How to Clean and Maintain Your Roof

How to Clean and Maintain Your Roof; NRCA Responds to a Recent Article about Roof Maintenance Recommendations

“How to clean and maintain your roof,” an article originally posted by Networx.com Jan. 23, provided advice for homeowners regarding how to maintain their roof systems. The article in its entirety is posted below.

http://www.fox4news.com/story/27923333/how-to-clean-and-maintain-your-roof

Contrary to the article, NRCA does not recommend homeowners access or walk on roofs, and property management personnel should only access roofs if they have the experience and proper equipment to do so safely. For typical residential roofs, an inspection can be performed from the ground or a ladder to access the roof system’s edge. A ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the roof line and should be tied off at the roof edge. If an inspection reveals maintenance or repairs are needed, NRCA recommends an experienced roofing contractor be promptly retained to perform the work.

In addition, NRCA does not recommend homeowners remove snow from roofs. A roof covering may be damaged by dragging objects across the roof’s surface. Also, when attempting snow removal from the ground, snow often remains on out-of-reach parts of the roof. If a roof has a history of ice dam formation, removing snow from the roof may relocate ice dams outside of areas along the eave typically protected by an underlayment.

NRCA also does not recommend scrubbing a roof surface to remove moss because scrubbing likely will damage the roof covering. Scrubbing may dislodge granules from the surface of asphalt shingles, erode wood shingles and wood shakes or damage the finish on metal panels. Moss removal should be handled by experienced professionals who can provide references and proof of insurance. Dark roof stains produced by algae are only a cosmetic issue and algae does not “eat your roof” as the article states.

When installing copper or zinc strips, compatibility with existing flashings should be considered. Runoff from copper strips will accelerate corrosion of steel flashings; runoff from zinc will accelerate corrosion of copper flashings.

Finally, a new asphalt shingle roof system will shed granules initially. These granules are loosely held on the surface of shingles and will fall off. This is typically when homeowner may notice a significant amount of granules in gutters or in the driveway, and there is no reason for worry.

NRCA recommends roof system inspections, evaluations and repairs be conducted by a professional roofing contractor. For additional information about roof system maintenance or to find an NRCA member contractor, www.everybodyneedsaroof.com.

Roof Maintenance Tips for Property Managers

Roofing problems, if unaddressed, can cause headaches for property managers.

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”

John F. Kennedy repeated this astute statement in a speech in 1962, and property managers should make it part of their daily work mantra.

A roof can be one of a building’s biggest financial investments and something that is easy to protect and neglect. Roofs receive a constant beating from a variety of sources: extreme weather, structural movement, foot traffic, damage from accidents, and a lack of maintenance. Worst case scenario, repairs left completely ignored can lead to the need for a total replacement. The key is to detect a problem sooner rather than later, before problems become serious.

A well-maintained roof is your first defense to help ensure a secure and worry free property. These tips for maintaining your building’s roof can help save you untold time and expense.

Proactive Inspection and Repair

Roof inspection and consistent maintenance are critical in maximizing a roof’s lifespan and should typically be done on a yearly or bi-yearly basis. The National Roofing Contractors Association, recommends at least two roof inspections every year: one in the spring and one in the fall after the extreme weather of summer and winter. Additionally, it is recommended that you have your roof inspected after any damage, such as construction, fire, or a serious storm.

These are the key elements of an inspection:
•Regardless of shingle type, check for splits, cracks, and missing shingles.
•Regularly clean gutters to prevent leakage and back-up. Heavy, clogged drains can cause stress on the structure of the roof. In winter, ice and snow is the problem, and in the summer, a heavy, clogged gutter can put strain on a roof, but is also the perfect breeding zone for mosquitos.
•Check for debris behind skylights, valleys in the roof, pipes, and any other penetrations.
•Check vents and fans.
•Make sure all seams and joins are secure and that sealants and flashings are in tip top shape.

