In these times of economic uncertainty, postponing essential roof repairs or roof maintenance is not a good idea. Tough times are forcing building owners like you to “think outside the box”. As budgets are squeezed, facility managers often consider performing roof repairs in house.

Roofs are replaced for many reasons; most notably roof leaks. The sad part is many roof replacements are done years before they should. Oftentimes, the roofing material has not failed; persistent roof leaks have pushed you towards a new roof.

Roof Maintenance and Inspections

Proactive roof maintenance can often detect early signs of roof problems. All roofs require maintenance. In fact, most roof warranties require it, so failure to do so may void the warranty.

Roof maintenance tasks outlined below should be done on a regularly scheduled basis

1. Keep the roof clean. Collect debris, such as paper, bottles, broken glass, tree limbs, vegetation or other foreign matter.
2. Trim overhanging tree limbs that can potentially fall onto the roof and cause damage.
3. Clear all roof drain covers and check drains, downspouts and scuppers for proper operation.
4. Check the integrity of any surface coating. Roof coatings generally require reapplication during the roof system’s life.
5. Examine the roof membrane especially in areas where physical damage has occured. Contact the roofing manufacturer as soon as possible to obtain instructions for performing a permanent repair.
6. Maintain photo documentation of any repairs and roof issues discovered.

Emergency Roof Repairs

Emergency repair procedures should be done with compatible materials. Avoid using any asphalt or silicone based sealers on a metal roof.

Roof Restoration

Roof restoration is a good option for an older roof where the membrane is still intact. Roof coatings are expected to provide 7 to 10 years of service life.

Left: Debris screens installed in this valley gutter should be dismantled. Although they do a good job of keeping leaves away from the downspouts, It creates a dam of leaves that raises the water level within the gutter. When the level rises above the sides of the gutter, 100% of the rainwater will go into the building.

What You Can Do

Keep the Water Flowing – Remove all debris screens installed around the drains. Install a full length valley gutter screen instead.

You can buy contractor-grade roof repair materials online from places like Fix All Roofs or EPDM Coatings. Give them a call now. They can help you on product selection or some valuable roof repair advice. Take pictures of your roof before you start the repair. It makes it easier to explain what you have done if you ever need help.

Metal roofing profiles with exposed fasteners (corrugated and r-panel) have the highest tendency for leaks during its first 5 years. Lexis Coatings’ case study of metal roof leaks discusses the accumulation of dirt along the seams that cause 60% of roof leaks involving these profiles.

Bottom line is, once you have determined the source of the leak, always apply seam sealers from the highest point which is the ridge cap or flashing down to the gutter. If you start from the gutter and seal halfway up the roof or seal in short segments where you feel the leak is occuring, it will aggravate the leak.