Prevention is always cheaper than repair
Here are 10 reasons to have your roof inspected. Some I’m sure you’ve never thought about. For such a critical part of your home, building or business why is it the last thing we think about?
10. Security.
A roof hatch or a skylight can become an entry point for a thief. A visual inspection can find potential areas for entry and alert the owner. This reduces your risk of becoming a victim of burglary or vandalism.
9. Necessary Improvements to the Building.
Roof access and safety is a concern. Safe and easy access to the roof can help facilitate inspections and work to any rooftop equipment such as HVAC units. Changes in technology may bring about a need for lightening protection or security cameras. 8. Equipment Maintenance Damage. Workers performing repairs to rooftop equipment (like HVAC) can accidentally damage the roof. Panels may not be closed, tools can be dropped, containers may be left, or even debris may remain on the roof. Regular evaluations can help find and correct these minor problems before significant damage is done. The addition of walk pads can further protect the roof. 7. Drainage.
The drainage system is very important to the performance of the roof. Ponding water can cause substantial damage to many types of roofs by acceleration the deterioration, voiding warranties, and causing leaks. Gutters and drains can become clogged with leaves or other rooftop debris, causing water to not drain properly.
6. Organic Growth.
Plants can grow on roofs. This occurs when dirt, debris, and moisture all come together. Gutters are a frequent location for this. The organic growth can attract birds to nest. Birds carry seeds which can lead to more organic growth. Organic growth is a problem because the plant roots can penetrate through roof membranes or separations in metal panels. As the roots grow, the openings get larger. Once the plant dies, holes are left where the roots once were. Cleaning gutters and trimming back trees are good preventative practices.
5. Roof Cleaning.
Simply cleaning the roof can prevent many issues. This is a very low cost endeavor which can have a significant pay off. Clean roofs are less likely to have wind damage than a roof with debris. Heavier or sharp debris can cut the roof, but all debris may be blown, or washed to the gutters and drains causing the failure of water to drain properly. This can create leaks which may not have otherwise occurred.
4. Warranty Covered Repairs.
Very often building owners pay for repairs which are covered under their warranty. Not all leaks are covered, as they can be caused by many different factors, but if a leak occurs, it is a good idea to have a qualified person assess it to see if it may be covered. Either a representative from the manufacturer or contractor will then visit the site or review photos to determine if the repair is covered. Building owners should make certain their warranty documents are easily accessible and file the claim quickly.
3. Evaluation of Leaks.
It is best to call a professional to evaluate a leak. A leak can be the result of an isolated minor incident, or a more significant problem. Often the leak may occur some distance away from the actual source, so patching over the leak area may not fix the problem. Sometimes roofs in otherwise good condition may leak because of a minor problem with flashing. Other times, a roof may appear in good condition, but the underlying layers of insulation is saturated with moisture to the extent the entire roof must be replaced. Professionals can perform testing and find the source of the leak.
2. Following a Storm.
Strong wind, snow, heavy rain, straight line winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other weather activity can damage roofs. Often this damage requires repair or insurance claims. A roof should be visually inspected following any severe weather event. This is an opportunity to prevent more severe damage. Wind or hail damage can be more severe, with most damage caused by flying debris (see number 5). There is always a chance storm damage may require emergency repairs. Keep the number of a trusted and licensed contractor on hand in case you have this need.
1. Weathering and Aging. All roofs age and the effects are often visible. For example, openings may appear at the roof seams or at the flashings. These opening provide opportunities for moisture to enter the roof. Regular evaluations can find these openings early, allowing time for preventative maintenance to be performed, extending the life of your roof, and saving you money
Serving the Vancouver Metro area and the Lower mainland our roof inspection services by our certified roof inspectors is the solution to prevent a roof leak. Call us today.