5 Actionable Steps to Protect Your Roof That You Can Start Today

We share a lot of information that you can use to protect your facility. From checklists to guides, we write it all. But what can you start doing today to protect your roof?

Protecting your roof may sound like a lot a work, but a few small actions performed regularly can save you time, keep your roof in good condition and protect your facility.

Our maintenance and service team at West Roofing Systems receives calls every day to buildings that have damage, leaks or significant damage. We believe that these types of the call can be avoided with protective actions.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure all of your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves, twigs and other debris to prevent water from backing up and sitting on your rooftop. As Spring comes and goes, flowers and fruit blooming and falling on your roof can cause a backup of water flow. Keep an eye on your surrounding trees to make sure they are not filling up your gutters.

Clear Low Hanging Branches

Surrounding trees and branches hanging over and around your facility are a potential hazard. Depending on the season and your location, nearby trees can lead to a few problems for your roof:

Snow can collect on the branches and dump that weight on your roof
Weight from snow or ice can snap branches that can damage your roof
An excess of falling leaves can clog your drains and gutters
Budding flowers or flower pedals can clog your drains and gutters
Branches close to your building can allow animals to make their way onto your facility

You can take a walk around your building to identify any trees that are potential hazards to your roof system.

Pick-Up Loose Equipment and Trash

Your roof is not a storage space. You may not see it from the ground, but we see it all of the time…people are storing equipment or even furniture on their roof! It may be convenient when you are short on space, but having equipment, tools or trash on your roof system can cause long-term damage to your facility.

Having large objects that are not fastened to the roof can lead to them moving around and damaging the roof surface. Loose nails, screws or other tools on your roof can lead to them being stepped on and driven into your roof systems. Trash can clog your drains or damage your roof membrane. All it takes is a regular walkthrough on your roof or having a maintenance team from your roofing contractor visit your roof regularly.

Review Your Roof Warranty

Most people don’t think about the warranty they purchase, but they receive one at the end of their roof project. Roof warranties are essential to protect yourself and your building from faulty products and installation that can cost you more in the end.

You may be surprised by what your roof warranty does and doesn’t cover. It’s important to review your warranty and make sure that you are covered by purchasing more coverage or looking into coverage from your insurance company.

Silicone Restoration Membrane

When You’re Covered:

Incorrect Installation

Material Failure

High Wind

When You’re Not Covered:

Incorrect Repairs

Unauthorized Alterations
Standing Water

Acts of God

As the warranty holder, it’s important to know what is covered under your warranty, what voids your warranty and when your warranty expires.

Sign Up for a Maintenance Plan

Roof maintenance refers to the work done on a commercial or residential roof to prevent extensive damage from occurring in the future. It takes a proactive approach to keep your roof from leaking. Preventative maintenance allows contractors to detect and fix areas of the roof that are vulnerable to future leaks.

A maintenance plan for a commercial flat roof is a program facilitated by a commercial roofing contractor to perform regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of a commercial roof to prevent more severe damage from occurring.

A maintenance plan or contract is an easy way for building owners and managers to ensure their commercial roof remains under warranty and in excellent condition while staying within their budget.

Are you ready to get started? These small steps can be performed today and regularly by your team. These small steps can keep your roofing in great condition and protect your facility from major damage.

Don’t go up on your roof? No problem! Read more about how easy it is a sign up for a personalized roof maintenance plan to keep your facility safe from the comfort of your desk!