Roof Maintenance Checklist
Tips for addressing trouble spots to stop problems before they start – and fix them before it’s too late.
Don’t make emergency spending for roof repairs a habit. Budget wisely and perform regular inspections and preventative repairs to avoid big expenditures. Proactively maintained roofs last up to 20 years compared to an average lifespan of less than 10 years for reactive maintenance. The longer you can extend roof life before replacement, the more overall savings increase and lifecycle costs decrease.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) consumer advisory bulletin recommends having a formal long-term maintenance agreement with an experienced contractor like A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc., family owned since its inception in 2003 and roofing manufacturer-certified to install, inspect, and perform qualifying repairs under the roofing manufacturers’ long-term NDL (no dollar limit) warranties.
What to look for on the roof:
> Prolonged standing water or ponding on the roof can lead to premature aging and deterioration of the roof membrane.
> Blisters may indicate trapped moisture within the roof membrane, which can lead to leaks and reduce the life span of the roof system.
> Check drains for blockages and inspect flashings and membrane seams for signs of wear and tear.
> Tears in the roof membrane and worn or cracking seams can allow water into the roof system.
> If the home has a lightning protection system, check to see if it is loose or detached, which can lead to a tear or puncture in the roof covering, especially during strong winds.
> If there are skylights and they are not well sealed and secured, the frame’s edge can leak, which may cause the skylights to become dislodged and allow for rain to enter the building, especially during high winds.
VERIFY, VERIFY, VERIFY
> Maintain historical records of the original roof installation, such as the roof plan (sketch or photo), system type, contractor who installed the roof assembly, warranty information, and any special conditions.
> Document all subsequent inspections, maintenance, and repairs performed on the roof assembly to minimize the cost of repair and maintenance work.
> Ensure you get before and after photos plotted on a roof plan of any work that a roofing contractor performs. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. offers an online software system that can help you manage roof assets easier.
