Contrary to Mother Nature’s plans – in spite of the blizzard that blanketed much of the northeast this week – springtime is actually almost here. The spring equinox arrives next week, March 20^th, and with the start of spring comes thoughts of warmer weather, spring cleaning and maintenance.

Spring is the perfect time to tend to your commercial building’s roof, but before you pull out the ladder and hop on the roof to perform maintenance make sure you’re doing more good than harm by following our roofing do’s and don’ts tips.

Roofing Do’s
– Do have your roof inspected frequently and regularly (twice per year, at least) and carry out recommended preventive maintenance. Inspection and maintenance can prolong the life of your roof.

– Do thoroughly read your inspection reports. If you are unclear about anything in the report, ask your contractor for more information.  When your roof requires preventive maintenance or replacement, obtain and thoroughly review the scope of work.

– Do take the time to research roofing contractors. Make your choice of roofing contractor based on research.  You want a professional, reputable, reliable contractor to take care of your roof.

Roofing Don’ts
– Don’t perform your own maintenance. Even something as simple as clearing snow from your roof can be dangerous.

– Don’t panic if you experience a roof leak. If your roof is regularly inspected and maintained, whatever is causing the leak is likely a fairly simple fix for a trained roofing professional.

– Don’t hire just anyone to work on your roof without seeing their credentials.

Keeping your commercial roof in a good state of health really boils down to two things – frequent, regular inspections and preventive maintenance. Contact your roofing contractor in Minneapolis today to schedule a preventive maintenance check in the coming weeks.

If you’re attempting to inspect your home roof or the roof of a commercial structure, nowhere is safety more important than when it comes to propping up a ladder and climbing on a roof. Whether you’re a DIY repairman or an experienced roofer, it’s very important to follow some simple precautions to keep you safe. Here is a list of safeguards to heed when working on a roof.

#1 Never work on the roof alone! Always have another person with you in case something should happen and you need help.

#2 Make sure your ladder is in good, working condition and is on a level, solid surface.

#3 Always wear a safety harness that is tied to something sturdy. If you were to slip, the harness will prevent you from falling off of the roof.

#4  Wear sturdy shoes or boots with good traction to prevent slipping, as well as safety glasses and a hardhat.

#5 Keep the site clear of debris and tools. Clean up as you go – including nails, shingles and nail guns – which can pose a tripping hazard.

#6 Check the weather. If there are thunderstorms, rain, or high winds in the forecast, or the roof is icy, delay your work until conditions improve.

#7 If you find major damage, whether minor or major, it’s best to call a roofing contractor in Minneapolis, or your area, to get a professional opinion so the damage gets fixed properly and in a timely manner.

With so many roofing solutions on the market, it’s hard to know which one is best for your commercial property. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best choices available today. Of course, it’s important to speak with a roofing contractor in Minneapolis, or a licensed contractor where you live, to discuss the pros and cons for your particular structure.

BUR – Built-up Roofing
Consisting of alternating layers of reinforcing materials and a waterproof binder covered with gravel, BUR provides weather durability, a long lifespan and waterproof performance at a cost-effective price.

EDPM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
This thermoset roofing membrane can either be fully adhered, mechanically fastened or loose laid with a river rock surface. EPDM is ideal in tough climates and weather conditions as it is durable against hail and UV damage, can resist any temperature or climate and won’t shatter in a freeze.

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
You’ve probably seen PVC used for drainage pipes but it also happens to be an excellent material for roofing. PVC offers a wide range of benefits including energy efficiency, enhanced chemical and UV durability, and puncture and damage resistance. PVC is also a long-lasting roof with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Sheet Metal
Sheet metal has been used in construction for over a century — and for good reason. It’s durable, cost-effective, and can also be an attractive roofing option.

TPO – Thermoplastic Polyolefin
This single-ply roofing solution is the most commonly used commercial roofing. TPO can provide longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and wear-resistance well worth the investment. TPO can last up to 35 years and is extremely flexible as well as offering temperature durability.