Preventative Roof Maintenance is Crucial to the Sustainability and Longevity of Your Roof

Your roof is the primary protector for you and your possessions against all types of weather. They provide an extra layer of insulation, which can help retain the cool air in the hot summer months and the heat during the colder months. Without this proper insulation or ventilation, you would be exposing you and your association to huge problems such as ice damming in your roof, which is when ice accumulates on your roof, causing potential leakage that can cause immense damage. 
 
Over time, this ice damming cycle of freezing and thawing can cause stress to your roof and can destabilize the shingles, destroying your whole drainage system. If a large amount of water accumulates on any roof, having the right drainage system in place will take the water away from the structure and decrease the chances of water damage, mold and foundation issues. 
 
A proactive association management company and the right combination of knowledge, experience and vendor network can help your association board mitigate risk and develop a detailed roof preventative maintenance plan. 
 
As Central Roofing CompanyTM believes, the adage “an ounce of prevention” was most likely born in the roofing industry. To ensure your roofing system is performing at its best, it is necessary to have a preventative maintenance plan that includes the following:
 

• Regular, professional cleaning (especially on condominium buildings and flat roofs)

• Frequently check seals for cracking and connection points between the roof and accessories

• Having a comprehensive inspection checklist that documents:

  • Surface defects

  • Points of deterioration

  • Condition of accessories (ex. vents, flashing)

  • Water-entry points and damage

• Removing debris and blockages from downspouts and scuppers 

• Caulking terminations and pipe seals as needed

 
It is best practice to have regular roof inspections. At the very least, have a qualified vendor inspect your roof before and after the winter to assess any damages properly, which may have been caused by any winter conditions. If you do not have a vendor for this purpose, a good association management company will have the right contacts for you. If your roof is still worn down from the sun’s heat and UV rays in years that are not that bad, the board should never consider skipping an inspection. It is always better to be safe than sorry. 
 
Your roof and its accessories will inevitably get dirty from being exposed to the environment. Without the proper maintenance, roof damage can escalate quickly and end up costing your association more money and headaches.
 
For more information about how a proactive association management company can help your board develop a preventative maintenance plan, please contact us.