Roof Maintenance Programs

Why Make the Investment?

by Tim Botkin GAF’s Commercial Maintenance Program Director

     First, let me provide you with some clarification on the different types of roof maintenance. Corrective Maintenance which is reactive work performed on “critical defects” (problems that present an immediate threat of water intrusion into the building interior). Preventive Maintenance which is proactively performing work on an existing roof system condition such as blisters, wrinkles, ponding water or obstructed drainage that, if not addressed, have the “potential” to develop into critical defects.

 Here are a few of the typical building owners warranty responsibilities:

1.    Minimize roof foot traffic

2.    Pick up and dispose of rooftop debris

3.    Clean drains, scuppers, waterways and gutters

4.    Trim overhanging tree limbs

5.    Properly maintain rooftop equipment

Manufacturers now require an annual maintenance program to keep the warranty valid.

     Roofs do not improve with age, like homes, cars, and appliances, they last longer and perform better when they receive scheduled routine maintenance. Typically it is better and less expensive to repair and maintain than rebuild or replace. You can buy the most reliable car or most expense electronic product and it will still need maintaining. Most of you probably have heard that a roof typically accounts for approximately 10% of the total building costs, and upwards of 90% of the problems down the road. As I noted earlier, all manufacturers require the building owner to perform annual preventive maintenance in order to fulfill their warranty obligations. The most commonly promoted benefit to you to initiate a roof maintenance program is to eliminate or reduce building interior water intrusion and maximize the capital investment of a new roof (proactively eliminate the threat of premature roof failure).

     However, the investment you make in your roof system has significant value beyond these reasons. As owners and managers you need to consider the entire “true value” of this asset when deciding whether or not to implement a preventive roof maintenance program. What would be the costs if this asset fails prematurely, not just unexpected/non-budgeted roof replacement costs, but the costs of “downtime” associated with non-productivity and hard costs associated with damage to building contents?

 Some examples of “downtime” associated with non-productivity and hard costs associated with damage to building contents (typically not covered by the warranty):

1.    Production downtime (lost revenues)

2.    Lost use of space (lost revenues)

3.    Tenant complaints (income stream disrupted, lawsuits)

4.    Slip and fall accidents (lawsuits)

5.    Mold and mildew problems (air quality, lawsuits)

6.    Destroyed inventory

7.    Damaged building interiors/furniture/fixtures and equipment.

The Key Point is that the risks associated with these consequential damage examples can be partially or completely eliminated with an effective preventive maintenance program. GAF’s WellRoof Program extends a Diamond Pledge guarantee at no cost for the term equal to 25% of the original guarantee length. Our Commercial Maintenance Professionals (CMP) can provide you with a proactive approach to reduce the collateral damage caused by leaking roofs at your facilities.

     It is safe to assume upon implementation an effective Preventive Roof Maintenance Program is unquestionably a worthwhile INVESTMENT!

 

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at. www.rooftec-llc.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .