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A leaky roof can have many negative effects on your business. First, roof leaks are an obvious cause of annoyance and project a poor image to employees and customers, who see your building in poor repair. Second, roof leaks can invite mold and pests, which pose a health hazard to those inside your building. Third, water damage can cause property loss, as well as the loss of files and other important information, thus costing you more in terms of finances than simply the cost of roof repair in McLean. Protecting your commercial roof from leaks means not only taking steps to prevent leaks, but recognizing possible trouble spots and the signs of a leak as well so you can act quickly to contact your roofer for repairs.

Common Commercial Roof Problem Areas
Flat commercial roofing is subject to different problem areas than sloped roofs. One common trouble spot is the area around any roofing penetrations, such as plumbing, exhaust, or HVAC vents. Flashing and sealants are used around these areas for weather-tightness, but these materials can become loose or deteriorate over time, leaving vent openings and the roofing materials around them vulnerable to leaks. Additionally, roof drains are notable problem areas, as the seals around these drains are subject to constant water flow as the drain funnels water away from the roof. Leaks may also form around the perimeter of flat commercial roofing, particularly near expansion joints located at the perimeter of your commercial roof.

Protecting Your Commercial Roof
Protecting your commercial roof from leaks means addressing problem areas to reduce the likelihood of developing leaks. Have your roof inspected once a year by a professional roofer, who can identify areas of deterioration, damage, or weakness and take action before a major leak or other water problem develops. Roof drains should be covered with mesh to prevent debris from being carried over the edge of the drain and into the pipe; debris buildup will result in backups that cause additional damage to drain seals and the surrounding area of your roof. Perimeter leaks are more likely on flexible membrane roofs; make sure your roofing inspection includes a thorough check of your roof’s perimeter and make any repairs your roofer suggests promptly to prevent leak formation. In many cases, roofing accessories manufactured from metal can cover vulnerable areas to prevent deterioration and leaks as well; these accessories can be installed and removed easily to allow for inspection and repairs of the membrane underneath. If you notice any signs of a leak, including dark streaks on interior or exterior walls, a musty smell, standing water, or other signs of water damage, contact your roofer immediately to schedule repairs to restore your roof’s integrity and eliminate the source of water damage.

Your commercial roof provides protection and comfort for your property. Our roofers serving Alexandria offer installation, maintenance, and repairs of commercial flat roofing, metal roofing, and shingle roofing. Please visit us online to find out more about our commercial roofing solutions and services, or click through our blog for more tips and information about your roof.

Installing a new roof is an easy yet extremely effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. If you’re considering roof replacement near Alexandria, there are several ways to ensure your new roof is greener than the last, ranging from the materials you choose to the way in which your roof is installed. Your roofing contractor can offer personalized suggestions and ideas to help you make the choice that is right for your home in terms of eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness to ensure you get the roof you want.

Green Materials

There are several roofing products available today that are considered “green.” Green roofing materials may be durable and long-lasting, or their manufacture may contribute minimally to the creation of greenhouse gases and other waste. Some of the most popular residential green roofing options include tile, metal roofing, wood shingles and shakes, and asphalt shingles. Additionally, many of today’s new roofing materials are made with some percentage of recycled material, reducing the overall impact of their manufacture on the environment and the limited pool of natural resources. Depending on how your roofing product is manufactured and applied, it can offer various levels of solar reflectivity, product longevity, and even recyclability at the end of their lifetime of your roof. The use of lighter roof colors and reflective coatings are a simple way to reduce solar heating inside your home, lowering the environmental and financial cost of maintaining a comfortable indoor environment even further.

