Roof maintenance programs have become commonplace in the industry. When I first wrote “The Roof Management Handbook” in 2003, maintenance programs were not common, and only a select group of contractors had service departments dedicated to roof repairs. The book has now been updated, and the second edition will be released within the next few months. As the book identifies, implementation of a proper roof maintenance program starts with an inspection/evaluation of the existing system. Roof maintenance programs also require annual (or preferably semi-annual) inspections. When properly conducted, these inspections will contribute to the overall success of the program.
Prior to conducting a roof inspection, a thorough inspection of the exterior and interior of the facility should be completed. This type of inspection is critical in determining potential facility problems that may affect the roof system. Prior to the physical roof inspection, it is imperative that the following information is obtained from the owner.