Save Money - Take care of your Roofing System

Why should you invest in a roof maintenance program?

Studies regarding the lifetime costs of commercial & residential roofing systems have shown that it is more cost effective to maintain your roof.  Consider the two primary options:

  1.  Utilize a preventative maintenance approach by having your roof inspected twice per year.
  2.  Adopt a reactive repair approach.

One study compiled 15 years of data of roof maintenance and repair costs.  The result showed the cost of a reactive repair approach was at least 1.5 times more expensive than a preventative maintenance approach on average.  The factor that drives this result is one of escalation.  A small roof leak may seem insignificant, but it can lead to numerous problems over time if left unaddressed. Water seeping through a leak can cause structural damage to the roof, causing deck rot, weakening beams and supports, and overall compromising the integrity of your home.  Moisture intrusion can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which poses health risks and is costly to remediate.  Over time, the leak can expand, resulting in water damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and even electrical systems, potentially increasing repair costs significantly.  Additionally, persistent leaks can attract pests and further degrade the property’s value. Addressing a small roof leak before it escalates can save you from these cascading issues and ensure the long-term safety and stability of your home.

A commercial roofing system requires preventative maintenance to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Regular inspections and upkeep help identify minor issues, such as cracks, punctures, or drainage problems, before they escalate into significant and expensive repairs. As one example, consider the following:

• When water gets past the membrane or multiple plys in a low slope roofing system it can cause water damage to the insulation board, framing, interior property and building components.  The cover and / or insulation board can develop a low spot that can lead to water ponding where water collects in the low spots and accelerates damage to the roofing membrane and layers.  

Preventative maintenance also helps to maintain energy efficiency by ensuring insulation and reflective materials remain intact and functional, reducing heating and cooling costs. Moreover, a well-maintained roof protects the building's interior, including critical assets, equipment, and operations, from water damage and structural issues. Proactively caring for a commercial roof extends its lifespan, reduces unexpected downtime, and ensures compliance with warranty requirements, ultimately saving money and protecting the investment.

What should I expect in a Roof Maintenance Program?

Roofing System Technical Data

A folder should be made that includes the pertinent information associated with the roof, associated components and any relevant correspondence along with drawings and a general layout.  Consider the following typical items:

  • Roof Specifications
  • Any applicable warranty documents
  • Any notable installation data / reports
  • Overall plan showing drains, gutters, penetrations, etc....

Inspection Data

      The program for your specific roof should also contain the following:

  • Inspection reports for each visit
  • Pictures and data for any changes to the roof including curbs, rooftop units, new penetrations, etc....
  • Recommendations from the inspector to protect and prolong the roof system and components
  • Any minor repairs made covered under the agreement and products used

Roof Maintenance General Checklist Criteria

  • Conduct an interior walk-through / perform visual inspection for leaks.
  • Look for signs of ponding water, hail damage and debris.
  • Inspect the roof perimeter for condition of flashings including fascia, gravel guard, coping cap, termination bars and counter flashings.
  • Examine the gutter system including field drains and downspouts for cleanliness, proper drainage and attachment.
  • Look for signs of compromised conditions at the perimeter, especially critical wind zones for uplift damage.
  • Look for areas on ballasted systems where the gravel has moved and redistribute as needed.
  • Inspect all metal flashing joints and details visually and with a feeler gauge to confirm integrity and weathertightness.
  • Visually inspect and also utilizing a probe, examine membrane seams and patches on low slope roofing systems such as TPO, PVC, EPDM and Modified Bitumen.
  • Paint any flashings where the galvanized surface has been compromised.
  • Reseal any joints in the roofing system and masonry parapet walls as needed.
  • Inspect expansion joints.
  • Examine pitch pans, curbs and similar items for compromises and system integrity.
  • Look for any tears in membranes and plies in low slope systems.
  • Check that fasteners are properly seated on exposed fastener metal roofing systems and check for any stress fractures in metal components.
  • Visually examine mid laps and end laps in metal roofing systems and utilize a feeler gauge to confirm system integrity and weathertightness.