As a savvy commercial property owner or manager, you likely already have a roof maintenance plan that covers twice-yearly inspections, prioritizing needed repairs, taking preservation measures recommended by your roofer, and of course, performing routine maintenance. Here are some proactive steps you can take to make maintaining your roof easier and more effective:
Read Your Roofing Warranty
If your roof is still under a manufacturer’s warranty, one fairly easy yet crucial task is reading your warranty paperwork so you understand exactly what’s covered, how long your coverage lasts, and how to file a damage claim. You’ll also learn about your obligations to keep your coverage intact, which likely include the semi-annual inspections that are part of your roof maintenance plan, as well as using a manufacturer-certified contractor to make necessary repairs.
Keep Ahead of Rooftop Debris
Debris that’s carried by the wind or falls on your roof from surrounding trees, like dead leaves, seed pods and broken branches, can block your drains and scuppers, or decay into an acidic sludge that eats away at the membrane. Tasking your staff with the simple chore of weekly debris removal will not only extend the life of your roof, but it also makes periodic maintenance like professional cleaning easier and can help your roofer identify wear and damage during an inspection.
Log Traffic on Your Roof
Foot traffic from your employees, and the actions of those you hire to install and maintain your building systems, such as HVAC technicians, electricians and plumbers, can deteriorate your roof’s membrane, or leave it vulnerable to leaks around penetrations. Setting up a sign-in log that details every visit to your roof is easy, and it can give your roofer a guide on where to look for damage if leaks develop.
Monitor Roof Drainage During the Winter
While good drainage on your roof is essential all year long, it’s especially important during the winter months when repeated freeze and thaw cycles occur. To stay ahead of drainage problems, have your staff check that runoff from melting snow and ice is draining properly on days when the temperature rises about freezing. With careful monitoring, you’ll be able to notify your roofer right away if drainage issues develop, so you can limit damage and costly repairs.
For more advice on how to make your roof maintenance plan more effective, contact us at Jewett Roofing, your expert St. Louis commercial roofers.
