Four Roof Maintenance Tips for Property Managers

If your Property Management responsibilities include roofs, here are some tips that will make your job much easier, help you avoid as many “surprises” as possible, and keep your Repair & Maintenance costs to a minimum.

1. Trim Back Your Trees Allowing trees to grow near the building or over the roof creates several potential problems. Falling branches & debris can damage the roof. Branches that are constantly brushing an asphalt shingle roof will accelerate granule loss. Branches that are close to the roof also make it easier for animals like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums to reach the roof and start nesting.
   
   
   And if the property is located in a storm-prone area, having trees close to the structure drastically increases the odds of one of them landing on the roof.
   
   
2. Clear Out Valleys and Gutters
   
    Clogged valleys and gutters are a major source of leaks and damage to the roof. These features are designed to quickly shed water & take it away from the property, but when they are backed up, they can’t function properly. This is when water intrusion starts, gutters become much heavier and start to pull out from the fascia, and valley rot begins as the debris starts to decay.
3. Keep the Roof Clean 
   
   Algae growth on the roofs causes black streaks & stains that are common in most of the US. While they are not necessarily damaging in and of themselves, they are an eyesore and if they’re left unchecked, they can make it harder to see other issues.
   
   Moss growth on roofs is also a common problem in many areas of the US. And unlike algae, moss can damage the roof.
   
   Keeping trees trimmed back from the property makes the roof surface less conducive to both algae and moss growth.
4. Schedule Roof Inspections on a Regular Basis
   
    The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends yearly inspections and most roof warranties require them as well. Regular inspections will help you catch damage early – when it’s easier and less expensive to repair. It also reduces the chance of leaks and resulting damage to the inside of the building.
   
   During the roof inspection, particular attention should be paid to the most common areas of roof leaks, deterioration, and damage from pests. Getting potential problems fixed before they develop into major problems will save unnecessary inconvenience, repair costs, and property damage.

Would You Like Professional Help in Maintaining Your Roofs? Here are some of the Industry's best