Managing Leaf Build-up on a Commercial Roof

Blankets of beautiful Autumn leaves don’t belong on your roof.

While Fall leaves are beautiful, they become a nuisance for commercial roof maintenance teams. Fallen leaves accumulate on your roof, then clog gutters, downspouts, drains, and other rooftop water removal systems. Clogged drainage due to leaf build-up results in ponding water on your commercial rooftop. Be aware of this while Autumn is still mild because standing water on your commercial roof can lead to ice damming in winter.

A less visible issue with accumulated Autumn leaves:

Did you know, the natural chemical by-products of decomposing leaves can ruin a roof? The concentrated decomposition pulls the oil from asphalt roofing systems such as shingles & modified roofs. It can pull plasticizers out of some membrane systems, and carbon from EPDM, as well. This chemical leaching causes the systems to weaken leading to cracks or shrinkage, and eventually leaks. Additionally, leaves trap moisture and encourage fungal growth, both of which increase the rate of roof decay.

Have your gutters cleaned at least once during each Autumn. Severely clogged gutters, drain, or downspouts should be handled by a professional roofer. Performing maintenance on your roof, even something such as cleaning the gutters, can be dangerous. One wrong move while on your commercial roof could prove fatal.

We have the training and safety equipment to get your job done safely and efficiently. If your roof is in need of maintenance in preparation for or during Autumn, call the professionals of Great Lakes Roofing Corporation at 800-871-5151.