Roof Maintenance Programs
Purchasing a roof is an expensive, long-term investment. Once you find a roofing system that works for you, it is important to do regular roof maintenance checks to make sure the roof is functioning properly and there is nothing hindering its performance.
Evaluating a roofing system investment from a life-cycle cost standpoint is very important, and roof maintenance is critical to extending its life. By implementing a sound maintenance program for your roof, its financial performance can be maximized. A high-quality roofing system and good maintenance practices can also protect the building and its occupants, conserve energy, and ensure uninterrupted function of the building.
Factors Affecting a Roof’s Performance
A variety of factors can influence how a roof performs over the long term. Here are some that can cause premature roof failure and end up costing the building owner additional costs and frustrations.
Lack of routine maintenance. Maintenance is the easiest factor to control, yet many building owners and facility managers neglect routine checks to look for debris on the roof, third-party damages, vandalism, aging, drainage problems and other problems that may cause premature failure.
Finding a reliable roofing contractor to complete maintenance checks is also very important. A good maintenance program should be conducted by one person or company to ensure consistency and responsibility.
Exposure to the elements. Sun, water, extreme temperature changes, high winds, hail, lightning, and chemicals can affect a roofing system’s longevity.
Biological growth. Checking for any vegetation (especially where there is ponding water) such as algae, mold, mildew, yeast, bacteria, or fungi is crucial and can help avoid premature failure of your roofing system.
Structural movement. Expansion and contraction can affect a roofing system if it is not able to accommodate such movement, especially at critical areas such as changes of plane.
Ignoring seemingly small roof problems can create huge problems in the long run. Unrepaired roof leaks can have an escalating effect on your pocketbook. For example, a small hole in a roof will cause a leak that, if not repaired, can saturate the roof deck and insulation, and cause significant damage to the interior of a building and its contents.
Additional rooftop equipment. HVAC units, roof vents, skylights, and the like that are improperly installed or incompatible with existing roof products can create major havoc with a roofing system.
Change of building or rooftop usage. Sometimes the use of a building change, causing factors that affect a roof’s performance to also change. Exhaust or humidity/condensation levels may change, there may be an increase in foot traffic or equipment may be stored on the roof. These situations should be investigated beforehand to make sure the roofing system can handle them.