Green Installation

Green installation practices will prolong the lifetime of your roof while minimizing the amount of toxic chemicals or non-sustainable materials used to give you the roof you want. The key to roof longevity is its quality, which means hiring a trusted and experienced roofing contractor to ensure the job is completed properly. A longer-lasting roof will not only save you money, but it will also reduce the amount of waste associated with roof replacement as well. When installing an asphalt roof, talk to your roofer about using mechanical fasteners and water-based adhesives, rather than solvent-based chemicals that could be harmful to your health or the environment. If you’re designing a new roof entirely, installing a roof with a steeper pitch will encourage water runoff and prevent leaks or pooling, which can damage your roof and shorten its lifetime significantly. Other green installation options include installing roof-mounted solar panels for your home electrical needs, a solar pool heater, or home water heater to augment your hot water supply or radiant heat barriers to increase your roof’s solar reflectivity, regardless of the material you choose.

Whether you need roof repairs or a complete roof replacement, your Alexandria roofer has the options you need to install an eco-friendly roof to green your home. Please click through our website to find out more about green roofing, or take a look through our blog to read about smart, sustainable roofing practices and solutions.

Slate is a durable, long-lasting, and handsome roofing choice for your Alexandria-area home or business. This type of roofing material has been used on countless monuments and pivotal buildings throughout human history, with many slate roofs lasting for centuries. If you’re interested in adding a slate roof to your home or commercial building, keep reading to learn more about this versatile and beautiful roofing option, available from your local roofing contractor.

All About Slate

Slate is a natural layered rock composed primarily of clay and volcanic ash, which contains other minerals that may include quartz, mica, graphite, and many more. Prior to its exposure in quarries, slate has spent millions of years subjected to intense heat and pressure inside the Earth’s crust. Slate is available in a variety of colors, each determined by the rock’s chemical and mineral composition. Some of the most popular colors include gray, red, purple, and green. North American slate is typically quarried in Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada, as well as areas along the eastern coast of the United States, including Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and Virginia.

All About Slate Roofing

As a roofing material, slate is prized both for its beauty and its durability. Slate has been used as a roofing material throughout human history, with many of these roofs outlasting the buildings they protect. Thus, slate remains an excellent choice for a long-lasting residential or commercial roof in modern day. Its longevity and natural origin also makes slate a green roofing option. Not only are no harmful chemicals or byproducts produced in the creation of slate, but your slate roof will not need to be replaced for 50-100 years or more, keeping excess roofing waste out of landfills. Slate roofing can also boost the energy efficiency of your home or office, making it easier to maintain indoor comfort and reducing your carbon footprint while lowering your utility bills. Because slate tiles are made from rock, they are heavier than wood, asphalt, or other types of shingles. Thus, it’s important to discuss this factor with your roofing contractor if you are considering a slate roof. To offset the extra weight, your underlying roof structure may need additional support before slate roofing can be applied. However, new roofing technologies are also becoming available, offering lighter slate shingles that utilize a fusion of slate and other materials to give you the look and the durability you want with less weight.

If you’d like to learn more about slate roofing in Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington, visit our website to check out our residential and commercial roofing solutions and maintenance plans. Our roofing contractors will work with you to find the perfect roof and gutter solution for your needs, including green roofing options. We also invite you to click through to read more information about roofing, skylights, and more.

A proactive approach to commercial roof maintenance will ensure that no unforeseen problems affect your business operations or the comfort of employees and customers. While some commercial roof care tasks can be performed on your own, others should only be completed by an experienced roofer. Taking care of your roof by maintaining it regularly will not only save you money over the short term, it will benefit you in the long term as well—studies show that well-maintained roofing lasts an average of 21 years longer than roofing that is not cared for regularly.

Maintain Your HVAC Equipment

Many commercial buildings have HVAC systems located on the roof. Although you may not think about how you HVAC system affects your roof, problems with roof-mounted air conditioners, fans, and air handlers can damage to your roof as well. Condensation or ice formation on a poorly-maintained cooling system can cause water damage and promote the growth of mold and mildew, which could lead to deterioration of roofing materials. Excessive vibration from an overworked or aging HVAC system can cause cracks or other damage to the material of your roof as well, leading to air and water leaks that cause further trouble. Thus, maintaining your top-level HVAC equipment is an important step toward both indoor comfort and roofing integrity.

