Roof Maintenance

Yes, roofs of all types require periodic maintenance.  Most building owners do not proactively maintain their roofs, only calling for service after a problem arises such as interior water intrusion that usually also causes other damage to the building.

Proper proactive roof maintenance should always include a visual inspection by a qualified roofing professional at least once every two years; however, building owners can also conduct a bi-annual inspection themselves. 

The first thing persons inspecting a roof surface must do is employ proper safety practices in order to prevent injury to the person inspecting the roof, such as fall protection and safe ladder use.

The primary condition a building owner should look for is accumulation of debris on the roof that affects the proper drainage of the roof.  Any debris observed on the roof surface should be removed by hand and not by mechanical means such as a leaf rake, broom or a garden blower as these activities may cause unnecessary damage to the roof surface.

Next, all rooftop penetrations such as plumbing, attic and hood vents should be visually inspected for damage such as fastener displacement and failed waterproof sealing.  Damaged or unsealed vents are a leading cause of interior moisture intrusion.

All sheet metal flashing components at walls, chimneys and other vertical transitions should also be inspected for proper waterproof sealing at lap joints and corners.  Sealant failures at these locations are also a primary cause of interior water intrusion.

The roof inspection should also include visual inspection for any type of roofing material displacement usually associated with wind damage.  It is a good idea to inspect a roof surface after a wind event, as the damage may not be observable from the ground.

Trees, vines and shrubs should always be maintained away from the roof as far as possible in order to prevent contact with the roof surface, as this condition will lead to roof damage, roofing material displacement and subsequent interior water intrusion.

In the event that unsatisfactory conditions are observed on the roof it is recommended that a roofing professional be contacted for proper repairs.

(MT)