If you’re a building owner or manager, you’re used to planning and budgeting for necessary maintenance and repairs to keep the structure, its systems and equipment in good working condition and protect the asset’s value. When it comes to the roof system, though, you may find repairs are more difficult to predict and prioritize. Following these three suggestions can make the task easier.
Switch to a Condition-Based Repair & Maintenance Strategy
It’s easy to put most aspects of building maintenance and repairs on a predictable time schedule based on anticipated service life estimates and manufacturers’ warranties. This often isn’t effective with the roof system because its condition is more easily impacted by factors beyond your control, like installation flaws, maintenance history, the quality of prior repairs, weather extremes, and even rooftop traffic. A better alternative is a repair and maintenance strategy that relies on information gathered during routine inspections.
When repairs are continuously prioritized based on the roof’s current condition, you’ll have fewer emergency situations, waste less of your budget on unnecessary maintenance, extend the useful life of the asset, and better protect the building’s structure and contents.
Define a Roof Condition Baseline
An initial in-depth inspection is essential to determine the current condition of your roof and what repairs are needed. For an accurate assessment, inspections should be performed by a reputable roofing contractor who has extensive experience maintaining, repairing, and installing your particular type of roof system. If your roof is still under warranty, choose a contractor who’s certified by your manufacturer.
Going forward, inspections should be done twice a year, and after any major weather event that might damage the roof. Keeping track of the roof system’s repair and maintenance history is also vital, so if it hasn’t been already established, start keeping records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs as they’re performed.
Use Inspection Results and Recommendations to Prioritize Roof Repairs
The report you receive after each inspection should include details of any needed maintenance and repairs as well as any deficiencies that require immediate attention. In addition to repair and maintenance recommendations, the report should break down what’s covered by your warranty and give you a timeline and cost estimate for all the items listed. This will make it easier for you to plan and budget for necessary commercial roof repairs.
For expert assistance prioritizing commercial roof repairs for your St. Louis property, contact us today at Jewett Roofing.
Read: 5 Signs Your Building Needs Commercial Roof Repair
