Paying for commercial roof maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense for some businesses, but it actually saves companies money over the life of the roof. Businesses that fail to maintain their roofs will experience more emergency repairs and sustain damage over time that can shorten the lifespan of their roof. By investing in routine, preventative maintenance, property managers can stave off major, costly repairs.
For commercial building owners who have not kept up with maintenance, it can seem overwhelming to get started. Fortunately, starting a maintenance routine is simpler than it sounds. Here are a few steps to get started:
1. Get an inspection.
A commercial roof inspection is the first step in any maintenance routine. Inspections give qualified roofers a chance to look over the entire roof. They check for weak spots, moisture build up, cracks, and leaks. The inspection will help identify any problems that need immediate attention, and it will give the building owner an idea of what may need to be fixed down the line. With this information on hand, a roofer can then advise the facility manager on what needs to be done to keep the roof in good shape for the rest of its life.
2. Fix the little things.
The main idea behind preventative maintenance is that building owners should make small repairs often in order to avoid major repairs down the line. Fixing a crack, for example, is a simple, cheap repair, but failing to make the repair could lead to moisture build-up that could damage the insulation or the roof deck, which would be a much more expensive endeavor. Following an inspection, building managers should get in order any small things that the roofer picked up on to prevent a major repair down the line.
3. Make a maintenance schedule.
Once all of the small repairs are taken care of, building owners should make a plan to continue maintenance. The schedule will depend on the type of roof, its age, and its condition. The schedule will serve as the basic outline for continued building maintenance and help building owners save money over time.
4. Get on a management plan.
For companies that own multiple buildings, it may make sense to get on a full-service roof management plan. These plans allow building managers to monitor the status of their roofs all in one online portal. It also helps schedule inspections, provides budgeting tools, and gives clients priority access for routine repair scheduling.
If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.