Reggie Reed Roofing assists property managers and owners in preparing annual roof maintenance plans across the country. Regular roof maintenance is a good practice for building facilities. It can prevent roof problems from becoming worse or reduce the roof’s lifespan. Here are five areas that Reggie Reed Roofing recommends for basic roof maintenance.
- Clear out gutters and drain areas Regular inspection of gutter and drain areas is essential. These areas can become clogged with leaves and debris, causing water to back-up into buildings. This can lead to leaks as well as damage to the building’s roof plumbing system and hanging gutter areas. It is a good idea to inspect your roof twice a year, especially in fall when leaves can accumulate.
- Caulking should be cleaned. Over time, areas like termination bars, counter flashings, and pipe clamps can become brittle. Caulking/sealant that has been applied to seal edges will eventually become brittle and wear away from the elements. Minor leaks can sometimes be caused by the smallest cracking or pulling off of the caulk. Reggie Reed Roofing recommends that you inspect any exposed caulking and repair if necessary. A polyurethane caulking such as NP1 from BASF is commonly used.
- Keep debris and trash off the roof. Often other trades have access to the roof and leave materials, trash or tools behind which can cause further damage to it. Trades that have access to the roof need to be careful not to allow screws or other tools to penetrate the roof. Most leak service calls are caused by other trades that cause damage to the roof. Make sure to keep your roof free from any items that could cause permanent damage.
- Cover pitch pockets/pans Pitch pockets/pans are subject to the same risks as exposed caulking, and will crack/void over time. To protect against UV deterioration, it is a good idea to regularly inspect these areas and to re-top off them with a new pourable sealant. Leakage is common in areas such as pitch pockets/pans.
- Grease trap areas Not all buildings have grease vents. However, if they do, it is an area that needs to be regularly cleaned and inspected. Roofs can be damaged by grease over time. Grease vents are common in retail and stand-alone restaurants. It is important to regularly clean the grease traps, roofs and vents. Also, make sure that a sacrificial membrane sheet is placed around these areas.
This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state-certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, the best roofing in St petersburg FL. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. RR Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches, and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.
