4 Reasons To Keep Up With Low Slope Roof Maintenance

All roofs need regular inspections and repairs, but proper maintenance is even more important for a low slope roof. Low slope roofs are often covered with membrane roofing. The membranes are tough, but they can develop holes or cracks that need attention. Discover four reasons why low slope roof maintenance is important.

1. Prevent Costly Roof Leaks

It's good to catch an area of the roof that has the potential for leaking before the damage gets so bad that rain leaks into your building. A roof leak can cause a lot of water damage to the roof and your building. The sooner a roof leak is found and repaired, the less damage you'll need to repair. Early roof repairs are usually less costly than repairing extensive damage.

When you get regular maintenance, a roofer checks your roof to look for signs of damage and areas where a leak could develop. This allows repairs to be done routinely rather than on an emergency basis. Keeping your roof in good shape over the years prolongs its life so you get the best return on your roofing investment.

2. Catch Moisture Damage Early

If your membrane roof is punctured by foot traffic or storm damage, rain can seep under the membrane and get the cover boards wet. Cover boards and insulation boards are usually put on a low slope roof before the membrane is put down. These can soak up water and be ruined when the membrane starts leaking. When a roofer performs maintenance, they can catch these moisture-damaged cover boards and replace them if necessary.

Damp boards might lead to a roof leak. If many boards develop water damage over the years, you might need to replace your roof sooner than you planned. The entire roof, including the boards, may need to come off.

If the boards are dry and in good shape when you need a new roof, the boards can possibly be left in place and covered with a new membrane, which saves money on a new roof. That's why it's important to find water damage early.

3. Protect the Warranty

Your roofing may come with a warranty that requires regular inspections and maintenance by a licensed roofer. If so, have the maintenance done on the schedule that's required in case you ever need to use the warranty. Regular maintenance consists of checking flashing and the membranes for damage that could lead to leaking. The roofer also checks the membrane closely for punctures and rips.

They'll also look for signs that extended water puddles on the roof when it rains so they can alter the slope or clear an obstruction that lets the water drain freely. The roofer can also clear off leaves and branches so they don't attract pests or damage the membrane.

By doing all these things, your roof will be kept in good shape and in compliance with the terms of your warranty. However, read your warranty so you know exactly how it works.

4. Maintain the Value of Your Property

A bad roof can affect the value of your property when you're ready to sell. If a roof has enough water damage, the structure of the roof and building could possibly be damaged too, and that could have a big impact on the value of your building. By keeping up with roof maintenance, you protect your building and its value. That could be important when you want to sell the property.

If you have a commercial building with a low slope roof, contact Berwald Roofing & Sheet Metal. We can set up a maintenance schedule to keep your roof in good shape.