FAQs

Northeast Ohio winters are tough on roofing systems. The repeated freeze/thaw cycle can wreak havoc on any commercial roof deck. That’s why spring is an ideal time to check for any winter damage or necessary general maintenance so that you can address problems now and expand the life span of your flat roof.

You will find that spring inspections will actually save money and time in the long run. For example, spring is the perfect time to repair vertical seams and repair or coat flashings and tighten or replace loose fasteners. These are minor repairs compared to the need for a major replacements that might occur if problems go undetected.

For more information, read: How a Spring Commercial Roof Inspection Can Save You Money

While a simple online search can provide you with a list of commercial roofers in your area, how do you decide who to call? The most important information on local commercial roofers can found by checking with reputable roofing manufacturers. Many manufacturers require some level of training or certification to apply their materials, so they can provide you with a list of roofers in your area they would recommend to install their products. Roberts Roofing is either certified by or actively trains with all the major commercial roofing manufacturers.

For more information, read our free guide: The Commercial Building Owner’s Guide to Roof Repair and Maintenance.

You may also want to read:

• Maintenance Agreements vs. Roof Warranties: Which Offers Greater Protection?
• Does My New Commercial Roof Need Maintenance?

Consider the following benefits of roof restoration before making the decision to replace your entire roof.

• Cost savings: Depending on the roofing system selected, replacement costs between $18 and $22 per square foot, whereas restoration requires costs about $6 to $9 per square foot.
• Multiple options: There are numerous, cost-effective restoration options available depending on your type of roofing system.
• Cool factor: “Cool roof” solutions, such as those available from Roberts Roofing Company, lower the temperature of your existing roof. Since some coatings are highly reflective they can greatly increase solar reflectivity, which can significantly reduce interior cooling costs. You can achieve significant savings on your HVAC costs.
• Heat efficiency: Since some coatings are highly reflective, they can greatly increase solar reflectivity, which can significantly reduce interior cooling costs.
• Sustainability: Roof restoration offers many attractive advantages when it comes to thinking and acting green. For instance, there will be far fewer materials to dispose of. You’ll improve the sustainability of your building since you’ll be reusing your existing roof. As you’ll read below, there are also tax advantages to the green roof restoration projects
• Additional warranty: Many restoration systems are warranted through the manufacturer for up to 15 years. Be sure to find out how many years your restoration would be covered.

When problems occur, the commercial building owner and facilities manager often must weigh the pros and cons of roof repair or restoration versus roof replacement. Other than cost, what are the most important issues to consider in making the right decision? Four factors must be weighed, including:

• Extent of the damage
• Location of the damage and its effect on the entire building
• Understanding the benefits and costs of a short-term fix versus a long-term solution
• Extent of business interruption

For a more detailed answer to this question, read:

• Should I Repair or Replace My Commercial Roof?

Unused equipment on your roof is usually the source of roof leaks. Roberts Roofing Company is able to remove the equipment, properly repair the structural deck and install the roofing manufacturer’s specified material. In the event you need to add stacks, vents or new HVAC units to your facility, Roberts Roofing Company has the ability to properly seal these penetrations according to industry standards. We will also install roof drains with piping and commercial grade gutters, downspouts and scupper boxes.

Another leading cause of Cleveland, Ohio commercial roof leaks is our region’s widely fluctuating weather patterns. For example, constant freeze/thaw patterns can lead to trapped moisture in seams that can eventually cause leaks. A thorough inspection by an experienced commercial roofer can reveal loose or deteriorated flashing, split membranes and other damage from debris, such as tree branches.

For more information, read:

• April Showers Bring May…Commercial Roof Leaks?

Flat roofs are more susceptible to leaks because they don’t allow snow to easily slide off. Additionally, ice can be a real problem on flashings, seams and downspouts. So, what do you do when you spot signs of leaking during the winter? There are temporary fixes that will help to eliminate costly spring repairs, including frequent snow removal, the use of tarps and the application of temporary materials to stall or stop an active leak.

At Roberts Roofing, we immediately dispatch a professional to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Our leak repair crews consist of two men per crew. Each crew has their own truck that is equipped with the tools and materials necessary for any repair needed.

For more information, read:

• Short-Term Fixes for Winter Roof Leaks
• Preparing Your Flat Roof for the Winter

Here are four questions we ask our customers in guiding them toward the best solution:

1. What is the extent of damage?
2. Where is the damage and how does it affect the building’s use?
3. Is the owner looking for a short-term fix or a long-term solution?
4. How much will the work interrupt business processes?

Don’t rule out other options when it comes to addressing a damaged roof. When a commercial roof needs more than a repair but the insulation is still in good shape, the most effective solution may be to recover your roof. Or, when the commercial building owner simply wants to extend the life of the building roof, a cost-effective coating might make sense. In addition to extending the life of the roof, you will get leak protection and better heat protection that results in a more comfortable temperature inside the building.

No two roofs are alike, so make sure you are not getting a one-solution-meets-all quote. With many options to consider, you want to work with a qualified, experienced and innovative roofer that will walk you through each of these options.

For more information, read our free guide: The Commercial Building Owner’s Guide to Roof Repair and Maintenance.

You may also want to read:

• Should I Repair or Replace My Commercial Roof?
• When is a Roof Coating Feasible?
• 10 Good Reasons to Consider Commercial Roof Restoration

Professional roofing contractors, designers and manufacturers all agree that an annual roof system inspection, including necessary wear and tear repairs, will prolong the life of your commercial or industrial building’s roof. An annual maintenance and repair program will save your company thousands of dollars and greatly lessen the chances of a devastating roof catastrophe.

When you have an annual commercial roof maintenance agreement from your professional roofer, you don’t have to worry about remembering to call for your inspections—it’s all on us. We’ll schedule the inspections ahead of time, always letting you know when the inspections will take place at your convenience.

When we issue a warranty, it comes directly from the manufacturer. Once a new roof is installed, the manufacturer sends a representative out to the site to conduct a full inspection. If anything needs to be adjusted, the professional roofing contractor does it at that time. Your repairs should be made at no cost to you. (The only exception would be damage due to outside forces, such as a tree limb puncturing a membrane, or damage caused by an HVAC crew. Still, your roofer can make the repairs.)

Manufacturer warranties require periodic maintenance with repairs at the owner’s expense to maintain the warranty. If the manufacturer receives a call about a problem with the roof, their first call will be to your commercial roofer to find out if your company has been conducting regular maintenance.

For more information, read:

• Maintenance Agreements vs. Roof Warranties: Which Offers Greater Protection?
• Does My New Commercial Roof Need Maintenance?

Not only is a yearly preventive maintenance and repair program important, but the contractor you choose to work with is also paramount to the life expectancy of your roof. Roberts Roofing Company, a qualified, experienced commercial roofing contractor, has maintenance crews that hold up-to-date certification in roofing repair technique and training.

Experienced, Reliable Crews

Roberts Roofing offers:

• Professional maintenance crews who are knowledgeable in all types of roof systems, including TPO, BUR and EPDM
• Maintenance and repair crews who are separate from our general roofing crews
• Maintenance technicians who are trained and experienced in investigating potential problems that will cause roof leaks in the future. They know what to look for and how to repair the problem according to the roofing system manufacturer’s specifications.

For more information, read: What Should I Expect During Commercial Roof Maintenance?