Commercial Roofing Maintenance Makes Cents

Routine maintenance inspections of your roofing system should take place twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. The fall inspection of your roofing system is important to ensure that it is ready for the inclement weather of the winter months. The following are some areas that should be reviewed during the fall inspection.

• Sealants

• All edge terminations, pitch pans, stacks, and curbs should be inspected for proper adhesion and visible signs of cracking or wear.

• Drainage

• Drains must be kept free of debris such as bottles, sticks, and leaves. A proper-sized leaf grate will help prevent clogs. Commercial grade push brooms can be used to sweep leaves and other debris away from drainage paths: these materials should be removed from the roof. Additional inspections of the drains may be needed in areas with heavy foliage to keep the drains cleared throughout the year.

• Parapet Walls

• Parapets should be inspected for deteriorated coping, cracked or missing mortar joints, and any signs of deterioration. Always remember to practice safe inspection routines near any roof edge. Keep in mind that some roofing systems can be slippery due to frost, morning dew, rain, snow, etc.

• Tie-Ins

• Roof tie-ins should be inspected for proper adhesion between the roofing systems. The sealants used for completing the tie-in should be examined for cracks, splits, or gaps which could allow water infiltration.

• HVAC

• Rooftop units should be inspected for missing or unfastened panels and properly functioning condensate lines. These situations can produce moisture that is commonly and mistakenly believed to come from roof leaks, which can lead to unnecessary costs and aggravation.

• Debris/Snow and Ice Removal

• All debris that could lead to damage to the roofing system such as nails, screws, broken bottles, etc. should be removed from the roofing system. If at any time a shovel is needed for removing debris or snow, it is recommended that a plastic scoop shovel be utilized to minimize the risk of damage to the roof. A metal shovel or plastic with a metal edge, has sharp edges that can snag on plates/fasteners, seams, etc, and create a hole in roofing membranes. If removing ice from the roof, it is recommended that you use an ice melting product (such as salt) rather than chopping or trying to break up the ice, which could possibly damage the roof.