“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”
-- Charles Dudley Warner, Hartford Courant, 1897
Unfortunately,
the same could be said about roof inspection and maintenance. Everybody
talks about doing it, but all too often, very little (if anything) is
actually done. The good news: although this is a futile battle when it
comes to the weather, we can do something about the lack of timely
inspection and maintenance.
It is well documented a
conscientious maintenance program results in an increase in roof service
life. Below, learn five modest first steps that you can implement in
the short term to make a big difference at a relatively low cost:
1. Take back control
2. Avoid roof leakage
3. Maintain roof warranties
4. Increase roof life
5. Improve safety
1) Take Back Control
Roof
systems are work platforms for other trades, including HVAC,
electrical, antennae, and even solar panels. If these trades are not
closely watched, damage may lurk undiscovered until leakage has
occurred. Take charge of your roof with three simple steps:
- Implement
a daily sign-in sheet and ID badge tracking roof visits, purpose, and
activities. Take photos of the roofing and flashings in the intended
work area before, during, and after the visit.
- Have visitors
sign a document that says “I understand that if I report any damages to
Buildings Operations on the day that they occur, I will not be
back-charged. However, I will be responsible for any and all expenses
caused by damages not promptly reported.”
- If you do not have a
current roof file, start one today. Include sub-folders for each
distinct roof area. A comprehensive folder would include roof plans,
roof system identification, and copies of any warranties.
2) Avoid Roof Leakage
Roofs
are intended to shed water. That water must have somewhere to go.
Periodically, have maintenance personnel walk the roof with a trash bag
and remove debris from drain strainers and scuppers. After a heavy rain,
see what areas do not drain within 48 hours. Blockage in downspouts
will require unplugging. Each roof area should have two means of
drainage, one of which may be for overflow to avoid deflection and roof
collapse.
3) Maintain Roof Warranties
While roof
bonds, warranties, and guarantees cover normal wear and tear, most do
not cover physical damage from neglect or abuse. Warranties will have
notification requirements, so that problems must be reported promptly to
the warrantor. That means we building owners and managers need to know
who holds the warranty and to whom and where the problem must be
reported. (Back to that roofing file!) A durable metal sign at roof
access points should indicate the provider of the warranty, the roofing
contractor that did the installation, and an emergency phone number.