Roof repairs are often made after the damage has been done; however, if you keep up on routine roof maintenance you can avoid unnecessary damage altogether.

Therefore, in these times of economic uncertainty, postponing essential roof repairs or roof maintenance could result into greater damage that would eat into your lean resources.

Roof repairs in progress

This is why facility managers insist that performing roof repairs in house should be undertaken as soon as the fault is detected. Alexander Cua in an online article on extending the roof life, gave reasons why roofs are replaced.

“Roofs are replaced for many reasons; most notably roof leaks. The sad part is many roof replacements are done years before they should. Oftentimes, the roofing material has not failed Persistent roof leaks can pushed you towards a new roof”.

Roof maintenance and inspections

Proactive roof maintenance can often detect early signs of roof problems. All roofs require maintenance. In fact, most roof warranties require it and failure to do so, may void the warranty. These roof maintenance tasks should be done on a regularly scheduled basis

* Keep the roof clean. Collect debris, such as paper, bottles, broken glass, tree limbs, vegetation or other foreign matter.

* Trim overhanging tree limbs that can potentially fall onto the roof and cause damage.

* Clear all roof drain covers and check drains, downspouts and scuppers for proper operation.

* Check the integrity of any surface coating. Roof coatings generally require re-application during the roof system’s life.

* Examine the roof membrane especially in areas where physical damage has occurred. Contact the roofing manufacturer as soon as possible to obtain instructions for performing a permanent repair.

* Maintain photo documentation of any repairs and roof issues discovered.

If you intend to carry out emergency roof repairs, you must ensure that the procedures are done with compatible materials. Avoid using any asphalt or silicone based sealers on a metal roof.