainage, or holes.

"Most roof issues are caused by water penetrating surface materials and causing damage underneath, so many maintenance tasks are geared toward ensuring water resistance and spotting problems early. Even a small leak can cause widespread rot, mould, or sagging if it continues unchecked," explains Architectural Digest.

Check And Clean Gutters

Leaves and debris can build up quickly in gutters! Letting this build-up continue can put unnecessary strain on the gutters as well as the roof. Therefore, part of roof maintenance needs to include gutter maintenance.

Clean The Roof

Roofs need to be washed regularly to preserve the warranty of your roofing materials and prevent deterioration. Buco advises, "Do not power-wash your roof, ever. This puts an immense amount of pressure on the shingles and it also contributes to their erosion over time."

Inspect Surfaces For Damage

A period of bad weather can put extra strain on roof materials. Ensure that there are no loose areas and that expansion and contraction joints aren't damaged. Look for areas of sagging and corrosion.

Check For Sun Damage

Sun damage can wear away at a roof and make it brittle. Check for areas that need repairs or an extra coat of paint.

Who Is Responsible For Roof Maintenance and Repairs?

According to Schindlers Attorneys, the lease agreement between a landlord and tenant dictates where liability falls regarding maintenance and repairs. A tenant needs to conduct regular maintenance checks so that the landlord can be made aware of any issues/damage.

Anything outside normal wear and tear would be the responsibility of the tenant. But, it is the landlord's obligation to ensure that the property is fit for the purpose for which it is to be let. "The landlord is also obliged to maintain the dwelling and carry out repairs during the entire lease period."

Ensure that the rental contract is crystal clear on which party is responsible for what when it comes to property maintenance.

Don't take the roof over your business for granted! Make industrial roof maintenance an important part of your building upkeep to safeguard your operations, protect your assets, and provide a healthy and comfortable working environment.

Whether you're leasing, selling, or purchasing industrial or commercial property, you need an expert on your side. API Property Group specialises in industrial and commercial property throughout Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth. Contact us so that one of our professional brokers can make this process simpler for you!