Does Your Commercial Roofer Complete Surface Prep?
Commercial roof repairs are a key component of proper maintenance for flat and low slope roofs. When done correctly, a commercial roof repair can add years to the life of a roof at a fraction of the cost of a restoration or full roof replacement.
Unfortunately, not all commercial roof repairs are created equal. Completing a commercial roof repair requires more than just applying a quick patch. An effective repair is the result of a multistep process that includes both proper surface preparation and cleanup to ensure maximum effectiveness.
At Moser Roofing Solutions, we’re often called to repair or restore leaking or damaged commercial roofs after cut-rate roofers leave building managers or owners with hasty, low-quality repairs that don’t solve the problems. There are many reasons why commercial roof repairs can fail, but we’ve found that improper preparation of the roof’s surface is among the most common. Here’s why surface prep matters.
What Is Surface Preparation?
At its most basic, surface preparation refers to the process of readying a portion of a roof for repairs. This chiefly entails thorough cleaning to remove dirt and debris, then fully drying the surface before proceeding with the roof repair.
Roofing adhesives require a clean, dry surface in order to set up and adhere properly. A local, professional commercial roofer knows the ideal conditions for their repair materials to be used and will ensure that the roof is ready before applying any sort of adhesive or patch.
Why Does Surface Prep Matter for Commercial Roof Repairs?
In short, proper surface preparation prevents poor performance. Without proper preparation to the roof surface, dirt, grime, debris, or oxidation can form a barrier between the roof and the materials used to complete the repair. This barrier will prevent proper adhesion and result in premature product failure.
Because adhesives are so vital when applying patches and other materials commonly used in commercial roof repairs, adhesive failure results in a failed repair. In other words, if a leak was patched without first preparing the surface, that leak will resurface much sooner—and it could be a matter of months, not years.
Was My Roof Properly Prepared?
Improper surface preparation is an all-too-common problem that we encounter when repairing leaky roofs. How can you tell if a recent commercial roof repair was done with surface prep in mind?
To see if your roof received proper surface preparation, review photos of the completed repair, if possible. The repaired area should look like a target, with the patch as the center. Along the outer edges of the patch, there should be at least one visible band, indicating that the roof was cleaned in that area, and possibly two, if the area was also primed. If you only see the patch, it’s likely that the surface was not cleaned before the repair was completed.
How Do I Choose a Roofer for Commercial Roof Repairs?
When scheduling commercial roof repairs, it’s critical to choose a roofer that will complete the process carefully, thoroughly, and never cut corners. For any roofer you’re considering, be sure to find out information about their process and services rendered. Read through their reviews as well to get an idea of the quality of their work.
Moser Roofing Solutions: Leading Commercial Repair Experts
At Moser Roofing Solutions, we consider proper surface preparation to be a crucial part of every commercial roof repair process. For each repair we complete, our roofing craftsmen execute a thorough surface prep process that starts every time with cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. This ensures that your commercial roof repair will last as long as possible, adding years to the life of your roof.
Ready to see the difference Moser can make for your commercial flat or low slope roof? Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
