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Maintenance

What is Roofing Preventative Maintenance?

Preventive maintenance refers to routine roof inspection and minor repairs to keep your roof in the best condition and increase its longevity. Maintenance needs to be planned and scheduled at least once per year. Preventive maintenance is among the most effective tools for maximizing the service life of a roofing system. It will help mitigate problems that could lead to the high cost of replacing your roof entirely. 

Like everything else in life, roofs require routine check-ups to maintain good condition. Roofing fixes can seem annoying, but they are worthwhile. Hound Roofing offers unmatched preventive maintenance services for businesses in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Roof Preventative Maintenance Facts

Most roofing shingles come with a standard lifetime warranty, meaning you are covered as long as you own your property. However, every manufacturer considers the warranty null and void if preventive maintenance is not performed. The NRCA reports that approximately 80% of all roof leak occurrences could be avoided through effective and timely repairs. Today, re-roofing alternatives offer better long-term solutions than fixing leaks and other problems. 

Don’t forget to Remove Roof Mold

If your roof starts leaking, you are bound to have mold. Wood is the base structure for many commercial roofs and quickly absorbs moisture. Mold grows as moisture seeps into the wood, spreading spores and expanding throughout the space. The US Environmental Protection Agency states that the only way to control indoor mold is to control moisture. With regular maintenance, you can spot the signs of mold and put in measures to control the moisture.

The growth of mold does not just affect the structural integrity of your property but also poses a threat to the respiratory health of people working there. The easiest way to prevent mold growth is to control moisture by watching out for leaks and having them repaired promptly. The common signs of mold include:

  • Musty smell
  • Visible water damage
  • Odor when the HVAC system is on
  • Relative humidity above 55%

If you notice any mold on your roof, look to a professionally licensed roofing maintenance company. They will inspect your roof and determine whether the mold requires professional remediation based on the severity. 

Get a Professional Roof Inspection & Maintenance

Don’t delay getting roof maintenance. If there is something wrong with your roof, you have a very limited window to address the issue before the issue turns into needing to replace the entire roof – a very costly process that requires a complete roof tear down and build. 

Roof maintenance is often the first line of defense against premature roof issues. It’s easy to neglect your roof when things are doing well, but you could suddenly be reminded of its importance when you have a significant leak. Problems that are easy to resolve can grow to the point of threatening the health of your building. 

Regular maintenance helps mitigate any problems that could damage your roof, thereby protecting the integrity of a structure and business. At Hound Roofing, we specialize in commercial roof repair and maintenance services in the Coastal Mid-Atlantic. We aim to protect your property by maximizing the lifespan of your roof system.

Importance of Roofing Preventative Maintenance

Preventive roof maintenance helps improve the performance of your roof against severe weather conditions. Sections like roof valleys, protrusions, and edges are highly vulnerable to strong winds, and slight damage can escalate quickly. Keeping your roof maintained is essential for better performance if you live in areas with extreme weather conditions.  

Professional maintenance typically costs around 85% less than repair for services like an annual inspection, visual survey, and period moisture scanning. Without a doubt, the cost of repair and replacement is way higher than that of maintenance. 

Ignoring leaks is the worst mistake you can make. Over time, leaks worsen and can cause operational disruptions or internal damage to stock and machinery. The situation brings additional costs of machine repair and stock replacement. Leaks could also lead to safety and environmental issues like mold development. Having a regular roof inspection and maintenance program will help you keep the costs at a minimum.

How to Know When to Replace a Roof

The Federal Government states that the average roof depreciation is 39 years. Today’s commercial low-slope roofs have an average life expectancy of 17 years. If an inspector confirms that it’s time to replace your roof, the next step is to look for a reliable contractor. Be sure to review their reputation and understand the terms of the contract before signing.  Only 7% of building owners extend the working lives of their roofs 26 years and longer. Don’t be in the 93% that has to pay more to replace their roof.  Get your inspection and regular maintenance started today. 

Neglecting your roof can lead to costly repairs that could be avoided with regular professional maintenance. Roofs not proactively maintained can cost over double the total ownership cost in 20 years. For example, looking at a 100,000-square-foot roof, the original ownership cost is approximately $350,000, while the tear and replacement cost could be upwards of $500,000. Emergencies like repairing each leak that occurs can cost over $750. 

Hire a Professional for Roof Maintenance

An inspection and maintenance plan for your commercial roof is the secret to increasing its durability. Nonetheless, it’s wise to work with a trustworthy contractor who understands your location and your roof’s unique needs. Hound Roofing is a reputable roof inspection and maintenance contractor in the Coastal South Atlantic with a positive track record. Contact us now for details about our services. 

Image: Dmitry Kalinovsky on Shutterstock