Why Business Owners Can’t Afford to Ignore a Dirty Roof
Commercial business owners understand the importance of a clean environment. Whether you manage a quick service restaurant, gym, school, hotel, or grocery store, maintaining a neat and hygienic facility is a critical part of fostering a welcoming and safe atmosphere for customers and employees.
Yet, while kitchens, floors, tables and other areas are regularly wiped down and sanitized, one large aspect of a business is often neglected: the roof.
At Budderfly, we know this is a common problem, because we oversee the installation of rooftop HVAC units for our customers and have experienced firsthand countless neglected rooftops. That’s why we clean the roof as part of every installation—at no extra cost. We do it because doing so brings huge benefits and maximizes energy savings.
We understand a roof is easy to ignore. It is out of sight for the most part. Customers never experience the roof and employees rarely do. But a dirty roof can have a serious negative impact on a business, from driving up operating costs to affecting the indoor environment. Keep reading to learn why keeping your roof clean should be a priority for businesses.
Common Issues Found on a Neglected Roof
Mold and mildew. Mold on a roof should be treated with the same level of concern as mold in a kitchen. Mold can harm a building if left untreated, breaking down roofing materials and leaving your roof weak and vulnerable. Worse yet, mold spores travel through the air and can enter your facility through the HVAC system that is meant to bring in fresh, clean air.
Water accumulation and rot. Puddles of stagnant water can collect on unattended roofs, while piles of moist leaves can gather and rot. These materials exacerbate any mold issues you might have. Plus, constant moisture and the weight of debris can weaken a roof structure and lead to costly damage. This damage can also lead to holes in the roof that allow contaminants or even animals to come inside the building.
Pests and droppings. Unwanted visitors like rodents, birds, and insects can cause damage to roofs. They might chew through the structure or create nests that gather debris across the roof. Birds leave droppings, too which—in addition to being an eyesore—are acidic and over time can accelerate the deterioration of the roof.
High levels of heat. A dirty roof absorbs more heat from the sun. In the summer months, this means your HVAC system will have to work significantly harder to maintain indoor comfort. This not only decreases the lifespan of your HVAC units but also requires a lot more energy that drives up monthly utility costs.
The Benefits of Maintaining a Clean Roof
Improved energy efficiency. Cleaning your roof improves energy efficiency by reflecting more light instead of absorbing it. This means your building won’t become as overheated, and your HVAC units won’t need to work overtime on hot days to keep temperatures comfortable.
Better HVAC performance. Because they won’t be strained by overheated roofs, HVACs can perform better and last longer on a roof that is regularly cleaned. Plus, removing dead leaves and other debris helps make sure they don’t become dirty and clogged themselves, which negatively impacts performance. If you have a high-efficiency HVAC, a tidy roof can maximize energy and cost savings benefits.
Cleaner indoor air. Removing mold and animal droppings prevents these unsavory elements from being brought inside your customer and employee environments by your ventilation system. This means a clean roof facilitates better air quality and a healthier atmosphere in your locations. For facilities that serve food, this also ensures more sanitary cooking conditions and better food quality.
A stronger, longer lasting roof structure. Removing dirt, moisture, and mold from your roof prevents wear and tear on your structure. This improves the safety of your locations and prevents damage that will necessitate expensive repairs down the lines.
Want to learn more about improving the energy efficiency and air quality of your facilities? At Budderfly, we work with thousands of locations across the U.S. to provide improved energy infrastructure that drives down energy costs while improving the aesthetic and comfort of businesses. We also provide innovative technology solutions that monitor equipment performance and regular maintenance to keep your HVACs, refrigerators, and more in the best working conditions. With our unique energy-as-a-service model, we provide these benefits to our customers with no upfront costs.
Want to take the stress (and cost) out of maintaining your energy systems? Contact us today.