If your roof is experiencing leaks, your general contractor or local roofer probably told you that you need a new roof. I’m here to share some good news. Chances are you do not, and you can get a few more years out of it. As the Director of Operations and Sales at RoofingSource, I help owners and facilities managers of leading brands avoid expensive roof replacements and extend the lifespan of their current roofs. From cutting-edge thermal drone imaging to elementary yet necessary grease containment, learn tips and long-term strategies your organization can implement immediately to prolong the life of the roofs in your portfolio.
1. Keep Your Manufacturer’s Warranty Valid
Many businesses unknowingly violated their roofing warranty, resulting in thousands of dollars unnecessarily spent on repairs that should have been covered. Did you know that if you don’t perform and document annual preventative maintenance, you could currently be violating your warranty? Experience some rain? Ponding water can void the warranty. Any third-party damage? Yeah, that is most certainly not covered! Below are tips to ensure you keep your warranty valid.
Notify your manufacturer of any service performed to the roof (leaks, maintenance, repairs, etc.). Additionally, ensure that the contractor completing the service is certified by the manufacturer.
Make sure that “like-to-like” repairs are made. “Like-to-like” repairs are when the same membrane is used on top of the membrane. For example, if you have a PVC roof, make sure the repairs are done with PVC and not roof cement.
Implement a maintenance program that includes annual inspections and preventative repairs.
Check to see if your manufacturer offers a warranty extension with proof of a continuous maintenance program.
2. Determine If Your Roof ACTUALLY Needs Replacement Or Restoration
The best way to determine the true condition of your roof is through annual inspections. A one-off inspection only offers a partial understanding of the roof's condition, while routine annual inspections provide a longer view of the roof and document if there have been recurring issues. To provide a comprehensive assessment of the roof, conducting core cuts and utilizing drone infrared imaging is imperative to accurately gauge the moisture levels within the entire roof system. This provides transparency by determining whether only a specific section requires repairs instead of a complete roof replacement. In addition, it’s crucial to assess components beyond the including rooftop units, the parapet flashing, and drains.
A proper core cut
Drone imaging of a rooftop and its assets
Thermal drone imaging
3. Implement Inexpensive Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance isn’t just proactive, but most likely required by your roofing manufacturer. A best-in-class maintenance program allows your organization to prevent issues before they have a chance to arise. If your building is a restaurant, proper grease containment is crucial. No matter which type of roofing membrane you have, grease will chemically damage and corrode your roof, leading to inconvenient short-term leaks and costly long-term damage.
A roof without proper grease maintenance or containment
4. Know Who Is On Your Roof And Why
Third-party vendors on your roof, like HVAC technicians and rooftop sign installers, can cause serious unintentional damage. If your staff or others need to go on the roof, walk pads/sacrificial sheets are recommended to prevent punctures. Additionally, to ensure accountability, before and after photos with sign-offs should always be implemented. Installing locks on roof hatches and access ladders is an additional measure to restrict access to the roof, ensuring that only authorized individuals are able to obtain access.
Walk pads installed in a high-foot traffic area
Since a new roof is a significant investment, knowing that you have options is of utmost importance. When the time comes that you’re told you need a new roof, ensure you take a step back and work with a certified roofing contractor. Providing you with a holistic overview, you can then take that information and make creative decisions or repairs to potentially extend the life of your current roofing system.
