All industrial roof systems require regular inspection and periodic maintenance to achieve a long-term service life. Repairs should be performed as soon as needed — owners should not allow a nuisance leak to persist and develop into a major problem, degrading insulation and destroying a large portion of the roof assembly.

Owner Inspection and General Maintenance Recommendations
Madsen Roof Company believes that commercial building managers should maintain diligent records for everything surrounding the structure's roofing system. Documentation should include all roofing contractor job records, drawings, and specifications for future reference. Contract with a knowledgeable, qualified roofing contractor to set up a regular inspection and roof maintenance schedule. It's important to record maintenance procedures as they occur and log all roof access times and other trades working on the roof, in case damage should occur. Report damage as soon as it occurs, so repairs may be scheduled and executed as soon as possible.

A good rule-of-thumb is to inspect your roof at least twice a year — in the spring and fall. Additionally, building managers should inspect all roofs after severe weather or storms. Make frequent inspection on buildings that house manufacturing facilities that evacuate of exhaust debris on to the roof.

Clean roof drains of debris and remove leaves, twigs, cans, children’s balls, etc., which could plug roof drains. Bag and remove all debris from the roof because heavy rains will quickly sweep debris on the roof surface into drains, and drainage problems may occur.

Notify Madsen Roof Company immediately after a roof leak occurs. If possible, note conditions resulting in leakage. Heavy or light rain, wind direction, temperature, and the time of year that the leak occurs are all important clues to tracing roof leaks. Note whether the leak stops shortly after each rain or continues to drip until the roof is dry. If the owner is prepared with facts, the diagnosis and repair of roof problems can proceed more rapidly.

Do not allow foot traffic on the roof in very cold or very hot weather; damage can result. Do not allow the installation of television or radio antennas, satellite dishes or other mechanical equipment without notifying the roofing contractor and membrane manufacturer (if the roof is under a manufacturer’s warranty), and consulting with them about the methods and details for these installations. One of the keys to avoiding roof damage is limiting access to the roof. Allow only authorized personnel on the roof who understand good roof access procedures and precautions.

In some emergency situations, owner-applied temporary patches may be made to stop leaks to minimize property loss. Except for certain emergency situations, owners should not attempt roof repairs. The puncturing of a blister or the spreading of a liquid-applied coating or bituminous cement may only cover up evidence the roofing contractor needs to ascertain the real problem.

Roofing Contractor Maintenance Recommendations
After completion, each new roof is subjected to various weathering conditions. Roofs do not wear uniformly because certain areas may be affected more severely than others. Equalizing wear by maintaining, repairing, and even upgrading worn areas is the secret to prolonging roof system life. To assure long-term roof performance, these areas should be maintained and repaired by a qualified roofing contractor. Maintenance may be as simple as regraveling a windswept corner, or as complex as spot patching and applying the proper roof maintenance coating system. Regular maintenance is a necessary part of good roofing practice.