Every day that goes by, we get older! Whether we are aware of it or not, as we age health problems pop up here and there. What do we do to proactively combat these health issues? We try to eat healthy, exercise and get good rest. Just like our health, our roofs need to be treated with the same periodic care. Just like other parts of the building, the roof requires ongoing maintenance and preventative repairs. Why does your roof need periodic inspection and maintenance? Studies have shown that a roof that has not been well maintained on average will last half of the manufacturer’s material warranty. With proper maintenance and care, the life expectancy of your roof will be maximized. This means one thing, more money in your pocket in the long run!
When Should Roofs Be Inspected & Maintained? It is recommended to have your roof inspected in the fall before the winter and then after in the spring. Why is this you ask? Well, the simple answer to this question is that in Canada our weather in the winter is quite harsh. The harsh elements of snow, rain, ice and cold temperatures can put a lot of wear and tear on the diverse components of your roof. Therefore, you want to get your roof inspected and maintained so that it is prepared to take on the harsh winter months. Why should your roof be inspected after the winter months as well? Another simplest answer to this question is that you want to see how your roof held up to the winter that just past.
Why Is It Important To Have A Pre-Winter Roof Inspection And Maintenance? Many property owners and property supervisors do not think of their roofs until it is too late and a roof leak occurs. Leak repairs in the winter months can be very expensive because repairs become harder, longer to fix, and in many situations can be very dangerous! Hence, cost-effective pre-winter roof inspections and maintenance may be a more calculated choice to reduce the likelihood of premature leaks and aging. Therefore, it is to your benefit when roof work is done that it be serviced in dry and safe conditions. Meaning more efficient and more cost-effective work being done on your roof.
Who Should Be Called To Perform A Pre-Winter Roof Inspection And Maintenance? A seasoned roofing contractor or professional roofing consultant should be hired to inspect the conditions of your roof and carry out any required roof maintenance and repairs. A qualified roofing professional will be prepared with the necessary tools and experience to identify the diverse components of your roof and identify any faulty roof components where leakage may occur in the future. Roofing contractors are generally more than equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to perform the required maintenance and repairs of your roof and building envelope. The roofing contractor will be able to patch roofing membranes, clean roof drains and eavestrough systems, fix rubber and metal flashings, and re-apply necessary sealants and mastics that have failed.
What Should I Expect From A Roof Inspection And Maintenance Being Carried Out On My Roof? Expect the roofing contractor to provide you with a written roof inspection report. The report will point out any deficiencies and defects with your roof. Usually, photos are documented in a report with captions right next to the photo. These descriptions explain the repairs that need to be done in writing and are usually in easy-to-understand language. The cost for the roof repairs and maintenance will usually be outlined on the first or last page of the report. Once an agreement is made between the building owner/supervisor and the roofing contractor, the roofing contractor will use his/her roofing tools and expertise to repair and maintain the roof. The great thing about the written report is that it is a great reference point for the owner/supervisor of the building to visually see what took place before and after the roof maintenance and repair! The inspection and maintenance report is also a great document to keep so that you can always go back and refer to it and see what areas of the roof need periodic attention.
In conclusion, carrying out a proper pre-winter roof inspection and maintenance in the fall can proactively save you a lot of money in the long term! Identifying minor roof deficiencies before they become undetected roof failures will make your life a lot easier and save you a lot of money and headaches in the future. If there is one thing you can take away from this article, it is that buildings age just like humans and that they also need preventative care to last longer.