When your company invests in something, you expect to get your money’s worth from that investment, whether it is new equipment, employee training, or a new roof. Anything you can do to leverage your investment gives you a competitive advantage. This holds true with your commercial roof. If you can get 25 years for the price of 20, you are ahead of your competitors. Consider these three best practices for extending your roof’s life.
Before
Before a new roof is installed, properly maintain the existing infrastructure. This includes the roof and roof deck. When the time comes for tear-off, the steel and wood supporting structure must be in good shape.
Though the return on investment for continuing maintenance on a commercial roof may diminish, never stop maintaining the existing roof as a new roof is planned.
During
Keep scrupulous records during inspection, repair and re-roof projects. Pay careful attention to any features that will be covered over by new work:
- Document the condition of the roof deck
- Note how much insulation is replaced and the condition of intact insulation
- Photograph exposed areas around internal drains as, for example, the single-ply membrane is pulled away
Whether tackling semiannual inspection or a full roof replacement, keep in close contact with the project manager from your roofing contractor. You need to know when any part of the inspection, repair or installation deviates from the agreed upon scope of work, so you can direct your own crew in later months to monitor those areas.
After
After professional installation, experts at Facilities Net point to three practices that will add years of life to the new roof:
- Project closeout inspection
- Warranties
- Preventive maintenance
A good roofer encourages you to participate in the closeout inspection. More stakeholders should be present, though: building owner; the architect, engineer, or roof consultant; installing contractor; and material supplier.
Strong warranties from both the installer and the materials supplier ensure you as the building owner or facilities manager have recourse in future years if problems develop.
Implement the industry standard of two inspections yearly: autumn and spring, so roof issues caused by winter weather are prevented and, if needed, repaired.
For professional, reliable installation of a new commercial roof, or repair and maintenance of an existing roof, please contact us at Moore and Sons Roofing. We have the expertise to extend the life of your roof, saving you money and time.
