In order to ensure the long-term integrity and quality of your commercial roof, regular maintenance is required. A regularly scheduled maintenance program saves money by identifying roofing problems before minor repairs become major hassles. Exposure to the sun and harsh weather will eventually have a negative impact on the materials in your commercial roof. When it comes to roofing, professionals expect wear and tear and they know how to manage it to keep your roofing costs affordable. So, before those small leaks become serious problems, you should consult a roofing professional to implement a regular maintenance program. The following commercial roof maintenance tips will help you keep your roof in excellent condition.
Maintenance Timing
After a roof replacement or installation is the best time to implement a maintenance program. That’s right – you want to ensure regular inspections and maintenance of your commercial roof right from the very beginning. You should also be aware that most roofing warranties require that an appropriate maintenance program has been followed, so make sure you work with an expert roofing contractor that will help you meet the conditions of your roofing warranties.
Other than that, it’s recommended that you have regular roofing inspections – at least twice a year (i.e. before and after harsh weather seasons, but also consider scheduling maintenance after severe storms or other weather events.
You should expect that these roofing inspections will identify roofing deficiencies and that your roofer will follow-up with the necessary repairs. Ask your roofer to provide evidence of the deficiencies and repairs – photographs, written descriptions and quotes for repairs, or other documentation will help you track the condition of the roof.
If you have an existing roofing system that has not benefited from regular maintenance, you should schedule a thorough audit of the roof as soon as possible. From there, you and your roofing contractor can schedule required repairs and also develop a maintenance program to support the longevity of the roof.
Maintenance and Inspection Checklist
What exactly is your roofer looking for when they inspect and/or maintain your roof? A comprehensive inspection and maintenance program should include:
- Inspection of interior and exterior roof structures
- Identification and removal of dirt and debris from roofing surfaces and drainage systems
- Roofing membrane inspection to ensure proper function of the system
- Surface inspections to identify damaged roofing materials – roofers will look for weathering, blistering, cracks, holes, and moss, algae, or fungus growing in roofing structures
- Inspections of expansion joints, control joints, flashings, edges, and terminations
- Review of roofing structures such as chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights
Remember, regular roof maintenance and upkeep of your commercial roof can extend the lifespan of your commercial roof by a decade or more in some cases. Always work with a qualified roofing contractor to maintain your commercial roof.