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The most important part of maintaining
your roof is to get the job done right the first time.
The roof should be inspected at least once a year. Any exposed
metal that can rust or has rusted should be painted. Leaves, branches,
and trash should be removed from gutters, at ridge caps and in corners.
Roof-top ancillaries and air conditioner supports, drains and housings should be checked. Particular attention should be paid to add-on roof ancillaries that create new roof penetrations
Lighter gauge, low slope screw down roofs are susceptible to panel walk-down. As a precaution, workmen should walk on panel areas supported by purlins.
Condensate from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment should never be allowed to drain directly onto the roof panels. The drainage contains copper ions from condenser coils that accelerate corrosion. Condensate from rooftop air conditioners should be discharged through a plastic pipe extended to a rain gutter or vent pipe, but preferably to the ground. The condensate contains dissolved copper from contact with the condensation coils and can cause rapid corrosion if discharged on the roof panels.
In the event of a roof leak, do not indiscriminately plaster the suspected leak area with tar or asphalt or use repair tape. Water can collect under the repair material, causing corrosion. Instead, have an experienced metal roofing contractor, locate the leak, identify its cause, and properly repair the roof.
All rooftop equipment should be installed so that water can drain around it. Manufactured curbs and flashings, when used as recommended, will ensure proper drainage.
Repairing a roof is a serious business. The proper repair of modern roofing systems frequently requires specialized knowledge, the application of new technologies and highly specific skills. It therefore cannot be over-emphasized that repairs should only be undertaken by a professional roofing contractor who knows how best to deal with the problem at hand.
Roof repairs should be made as soon as a potential problem is spotted. Unfortunately, problems such as leaks are often not apparent until it rains. During rainy periods, professional roofing contractors are "flooded" with calls for emergency repairs and may be unable to provide you with immediate service. If this should happen to you, be patient.
If you have your roof done in the spring or summer, you will find better availability and faster service. The professional roofing contractor is able to schedule your job when he is not busy with emergency repairs and when weather conditions are most favorable for removing and replacing your roof safely and efficiently.
A roof leak is a sign that a problem exists, but it does not necessarily mean that your roof needs to be replaced. Sometimes leaks result from relatively minor causes, such as flashings which have come loose or shingles which have been damaged or blown off. If they are dealt with immediately, these problems can usually be solved by repairs. If ignored and allowed to compound, however, a minor leak can grow into a major problem which can only be solved by replacing the entire roof.
Try to protect interior items by moving them out of the way or covering them with plastic. Place a bucket under the leaking area to catch the water. Sometimes putting a small hole in the ceiling can allow trapped water to drain out and may prevent further ceiling damage or collapse. Don't be panicked into contracting with an inexperienced contractor or a semi-skilled handyman just because he can be there today. Remember: getting the job done right is usually better in the long run than getting the job done now.
If there is any damage done to the roof by storms, hail, flying
debris, or by other tradesmen working on tour completed roof, you
should notify your roofing contractor immediately.
Remember that roof damage, if neglected, will only get worse. A
neglected roof can cause damage to other possessions -- possibly even
structural damage to your home or building.