Consider Your Climate

Location, location, location. This theory applies to more than just real estate sales. For your building’s roof, every season offers it’s own special challenges. From summer storms, to heavy winter snow falls, to leaf pile-up in fall, it all adds a different stress element.

Here are some climate-specific roof problems to consider:
•Vermin and pest control: Termites, squirrels, raccoons, and birds would all love to take up residence in your roof. Block small entry holes and remove new residents as quickly as possible.
•Rain and humidity damage: Heavy rain and consistent humidity are mold’s best friends and can lead to structural damage and tenant allergies. If water damage does occur, remedy the situation quickly and ensure that no materials have permanent damage.
•Heavy storm damage: Driving wind and rain can loosen tiles, start leaks, and cause trees to fall. Do a scan after every storm.
•Snowfall weight damage: A heavy snowfall can put added pressure on the structure. Have a company that offers snow removal services at the ready.
•Sun damage: Excessive sun can shorten the life of many roofing products like sealants. Make regular checks to ensure seals are doing their job.

Work with A Roofing Professional

Extending the life of your roof is the ultimate goal, but in many cases manufacturers require a verifiable roof inspection and evidence of follow through on recommended maintenance to keep roof warranties in full effect. Inspections can be performed by the building owner, but it is usually preferable to seek the expertise of a professional roofer.

A professional roofing company will create a customized inspection and maintenance program tailored specifically to your needs in order to protect your investment. They will analyze roof traffic patterns and check roof materials and mechanics.

Upon completion, a roofing expert will provide you with a detailed report outlining any issues. These reports can subsequently be used as a source of information for valuing your property and setting future budgets.

Also be sure to select the services of someone with experience in your building’s type of roofing system and materials and check to see if the company belongs to any roofing associations. You should also ask for references and check ratings with the Better Business Bureau.

These tips from DisaterSafety.org on How to Choose a Professional Roofer from the start are also helpful.

Make a Checklist

These simple monthly tasks will protect you in the long run.

1. Take routine photos so you can easily monitor any roof changes.

2. Have a disaster plan. Who will you call the moment something goes wrong? When it comes to your roof, the damage can increase exponentially with every moment lost.

3. Be conscious of who’s up there. It’s been shown that approximately 40% of all roof problems occur because of human error. For example, workers going on your roof for window washing or HVAC repair can unknowingly cause damage.

4. Encourage your tenants to inform you of any problems or leaks they encounter immediately, even if on the outside of the building. Help them help you.

A solid roof maintenance and repair plan helps landlords and property managers to avoid major problems by identifying and fixing them before they get out of control and costly, as well as to maintain good communication with tenants and residents, reducing potential legal liability.

Preventative Maintenance: Why Do It?

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1. Facility managers should prioritize preventative maintenance in order to preserve any manufacturer or company warranties covering their roofs.

2. Emergency repairs simply cost more, by some estimates as much as 50% more, than maintenance bills.

3. The longevity and durability of the roof in question is increased substantially when basic maintenance and proper care occur regularly.

As building owners gear up for another wild autumn, it is important to recognize that when rain and variable temperatures follow sustained high temperatures, small holes and cracks do often form in roofing material. Little remarked, “The ice stores from last winter combined with the sweltering heat from this summer is going to cause a real mess this fall on those roofs that haven’t been maintained. Cleaning drains and removing debris that could possibly block scuppers and overflow drains are high priority service items during a preventative maintenance call. The weight of standing water destroys the integrity of a roof’s structure. Even just an inch of water standing in a puddle 10 feet by 10 feet weighs roughly a quarter of a ton.”

Tackling these problems while they are still small in scope yields repair bills that are also minor and an assurance that, come what may, the roofing system will stand up to the hail and high winds Mother Nature hurtles at it. Alternately, waiting for the roofing material to degrade to the point water actually leaks into the building yields heftier repairs, billed at a premium since rush jobs always cost more. Owners and managers must accept maintenance costs as a healthy and necessary aspect of property caretaking.

