A healthy roof is the first line of defense for most commercial buildings. It protects your property from natural hazards, including heavy rainfall and storms, wind, hail, snow and excessive heat.
While it has a protective function, you must not forget that roofs are the most vulnerable part of any building; mainly, because any damage to a roof can put the whole building at risk of damage.
An inability to keep up with roof maintenance and inspections can cost you money in several ways. First, you’ll need to spend on repairs and replacements. Secondly, you may have to shut down the building for a few days, affecting your business.
Instead of taking risks, follow these steps to ensure your building’s roof is maintained.
1. Evidence for roof condition
Taking photographs and keeping them as a record is the most effective way to document roof maintenance.
This is more important for roofing components that are still under warranty. In case of damage or another issue, these photographs will serve as visual evidence. It will also inform the roofing contractor about the actual roof design.
2. Collecting information
Roof inspections can tell you a lot about the current roof condition. It also indicates how a particular roofing system is working for the building.
Collect and update following information on a routine basis:
- Roofing type and manufacturer
- Warranties and coverage
- Approximation of the roofing area
- Details of installation, including date and footage of flashing gravel stops and coping
- Installer/ contractor information
3. Maintaining a data log
Prepare a roof plan where you can note the data for each of the roof area. There should also be a plan for the floor below. This chart of information should correspond with the roof plan to simplify recordkeeping. This will provide you a visual depiction of each roof area.
4. Keeping records up-to-date
While data collection is important, it should be routinely updated to keep up with any changes occurring in any roof area. Records of inspections, maintenance and repairs should be included too.
This will provide you insight about whether the maintenance strategies and repair work carried out made difference in prolonging the life of the roof. This can also tell you if enough repairs have been carried out and you should instead go with roof replacement.
5. Review and update inspection data
Review and update the data log at least twice a year. The data log will also serve as a point of reference. Proper recordkeeping is particularly important for multi-building facilities.
If you note a discrepancy or think a roof area requires repair or replacement, contact our Mansfield roofing company. Our roofers specialize in commercial roof installations and repairs.