The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
Your commercial roofing system plays a critical role in preserving the integrity of your commercial space. The roof is also home to your building's HVAC unit. Technicians servicing your HVAC system can damage your commercial roof by walking across it.
Walk pads are used to create safe pathways for workmen on commercial roofing surfaces.
Educate yourself about the benefits of using walk pads so that you will be prepared to invest in these valuable additions the next time you have your commercial roof serviced.
Walk Pads Prevent Leaks
The roof membrane in most commercial roofing systems is susceptible to being punctured by foot traffic. Walking across commercial roofing without any protective barriers may result in serious membrane damage, which leads to moisture leaking into your building over time.
Walk pads are specialized tools that are made from the same material as your commercial roof, or a material that is very similar. This material comes in a roll and is laid out over the top of the roof membrane.
Walk pads are designed to create a protective barrier between anyone walking on your roof and the delicate membrane below.
Walk Pads Should be Carefully Placed
If you do decide to invest in walk pads for your commercial roof, these pads must be placed carefully to ensure they maximize the protection of the roof membrane.
Try to focus on placing walk pads near access points to your roof and around any major pieces of equipment that need to be maintained. Walk pads that create a straight pathway between access points and vital equipment should also be installed.
Doing something as simple as placing your walk pads in the right location can protect your roof against serious damage in the future.
Walk Pads Can be Costly
Many business owners think that investing multiple walk pads will help ensure the safety of their commercial roof. While this may be true, it can also be costly. It's not cheap to install a walk pad on your roof.
Instead of focusing on quantity, focus on quality. Select the most durable walk pad material available to you, then strategically place these walk pads around your commercial roof in a way that makes sense. By using your walk pads strategically, you can use fewer walk pads and still achieve the same level of membrane protection.
Your commercial roofing contractor will be able to help you learn more about walk pads so that you can implement these useful tools into your roof design. Contact a commercial roofing contractor to learn more.