Roofs are built to be tough and long-lasting, yes. But just because you have a roof that is proven to be sturdy doesn’t mean it doesn’t need any maintenance or care anymore, it’s actually the opposite! To keep your roof sturdy and functioning well, regular maintenance is needed to keep it in an optimal condition, which in turn will provide better protection to the underlying structure. This concept is more significant for commercial roofing. How does one start a commercial roof maintenance plan? Roof replacement expert Next Level Roofers is here to share the info you need!
Importance of Commercial Roof Maintenance Planning
A maintenance plan for your commercial roofing is a program that is done by a commercial roofing company, wherein they will perform regular inspections, cleaning and maintenance to prevent accumulated wear and tear or incurred damage from worsening. These plans are essential for building owners as it ensures their roofs remain under warranty and in excellent condition while making sure the expenditures are at a manageable level.
Usually, there are three maintenance contract options for business owners to choose from, which are:
1. Contracts where roofers regularly visit the property and perform drain and gutter cleaning, do a visual inspection and create a report.
2. Contracts where roofers do everything in item number 1, but with included provisions for debris removal and minor repairs.
3. Contracts where roofers do all of the above services, but instead of just a visual inspection, a full inspection of the whole roof is included, along with a roof survey and provisions for significant general repairs. The difference between an inspection and a survey is that an inspection relies mostly on visual assessments and general inspections of a roof, while a survey is a more in-depth process that involves material sampling, facility measurements, and providing reports with more technical data.
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to be able to discern which contract would fulfill the needs of your property, as not doing regular maintenance can void warranties and will end up costing you a lot more in repairs and replacements. An average roof warranty requires annual (once a year) roof inspections to be conducted by an authorized contractor, and this regular inspection is essential for performing preventive maintenance and assessing the current health of your roof.
Beginning A Commercial Roof Maintenance Plan
Now that you have a grasp of the purpose and scale of commercial roofing maintenance and common contracts offered by roofing companies, it’s time to start planning and looking for a reputable contractor that will handle the maintenance. Usually, it’s the same contractor who installed the roof on your business that will be the best candidate to handle the contract. But in the case that you prefer getting a different contractor to accept the contract, there are some factors you must consider before accepting their services.
Communication
It is best to look for a contractor that will continuously maintain an open line of communication with your business. Aside from the constant updates, it is in your best interest to have a contractor that relays proper documentation of all services rendered through photos and videos, as well as a team that is always ready to be contacted during times of emergency.
Warranty Adherence
If you’re going with a different contractor, always choose roofers that understand the importance of sticking to the terms stated in the roof warranty provided by your commercial roof. Adherence to the protocol and mutual respect benefits you and the contractor greatly, as this will assure you that the services they will render will not void the warranty.
Experience in Safety
The contractor you’re going to choose must be a team that is well-versed with safety measures and protocols stated under OSHA guidelines. And it is recommended that you become aware of the environment that the workers will operate in. While their safety is the responsibility of the contractor, it is in your best interest to have workers avoid any violations or mishaps during the line of work as accidents due to negligence on their part will result in delays.
Other Factors to Keep In Mind
Setting a budget ahead of time is crucial to having a successful commercial roof maintenance plan. You want a plan that is assured to function the whole year-round, and it is optimal to have an emergency budget in the case of a roofing emergency or immediate roof replacement. When planning your budget, keep in mind the following factors:
· Reputability of the contractor
· How often the contractor will visit your property
· Services rendered by the workers
· Location of your property
· Size and scale of your property
There’s also the scheduling. It is best to set maintenance dates during seasons and times in the year where severe meteorological phenomena are expected. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends regular inspections and preventive maintenance be done at least twice a year to keep your commercial roof in optimal condition. Having the contractor scheduled to visit after a series of days with strong rainfall or hailstorms allows them to repair and properly assess the damage incurred during that period. Additionally, these inspections also clear out any debris or rubble such as metal from HVAC units or other penetrations and ensure that the other systems installed on your roof have not incurred damage that may affect day-to-day operations.
Contact Us!
Need one of the best roofing companies to check on your roof? Next Level Roofers is a roofing company dedicated to delivering high-quality service partnered with expert workmanship. We specialize in asphalt shingle re-roofing, installation, and we can repair any damaged roof, whether it’s from storm damage or the effects of an aging roof. We also facilitate the installation of flat roofs and a tapered roof system for easier rain diversion, and we are open to new construction roofing projects. Formed by a team with over 39 years of combined construction experience, we are proud to say that we have the skills and experience you’re looking for.
For any inquiries, contact us through (407) 237-7960 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate. We proudly serve clients and homeowners in the state of Delaware.
