Take a moment to think of your roof as the unsung hero of your property. It’s always there, always reliable, but unfortunately, also often overlooked. While your roof might not always demand your attention, just because it’s not leaking doesn’t mean that it’s not aching somewhere.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our top 12 tips on roof maintenance. By keeping these in mind, we’re confident that you’ll be able to ensure your roof stays in tip-top condition.
But first, a quick disclaimer.
We will never recommend you or anyone who’s not a professional roof contractor to climb and inspect your roof on your own. Doing so will not only put your safety at risk, but it’s inefficient too. There are roof issues that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye.
With that out of the way, let’s get started.
1. Top 8 Roof Maintenance Tips
- Determine the state of your roof.
When we say “roof maintenance”, what we mean is the proactive process of keeping your roof in good shape. The goal is to address minor issues immediately before they escalate into more significant problems.
That said, there is no point in maintenance if your roof is in a bad condition already. This is the reason why we highly recommend getting your roof professionally inspected twice a year, ideally once in the fall and once in the spring.
Other instances that we recommend getting your roof checked are after a major weather event or upon spotting any early signs of damage that you feel might require immediate attention.
Again, we will be remiss if we don’t reiterate that we are not recommending you perform these checks yourself. Never climb on top of your roof since it will put your safety at risk.
- Don’t rely solely on your warranty.
While a roofing warranty is a great safety net, it’s not a substitute for regular roof maintenance. Many roofing warranties come with a catch–they require you to perform annual or bi-annual roof inspections to keep the warranty valid.
These inspections are crucial for catching potential problems early, such as storm damage, clogged drains or gutters, or damage caused by service personnel on your property’s roof.
Pro Tip: The best people to perform these inspections are roofing experts (like RoofCo) or any of your roofing manufacturer’s authorized contractors. By setting up a maintenance service agreement for bi-annual inspections, you ensure that your roof gets the close attention it needs. Our roof experts here at RoofCo know exactly what to look for and can provide immediate corrective action, keeping your warranty intact and your roof in top condition.
- Prepare for severe weather before it strikes.
When the weather forecast predicts impending weather events such as heavy rain, high winds, and freezing conditions, we naturally brace ourselves for the worst. But the real question is, is the roof above your head ready too?
Severe weather can expose problems that were previously unnoticed, with one of the most common being gaps in the system that allow water to enter. While the roof is often the first to be blamed, the roofing membrane may not be the actual culprit.
During severe weather, water entry is more likely to occur through other vulnerable points, such as:
- Rusted out HVAC units
- Cracked brick or block walls
Nothing beats prevention. As such, we highly recommend regular inspections of the walls extending above your roof’s flashings as well as the close monitoring of any rooftop mechanical equipment.
By addressing these potential weak spots before a storm hits, you can significantly reduce the risk of water intrusion and keep your building safe and dry.
- Get your maintenance team up to date.
Building maintenance personnel often receive training on a specific roof system or attend a basic course that doesn’t really cover the diverse range of systems out there. As a result, key aspects of roof maintenance and inspections are frequently overlooked.
Fortunately, there are local opportunities to get updated local roof maintenance training sessions. These are usually sponsored by the Roofing Contractors Association or the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI).
- Be extra proactive during severe winter weather.
Severe winter weather can be particularly hard on properties. They often lead to roof drains freezing over several inches of ice. The problem is that as the snow melts, this trapped water has nowhere to go, creating a host of problems.
Before you grab any tool to try and break the ice yourself, we highly recommend consulting a professional as the temperatures start dropping. Our roof experts are fully equipped to examine whether your roof drains are prone to freezing and recommend preventative measures.
- Know who to contact for roofing emergencies.
We understand how easy it is to overlook important details in a time of crisis. For instance, it is not uncommon for property owners to forget to review their roof’s warranty right after a natural disaster or a roofing failure.
Another common mistake is failing to report the issue to the roof manufacturer. The problem is that failing to follow these procedures could lead to issues when you require future services covered by the warranty.
As such, we recommend having a plan ready for such events. This way, you’ll have a guide that will walk you through what to do and who to contact following a roofing issue.
You can also keep our number handy. It’s 254-651-1776. Please feel free to contact us anytime.
- Manage roof access.
While not a typical issue for homeowners, commercial property owners need proper management of rooftop access to prevent roofing damage and issues.
Ideally, it is recommended to keep a detailed log of all roof activities. This should include:
- The person’s name
- The service company they work for (if applicable)
- Date of visit
- Hours when they were on the roof
- And their purpose
By keeping this log handy, you’ll be able to better oversee roof activity and ensure that it remains in good condition.
Another thing to consider is to simply keep unauthorized individuals off your roof, including your employees. Consider placing locks or installing signs to minimize access. This ensures people’s safety anyway.
- Rethink sustainability when it comes to roofing.
Many of us only think about sustainability in roofing when it comes to planning new construction projects. However, don’t forget that such efforts can also apply to reroofing and partial roof replacements.
In addition, did you know that sustainability efforts can falter over time without proper roof maintenance? Keep in mind that preventative maintenance is a simple yet effective strategy to make sure that your roof performs at its best, including reducing environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable future.
2. Keeping Your Roof in Top Condition
Your roof is truly the unsung hero of your property—always there, always reliable, yet often overlooked. While it might not constantly demand attention, it’s important to remember that just because it isn’t leaking doesn’t mean it’s without issues.
By following these top 8 roof maintenance tips, you can proactively manage and preserve the condition of your roof, preventing minor issues from escalating into costly problems. Regular professional inspections, staying on top of your warranty requirements, preparing for severe weather, and managing roof access are all crucial steps in maintaining your roof’s health.
Remember, while DIY might be tempting, it’s always safer and more effective to rely on experts for roof inspections and emergency situations. And if you ever find yourself in need of professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 254-651-1776.
With a bit of proactive care and the right approach, you can ensure that your roof continues to protect your property effectively for years to come.
