Commercial Roofing: Why DIY Inspection and Repairs Aren’t a Good Idea

commercial roof replacement being installed by team of professionals

As the owner or manager of a commercial property, you’re used to always watching your bottom line. In some cases, you may try to go the DIY route to take care of certain tasks or repairs. However, anything to do with commercial roofing shouldn’t fall into this category. 

There are a number of reasons why repairing or even simply inspecting your roof on your own can be a bad idea. Take a look at the insights below to learn more about the risks that come along with DIY roof work and why partnering with a professional commercial roofing contractor is almost always the best option.

Reason 1: Safety Hazards

The risk of falling or slipping isn’t the only problem to consider when it comes to getting up and around on your roof. Skylights, water damage, and compromised decking could also pose a risk to your safety. 

That’s why commercial roofing contractors take care to use specialized safety equipment and are thoroughly trained on techniques to keep them safe. Rather than risk your health–and even your life–opt to have a professional take a look at your roof.

Reason 2: Time and Energy Consuming

Without expert knowledge about your roof, you’ll probably spend a lot of time in advance doing research about what you should be looking for. This can take up significant chunks of time, yet won’t give you the full education you need to actually resolve issues. 

Instead of going through the effort to attempt a fix on your own, only to later call in a professional to get it done right, reach out to a commercial roofing contractor first and save your time and energy for other pursuits.

Reason 3: Commercial Roofing Services are Less Expensive

Most people who want to work on their roofs without professional help think hiring a contractor is expensive. However, what’s actually expensive is finding the right materials and tools to fix your roof. 

Professional teams already have access to everything they need to execute high-quality work including knowledge and experience. They may even be able to order materials at a discounted rate. In the end, having professionals work on your roof is likely the most economical choice. 

Reason 4: Small Problems can Snowball

Roofing contractors have trained their eyes to catch the most minor issues. This is because noticing small problems is crucial to preventing major damage that could eventually necessitate a complete roof replacement. Even if you are able to conduct an inspection safely on your own, you’re missing the point if you overlook what may seem to be insignificant details. 

Reason 5: Voiding Commercial Roofing Warranty

By working on your roof yourself, you could inadvertently void your warranty. Most roof warranties contain detailed terms and conditions specifying who can conduct repairs and which materials can be used. 

Since you or your in-house team probably won’t meet these criteria, ask a commercial roofing contractor that is certified in your roofing system to handle the job and keep your precious warranty intact throughout the lifespan of your roof.

Fortunately, working with a commercial roofing service doesn’t have to be a hassle. Choose the right professional contractor, and you can benefit from the expertise, professionalism, and efficiency of an experienced team.

Get started with a trusted commercial roofing service today! Just get in touch with AMW Contracting at 904-725-4197 for a free service estimate.

Roof Repair: Factors that Lead to Duro-Last Roof Repairs

building maintenance worker carrying ladder

Are you considering installing or does your facility currently have a Duro-Last roof? Are you wondering about roof repairs for your Dro-Last roof? We can help!

Duro-Last roofs are made from an innovative PVC material that is exceptionally resilient to temperature changes, punctures, grease, and other hazards that can affect conventional roofs. This roofing system also promotes energy efficiency thanks to its ability to reflect the sun’s rays. 

Duro-Last is so confident in the longevity of its product that it even offers warranties for up to 30 years! However, while this roofing system is definitely made to last, it can’t perform to its full potential unless it is properly cared for. Without conducting adequate maintenance, you can expect to have to pay for roof repairs at some point.

How to Prevent the Need for Roof Repairs

You’ve invested in an excellent roofing system, and it’s important to protect that investment. Understanding how to care for your roof and knowing the specific factors to avoid is key to increasing its longevity, promoting its durability, and ensuring your commercial property is always protected. 

Here are some of the leading risk factors you should be aware of:

Using Asphalt or Asphalt-Based Products.

The Duro-Last PVC membrane should never come into contact with products that contain asphalt. Should this ever accidentally occur, the asphalt will seep into the membrane permanently, damaging its internal structure. This will open up opportunities for leaks and water damage to take hold. You can think of asphalt as your roof’s special brand of kryptonite. 

A lot of sealants, fillers, and certain types of caulk are made with asphalt. Therefore, take the time to make certain any products used on your roof are free of this substance. 

