What to Look For: Roof Maintenance Checklist

You should not overlook preventative maintenance of your roof system. Commercial roof inspections are recommended after severe weather and up to two times a year to assess possible damage. Taking a proactive approach by looking for signs of damage helps your roofing system last longer by fixing small problems before they become significant issues. Routine roof maintenance is a proven way to save your company money and prevent lost time by avoiding major repairs.

Your company can enter a maintenance service contract to have a roofing inspection and maintenance performed professionally, or you can take the necessary steps to inspect your own roof. The most important thing is to keep your roof well maintained.

Before you begin to inspect your roof, it is helpful to create a roof inspection checklist to ensure you do not overlook important areas. Taking a thorough look identifies roof problems that may be quickly addressed by you or that may require professional roofing companies to repair or replace elements of your roof. Here is a convenient roof maintenance checklist to assess the condition of your roofing:

• Interior of your space
• Roof surface
• Expansion joints, flashings, and drains
• Exterior structures
• Pipes and supports
• Previous repairs

Before heading outside to inspect your roof, you should take a look inside. The most obvious sign of a roof problem is interior water damage. Staining, mold, and peeling paint are commonly associated with a roof leak.

Start by checking for cleanliness, making note of areas with accumulated dirt, damage, or abnormal weathering that could be problematic. Be sure to clean your gutters and remove any dirt and debris, such as branches and leaves. Areas that accumulate are more prone to rot and decay, and clogged drains lead to water drainage issues.

All roofs should be free of blistering, tears, deep scratches, or cracks. These are obvious signs of damage that should be addressed to avoid further damage. Inspect tiles and shingles to make sure none are missing, loose, or damaged.

For spaces with a flat roof, be sure to look for areas with standing water or low spots where water could collect. Gravel rooftops ideally have a uniform layer.

Not all roofs have all of these elements, but, if your roof does, these elements require close attention while inspecting. Check your expansion joints for signs of damage, like cuts and tears. It is a good idea to focus on flashings, assuring they are not pulled away from the roof. Flashing issues require immediate attention. Make sure to check for mold, moss, and signs of water, all of which indicate poor drainage.

You should inspect each exterior structure of your roof separately. Ensure the structures maintain integrity, that pieces have not fallen off, and that pipes remain in working order. The surfaces should be clean and free of rust, growths, and other signs of damage.

Particular attention should be given to pipes and equipment supports. There should be no cracks at the base of supports, and pipes should not sag. If you notice deflected hangers or supports that dig into the membrane of your roof, these elements may be failing and need to be repaired or replaced soon.

Previous repairs, particularly when not done by a professional, are most susceptible to damage. Pay close attention to those areas to ensure the intended fixes are working and that no further damage has occurred.