SPRING ROOF LEAKS AND MAINTENANCE – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

SPRING ROOF LEAKS AND MAINTENANCE

Spring showers sometimes bring roof leaks?  It is especially possible if you skip your spring roof inspection.  Winter takes its toll on a roof.  Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads and ice can really cause damage.  Even if you live in a warm climate where cold weather damage isn’t a worry, spring is a good time to have your roof inspected so you are ready for the rainy season ahead.

Since spring is a common time for roof leaks, we’ve curated a list of easy, quick tips to follow in order to avoid expensive and preventable leaks.

Clear the rooftop of any debris.  Over the winter, debris will accumulate on your roof and requires to be removed (e.g. plastic bags, tree branches, etc.)

Inspect the roof for storm damage.  No roof is completely exempt from storm damages, so it’s best to take precautionary measures and have your roof inspected after severe weather.

Fix damage to the roof membrane.  Fluctuations in temperature cause the roof membrane/sealants to expand and contract from season to season.  Over time, the membrane/sealants will crack and require service.

Correct damage from snow removal.  During snow removal, your maintenance team may not be aware that they’re causing damage to the roof even if proper precautions are in place.

Make sure that HVAC panels are closed.  If the HVAC panels are not entirely closed/sealed, water has a point of entry and can eventually lead to leaks.

Clean out build-up in the P-Traps.  Many times when the A/C is turned on at the start of spring, building owners think their roof is leaking when it is actually an HVAC issue. The HVAC will leak if the P-Trap is clogged.

Diagnose aesthetic vs. structural damage due to the weight of snow and ice on a roof.  Either scenario is not ideal for your roof, however, it’s important to diagnose these differences as some structural issues may lead to extensive repairs/replacement if left alone.

Look for tears, splits and punctures in the roofing membrane and contact a professional as soon as possible to have them repaired.

SECURE EQUIPMENT – Verify that rooftop equipment is secure and won’t become dislodged in high winds.  Although high winds can occur during any month of the year, March through June is the official tornado season, so high winds are more likely during this time of year.

CLEAR BLOCKAGES – Clear any blockages from drains, downspouts or gutters.

CHECK FLASHINGS – Check metal counter flashings at roof-to-wall transitions, and around rooftop units, vents and skylights. Re-secure areas that are loose or have pulled away and re-seal as needed.

PONDING WATER – Look for standing water, also known as “ponding water.” The National Roofing Contractors Association defines ponding water as water that remains 48 hours after a rainfall in conditions conducive to drying. Building owners and facility managers should monitor areas of persistent ponding water, as it may create slip hazards.

If you find damage, or if you want a more comprehensive inspection of your roof, contact a professional.  Quickly addressing any issues can extend the life of your roof and prevent leaks, internal damage and interruptions in your business.

 

* Always exercise caution and observe sound safety practices when accessing and maintaining your roof, and insist workers from other trades do the same when performing work or servicing rooftop equipment.