However, it’s not enough for only you to know about the risks of asphalt. Take steps to inform maintenance workers, HVAC installers, and any other individuals working on or near your roof about this danger.

Neglecting Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is a must for just about any investment exposed to the elements, and your Duro-Last roof is no exception. The problem is that many facility managers have an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude when it comes to their roofs. They’ll make sure every other part of their building is sparkling clean but completely forget about preventing dust, dirt, and grime from turning into build-up on the roof.

When it comes to cleaning a Duro-Last roof, there are two things to keep in mind: 

  1. Choose soft-bristle brushes to avoid causing damage to the membrane
  2. Always use non-solvent cleaners

In addition, it’s always a good idea to spray the roof as the last step of the cleaning process to sweep away debris and any leftover cleaner.

Failing to Follow the Maintenance Checklist

Duro-Last provides a comprehensive, step-by-step checklist that makes it easy to figure out exactly what you should be doing to maintain your roof. That being said, this checklist isn’t just provided for your convenience. Following these steps is essential to remaining in compliance with the longer Duro-Last warranties. 

Of course, that isn’t the only benefit to staying up to date with maintenance. It will also help you avoid the need for repairs and extend the number of years your roofing system remains effective.

Procrastinating on Getting Minor Roof Repairs Done

As part of the maintenance checklist, you should have your roof regularly inspected. It’s possible that the inspection will bring minor problems to light. While you may believe small issues can wait, this isn’t the case with something as important as the integrity of your roof. Make minor fixes a major priority to avoid the need for significant roof repairs.

Working with a certified Duro-Last roofing contractor is essential to ensuring your roof is properly cared for and any necessary roof repairs are done in line with the Duro-Last warranty. Call AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to learn more about how we can help keep your roof in tip-top shape!

Roof Repair in Jacksonville: Best-in-Class Warranties to Cover Roof Repairs

commercial roof inspection man on roof

Buildings and their roofs are constantly exposed to the elements. Harsh weather, structural movement, and atmospheric chemicals can all add to the stress roofs experience over time. When normal aging is compounded by neglect, trade damage or accidents, severe storms, or equipment additions, costly roof repairs may be required. 

To avoid the need for roof repairs in Jacksonville, regular inspection and maintenance is crucial. Fortunately, arranging for your roof to be inspected and conducting regular maintenance is relatively simple. Most importantly, doing so can save time and money over the long run.

One of the best ways to avoid the need for roof repairs is to install a durable roofing system known for its resilience to leaks and punctures. With a Duro-Last® roof, you can count on optimal performance thanks to custom fabrication and innovative membrane formulation. 

In addition, you can enjoy comprehensive warranty coverage. Nonetheless, you’ll still need to take measures to protect your investment through regular maintenance and inspections.

Avoid the Need for Roof Repair in Jacksonville with These Steps

With a plan in place to keep your roof in the best shape possible, you can prevent the occurrence of accidents and minimize threats that could ultimately result in costly repairs. 

Here are ten steps that should be taken on a regular basis to protect your roofing system:

  1. Keep your records up to date. Store your warranty documents, inspection reports, repair and maintenance bills, construction drawings, and invoices in an organized, easily accessible location in case the need for repairs arises.
  2. Schedule routine inspections. Have your roof inspected in the spring and fall by a certified Duro-Last roofing contractor.
  3. Check for damage after severe weather. Following a hailstorm, heavy rains, or high winds, check your roof for damage even if you haven’t noticed any leaks on the interior of your building.
  4. Use an authorized contractor for repairs. If you observe damage following a storm or accident, arrange for repairs right away. As improper repairs often lead to bigger issues, repairs should only be performed by a certified Duro-Last contractor.
  5. Keep the roof area debris free. Trash and debris can cause punctures, overloading, and inadequate drainage. Use a broom or plastic shovel to remove debris on a regular basis.
  6. Ensure flashings and sealants remain in good condition. Examine metal components for rust, deterioration, damage, or detachment to prevent water infiltration.
  7. Maintain masonry walls and copings. Water leaks from deteriorated masonry are often mistaken for roof leaks. Keep an eye on walls and copings to ensure they stay watertight.
  8. Keep up with rooftop equipment maintenance. Air conditioners, skylights, satellite dishes, and solar panels should be frequently examined and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  9. Limit rooftop traffic. Only allow necessary personnel to access the roof to prevent traffic-related damage, and keep a detailed roof access log for your records.
  10. Clean your roof regularly. Make roof washing a regular part of your routine maintenance plan. Just be sure to only use safe roof washes, never solvent-based cleaners.

