Summertime is here, the weather has finally gotten warmer, and that makes it the perfect time to do some maintenance on your commercial roofing system. But before you pull out your ladder, hop on the roof and perform maintenance, make sure you take the time to ensure you’re not doing more harm than good. We’re sharing some of our top roofing dos and don’ts so you can be sure you’re following proper roofing procedures.
Things to Do for Your Roof
The most important thing you can do for your roof is to follow maintenance schedules as provided by your contractor or roofing supplier. By performing routine maintenance, you can ensure your roofing system is always maintained and working at its peak performance.
If it’s time to replace your roofing system, do take the time to find your local representative and the solutions they are recommending. There is a wide variety of roofing solutions available, but not every solution is ideal for every type of roof or building. Ask questions of your representative and take the time to really learn what they are providing you as well as how long your roof will last.
Do invest in long-term performance and consider the true value of a roof. A less expensive option may seem like a no-brainer, but consider how long it will last. The true value of a roof includes upfront costs of the system plus required maintenance, expected service life, energy cost savings, sustainability and any value added services received. Once you take the time to evaluate the true value of a roof, you may learn that the option with the lower up front cost isn’t always the best, or that the option itself is no longer the lowest total cost once you factor in maintenance.
Things Not to Do for Your Roof
We all know that standard maintenance is a must for any roofing solution, but an important don’t is: don’t do it yourself. Yes, it may seem easier and more cost effective to perform maintenance yourself, but unless you are a professional who has had experience in roofing repairs, you should leave maintenance and repairs to those who do it best. Otherwise, you may be causing more harm than good, which could lead to bigger problems in the long run.
When it comes to repairs, don’t wait. Fixing a small leak or other small problems can typically be relatively easy, but if you put it off, they could become bigger, more involved problems quickly. Don’t wait until your roof is too far gone to easily repair it.
When it’s time to replace your system, don’t let cost be your only factor. As mentioned earlier, make sure to really compare the true value of a roofing system and what you’re actually getting for your money. You want to go with the solution that provides the most value for the longest amount of time. The less expensive option just isn’t worth it if it only lasts half the time.