How Schools Can Plan For Effective Roof Maintenance

Like the HVAC system, building facilities, electrical and plumbing, your school’s roof needs regular maintenance to prevent early failure.

When it comes to roof maintenance, planning is key to success. Read on to learn why and how to secure a maintenance plan for your school’s commercial roof and what to expect from your contractor.

What Is a Flat Roof Maintenance Plan?

Preventive maintenance is the process in which a commercial roofing contractor facilitates regular inspections, cleaning, documenting and maintaining a commercial roof. Roof maintenance plans typically include:

  • Regular visits by the contractor for a visual inspection and gutter and drain cleaning
  • Additionally, debris removal, small general repairs and status report documentation
  • Additionally, full inspection, medium repairs, a roof survey and status report documentation

Why Roof Maintenance Plans Are Important

Maintenance plans are important to maintain the integrity of your school’s roof, help prevent more severe damage (preventive maintenance) and to keep your roof warranty valid. Warranties typically require at least one roof inspection, cleaning and any applicable repairs per year.

Scheduling Roof Maintenance

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), commercial roof inspections should be performed twice a year. The best times of the year for your school or schools to schedule roofing maintenance is at the end of the school year (e.g. late May or early June) and at the beginning of winter break.

This schedule paradigm ensures that school staff, such as the chief engineer and principal, will be on property during roof maintenance and/or repairs to facilitate better communication.

Start With the Right Commercial Roofing Company

Nowadays, peace of mind and trust are more important than ever. Meet with at least three commercial roofing contractors before you make your decision on one. Look for experience, longevity, references, ties to the community and legalities, such as up-to-date licenses and insurance.

Beyond the initial prerequisites, keep the following criteria in mind when agreeing on a maintenance contract:

  • Your roofing contractor should provide full documentation of work performed, along with videos and/or images.
  • Agree upon emergency inspections and service, such as following hail and severe wind-driven storms.
  • Your contractor should understand and demonstrate an understanding of warranty adherence.
  • Expect a solid safety background from your contractor. Search the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website for violations or complaints.

Effective roof maintenance starts by working with the right commercial roofing contractor. To learn more, please contact Jewett Roofing Company today!

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