A Comprehensive Warranty is Key to Stress-Free Repairs

Taking the above steps should prevent the vast majority of issues that could require you to need a roof repair in Jacksonville. However, unexpected events, weather conditions, and accidents do happen. For this reason, having a roofing system backed by a comprehensive warranty will give you peace of mind should emergency repairs ever be required.

Duro-Last is an industry leader when it comes to warranty coverage. In fact, Duro-Last was the first roofing manufacturer to explicitly cover consequential damages on commercial buildings through its warranties. 

In addition, Duro-Last offers warranty groupings with the ideal coverage level for any job. From Supreme Warranties covering consequential damage to Ultra Warranties with high wind and/or hail coverage, you’ll find the exact level of coverage you need to protect your investment when you choose a Duro-Last roof.

Are you looking for an authorized Duro-Last contractor who can take care of your roof repairs in Jacksonville? Give AMW Contracting a call today at 904-725-4197 for details about our preventative maintenance programs, inspections, and 24/7 emergency repair services.

Duro-Last Roof Repair in Jacksonville

roof repair by AMW in Jacksonville

Known as the “world’s best roof,” the Duro-Last roof is incredibly durable and requires very little maintenance. Thanks to its PVC membrane and limited seams, the chances of a leak sprouting on your Duro-Last roof are slim. However, when the need for repair does occur, it’s crucial that you contact a certified roofing team that’s been trained to work with Duro-Last materials. If you’re looking for Duro-Last roof repair in Jacksonville, don’t hesitate to reach out to AMW Contracting to fix the problem in a quick, reliable manner.

Minimize the Need for Roof Repair in Jacksonville: Get Your Duro-Last Roof Inspected

For single-ply roofing materials, repairs typically take place where the roof is weakest—at the seams. Since Duro-Last roofs are prefabricated and have roughly 85% fewer seams than conventional single-ply roofs, there are fewer opportunities for things to go awry.

Nonetheless, there are still some areas that require on-site seam work during the installation of a Duro-Last roof. Although this work is done using heat welding, which offers a more powerful seal than glue or other liquid products, these spots do represent an area of weakness you should keep an eye on.

That’s why frequent inspections are so important. At least two inspections per year are recommended to help safeguard the longevity and integrity of your Duro-Last roof.

At AMW Contracting, we understand the specific types of issues Duro-Last roofs face and know exactly what to look for when conducting a regular inspection. Here are some of the problems we’re prepared to investigate as we inspect your Duro-Last roof:

  • Unusual wear patterns or signs of premature deterioration. It’s important to detect minor problems early on before they become more serious issues. This is not only cost-effective, but also allows for faster repairs and less disruption to your business operations.
  • Impact of harsh weather. Having your roof inspected following severe weather is crucial to ensuring it remains intact after the impact of heavy rains, strong winds, and wind-blown debris.
  • Debris accumulation. As the accumulation of debris can result in drainage issues, regular checks are necessary to keep debris at bay.
  • Areas where sealant or caulk has been used. Sealants are vulnerable to peeling and cracking, issues that allow water to seep in and cause damage.

How We Perform Duro-Last Roof Repairs in Jacksonville

We’re proud to be authorized Duro-Last contractors and will help ensure you enjoy the benefits of this roof type for many years to come. If you ever require Duro-Last roof repairs in Jacksonville, you can have confidence we’ll only use approved formulas and techniques to mend your roof.

For example, we know during regular cleaning and after repairs, only soft-bristle brushes and non-abrasive, non-solvent cleaners should be used on your roof. This allows the PVC membrane to maintain solar reflectivity and continue reducing energy costs at your facility. It also helps with retaining that bright white color.

In addition, we understand just how incompatible asphalt is with Duro-Last roofing materials. Once asphalt seeps into the membrane, it is impossible to remove. That’s why sealants, fillers, and caulks that contain asphalt should never be used on your Duro-Last roof. It’s also why you should only allow authorized contractors to conduct repairs. Otherwise, you may have to deal with the lasting consequences of an asphalt-contaminated membrane.

If you’re in need of Duro-Last roof repair or installation in Jacksonville, get in touch with AMW Contracting today. Call 904-725-4197 to hear about our commercial roofing options or request emergency repair services.