Roofs are self-sufficient, right? They just sit there on the top of your home or commercial facility and keep nasty weather at bay, right? Once installed, you don’t even need to think about your roof again, right? Wrong. A roof is one of the most structurally significant components of any building and it is also where the majority of building problems arise. As a building owner, it is your responsibility to maintain all aspects of the structure and that includes the roofing system and roofing components. Regular roofing maintenance programs help to prevent serious roofing problems that are not only a headache but also a major cost for many building owners.
Preventative roof maintenance involves a range of activities including routine inspections, adequate repairs, and roof cleaning. Let’s take a closer look.
Roofing Inspections
Regular roof inspections are the first key to preventative maintenance. Not only should you conduct biannual roofing inspections in the spring and fall, you should also have your roof inspected after severe weather. Hailstorms, excessive winds, and heavy rain can wreak havoc on your roof so whenever weather is more severe than usual for your climate consider a professional inspection. Your roof inspection should include checking for visible damage and debris, a review of exterior structures such as chimneys and vents, as well as an inspection of interior components for signs of leaks. If you’re scoffing at the idea of paying a professional for twice-annual inspections, consider this: regular inspections can save you nearly 50% in the cost of repairs over the lifespan of your roof while also increasing the roof’s longevity by more than a decade.
Proper Repairs
Always, always, always work with a qualified and respected roofer when conducting repairs – your bank account will thank you for it. Roofing warranties often stipulate that repairs are conducted by qualified roofing professionals, but it’s also important to remember that professionals offer the tools and experience to make sure repairs are done right the first time. In fact, one of the main challenges of roofing repairs is identifying the location of leaks as water can often travel a great distance from the original source. Experienced roofers ensure they fix all leaks from the source to limit damage to interior structures.
Roof Cleaning
In addition to inspections and repairs, regular roof cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your roof and save you money in the long run. Be sure to keep gutters, downspouts and drains clear of debris to ensure proper drainage from your roof while also keeping the roof clear of fallen branches, leaves, and other debris. This will reduce the potential for rot in roofing structures and extend the lifespan of your roof.