To learn more about Diamond’s Roof Max preventative maintenance program, give us a call today to speak to one our roofing experts 785-537-8008 or 620-225-2622.

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The roof of a home is one of the most important components to the structure, yet it often goes without care until an emergency. That’s why a national organization is taking a week to put the roof at the forefront.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is hosting National Roofing Week July 6-12. The goal is to educate the public about the importance of a roof and regular maintenance.

Most roofs last 20 years or more, but experts say to get the full potential from the structure, routine upkeep is necessary. Experts recommend hiring a professional to replace a roof or for serious work because of the risk associated with it. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) now requires roofers to wear harnesses among other regulations.

There are simple tasks homeowners can do themselves to prevent major damage in the future. One of the easiest prevention tools is checking the gutters.

“Gutter cleaning is a fairly basic thing to do but it’s important,” said Bill Good, the Executive Vice President with the National Roofing Contractors Association.

“Our recommendation is it makes sense twice a year to have your roof looked at. Once would be in the fall before winter,” said Good. “Then we recommend you take a look after the winter, in the spring, to see if there is any damage that has been done.”

For more roof resources and to learn about National Roofing Week, click here to visit the NRCA website.

Commonly Asked Questions about Roof

Commonly asked questions

Q: How can a home owner recognize when a roof system has problems?

A: All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.

Q: What are my options if I decide to reroof?

A: You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you’ve already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.

Q: My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

A: Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

Roof Maintenance

Maintenance: The Key to Long-term Roof System Performance
Roofing professionals generally agree a good roof system requires proper design, quality materials and quality application to perform successfully. Yet once the roof system is installed, nothing is more critical to its long-term performance than establishing a program of regular inspections and proper maintenance.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) believes the most effective way to achieve long-term roof system performance is for a building owner to have a formal, long-term relationship with an NRCA-member professional roofing contractor.

An NRCA-member professional roofing contractor:
• Understands local building practices
• Understands different roof systems and can make recommendations concerning which type of system is best for a particular building
• Has a trained and experienced work force that knows how to complete the work
• Can respond quickly if a problem arises
• Is well-established in the community, so the owner understands with whom he or she is working
• Works in, and gives back to, his or her local community
• Understands the local business environment

NRCA has expressed concerns regarding the long-term warranties offered by many roofing material manufacturers because warranties do not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roof system performance. Warranties often contain provisions that significantly limit the warrantor’s liability and the consumer’s remedies in the event problems develop or damage occurs to the roof system. Instead, NRCA believes the best way for a building owner to ensure satisfactory post-installation roof system performance is to have a formal, long-term maintenance agreement with an NRCA-member professional roofing contractor.

Maintenance programs typically offer the following advantages:
• A maintenance program is proactive (rather than reactive). It can help to identify problems at their early stages when they can be corrected and before they become catastrophes.
• Regular maintenance can reveal and address sources and causes of leaks before they occur. Too many owners have their roof systems examined only after a leak occurs.
• A maintenance program allows for a planned, organized approach to management of a roof asset and allows for responsible, timely preparation of long-term capital expenditures.
• Response time to address leakage problems is greatly improved.

Warranty repairs, on the other hand, can take time to be processed while the problem remains unresolved.
Building owners should take care in selecting a roofing contractor to perform maintenance work. Additional information is available from NRCA or from an NRCA-member professional roofing contractor in your area. NRCA, a nonprofit trade association, is one of the construction industry’s most respected organizations and the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy.
NRCA offers a service to help building owners locate NRCA-member professional roofing contractors in specific geographic areas. NRCA’s website allows roofing consumers to search for roofing contractors by ZIP code, type of roof system and radius; it also provides a wide range of information and services to help building owners and homeowners make informed decisions about replacing and maintaining their roof systems. This information can be obtained from NRCA’s website at http://www.nrca.net.

To learn more about our preventative maintenance program give us a call at 785-537-8008 or 620-225-2622. Let us protect your roof that protects all the rest of your assets!