Trim Your Trees

If the landscaping around your commercial building includes tall trees with overhanging branches, keeping these trees maintained will also protect your roof. Avoid letting branches get so long or heavy that they bow down close to your roof, as poorly-supported branches could snap off in a storm or high winds, causing damage. Gutters can easily become clogged with plant debris from overhanging branches, which could cause leaks that damage your property and invite the growth of mold. Furthermore, pests and insects could use overhanging branches to reach your roof, damaging it and paving the way to larger pest problem as well. Keeping any trees located near your building healthy and well-trimmed will reduce the risk of damage to your roof.

Inspect Your Roof

At least once a year, perform a thorough visual inspection of your roof. Look for areas of pooling water, bowed or sloped roofing, missing gravel or other roofing material, and other signs of damage that should be addressed. If your roof includes chimneys, check the condition of the flashing and mortar around them as well. Don’t wait to schedule repairs if you think your roof needs them—letting small problems grow into large ones by ignoring them will only cause you more stress and cost more to repair in the future. If you aren’t able to inspect your roof on your own or aren’t comfortable doing so, talk to a professional roofer about scheduling an annual roofing inspection.

Caring for your commercial roof will reduce the cost of annual maintenance by up to 11 cents per square foot. Additionally, regular care and repairs will increase the longevity of your roof and improve the appearance of your commercial property. Click through our website to find out more about commercial roof installation, roof repair, and roof maintenance in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and McLean.

Skylights are a handsome and energy-efficient addition to any home. Keeping your skylights in great shape will protect them from wear and ensure they always look great, providing the light and ventilation you expect. Caring for your skylights isn’t a difficult job; contact your Bethesda roofing contractor if you’d like more information about skylight care or need to schedule a roof and skylight inspection.

Cleaning Your Skylights

The key to maintaining your skylights is keeping them clean. Although you can clean your skylight just like a regular window, its unique location in your roof can make this task slightly more challenging. Start by cleaning the interior portion of your skylight; if you need a ladder to reach your skylight for cleaning, always use caution and make sure your ladder is in good condition before mounting it. Place a plastic tarp or drop cloth underneath the ladder to catch any stray cleaning solution and prevent slipping. To clean the glass, use a natural window cleaner such as a mixture of water and vinegar or water and mild dish soap; you can spray cleaner onto the glass with a spray bottle or spread it over the glass using a soft sponge. Use a squeegee to remove excess liquid and finish by drying any remaining moisture with a soft microfiber cloth. If you have plastic skylights, you can protect the surface using a thin coat of automobile polish or wax. To clean the exterior of your skylight, you’ll need to access your roof—only perform this task if you can safely do so. If you can’t reach your roof easily, your roofing contractor will be happy to help you clean your skylights safely. Once on your roof, never step or lean on your skylight or its frame. You can use a soft mop or spray bottle to apply the same cleaner that you used indoors, starting at the highest point if your skylights are angled. Use a long-handled squeegee to remove excess cleaner and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth attachment.

Checking Your Skylights

In addition to cleaning your skylights, you should check the glass or plastic regularly for scratches, pits, or cracks. If you notice damage to your skylight, contact your roofer for repairs or replacement. Check over the frame of your skylight as well to make sure it is tightly sealed in your roof to prevent leaks and air exchange, which will affect the energy efficiency of your home. If your skylight frames are painted, check with your roofer about the best type of paint to touch them up when they show wear and tear. Hinged skylights that open for ventilation should be opened and closed periodically to make sure the hinges work properly. Remove any dirt or debris from the hinges with a soft cloth and lubricate them with a dry silicone spray or other product as recommended by your roofer.

Well-maintained skylights will offer bright natural light to enhance the comfort and appeal of your home for many years to come. Please click through our website to find out more about our comprehensive roofing services in the Alexandria, Bethesda, Fairfax, and Arlington areas, including skylight installation and green roofing options.