To increase the health and longevity of your building's roof, it is recommended that you conduct a roof inspection around twice a year. In some cases, not inspecting your roof and leaving it in a dire state can void your roof's warranty if you were ever to make a claim. So, it is vital that you carry out regular roof maintenance to avoid any unnecessary stress and issues in the future.
But how do you conduct a maintenance check on your roof and should you do it yourself? Well, the simplest way to carry out a roof maintenance check is to hire a professional roofing company to do it for you. This, of course, will require you to do some research into some local, reliable companies that can get the job done for you. The other option you have is to perform the roof maintenance check yourself. This will involve more effort from yourself but will definitely save you some money (if all goes to plan with no hiccups) in the long run and will allow you to gain a better understanding of your roof and may help with how the maintenance goes.
So, if you decide to carry out the roof maintenance yourself, what must you look out for? If you haven't got the first idea of where to start, Ladders UK Direct are here to help with our simple roof maintenance checklist!
What to include on your roof maintenance checklist?
1. Interior inspection
The first thing you need to check for whilst carrying out your roof maintenance is for any signs of interior damage. This should be done before you make your way to the roof. Here, you should look out for any evidence of water damage such as leaks, drips of mould. If these are present, make sure you are extra careful when you do eventually make your way up to the roof. Another thing you need to look for when conducting your interior check is for damage to any beams such as cracking or rot which may impact the integrity of parts of the roof.
2. Cleanliness check
Once the interior inspection is complete, you can now make your way to the roof. Here, you'll need to inspect the cleanliness of your roof and look out for any debris that may have gathered over the months. If there is any, be sure to remove it as debris can block drains and cause roofing surfaces to rot prematurely.
3. Inspect the roof's surface
Next on our roof maintenance checklist is to inspect the surface of your rood for any signs of damage or determination. What you need to look out for will depend on the type of roof your building has. For a flat roof, look out for any low spots that collect standing water and any evidence of holes, blistering and tears. For gravel rooftops, ensure there are no bare spots and there is a uniform layer of gravel. Metal roofs need to be free from corrosion or vulnerable panels. Tiled and shingled roofs should be checked for any loose, damaged or missing pieces.
4. Check the expansion joints
If your roof contains any expansion joints, check these to ensure there are no gaps, tears or cuts present.
5. Exterior components inspection
If your roof has any exterior components such as pipes, chimneys or vents, these will need to be checked next. Inspect their surfaces for cleanliness and look out for any evidence of ageing. This could include rot, rust, moss or simply peeling paint. Structural damage such as missing parts should also be noted.
6. Pipe & equipment supports
Pipe and equipment supports are one of the most important elements of any roof maintenance checklist. Here, you need to ensure that no pipes are sagging, no cracks appear in the base of the support or deflected hangers and that supports aren't digging into the membrane of the roof. If these are spotted, they are signs that your supports will need to be repaired or replaced asap.
7. Check stairs & railings
If your roof contains any stairs, platforms or railings, these will need to be checked for any loose parts, deterioration or damage. Look out for damaged paint and missing components as these can lead to an unsafe environment to be in.
8. Signage checks
If your roof requires any sort of safety signage, ensure that this is clear and visible at all times. Clear any debris or dirt that may be covering the signs from properly being seen, especially if there is any harmful chemicals, electrical or hot equipment present.
9. Older repairs
The final thing that you should include on your roof maintenance checklist is to keep an eye on any old repairs that you or someone else may have completed. These are often the first thing to fail, especially if these were done by someone who was inexperienced. Double-check that these have in fact been completed to an acceptable standard. When completing any new repairs, ensure these are noted for future reference.
These are the nine essential checks that should be included in your roof maintenance checklist. So, whether you decide to carry out your roof maintenance yourself or hire a professional, you now know what areas need to be covered.
If carrying out the maintenance yourself, it's always recommended that you have the best and safest way to access your roof. Roof ladders are a great way to do this and can take away any extra worry and stress from your roof's maintenance. You can browse our collection of quality roof ladders below from known and trusted worldwide brands!
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