Tips From the Pros on Top:
published an extensive RoofStar Roof Maintenance Guide.
SMART MAINTENANCE EXTENDS ROOF LIFE AND VALUE Taking good care of your roof can extend its lifespan by 25 per cent, even 30 per cent, experts say. And there are fresh techniques and technology – including infrared scanners, smart phones and secured data storage and retrieval – to make the job easier and more cost effective. Yet, in some cases, roofs require a professional contractor to come in and fix a poorly done installation, said Sean Pepin, president of RooFix Services Inc. of Burnaby, a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC). “A quality installation goes a long way to ensuring a long-performing roof,” said Pepin. RCABC members involved with roof maintenance know building codes, energy solutions, are familiar with all nine major roofing systems and the more than 60 subsets, and are trained in safety and provide liability coverage. Pepin has multiple clients with roofs that remain in good condition many years after they are installed, largely due to a great maintenance program. The most common older commercial roof systems can last decades if properly cared for. A professional maintenance company will check commercial roofing, which includes multi-family buildings, at least every six months, more often during inclement weather conditions, according to the RCABC, which has developed and
Sean Pepin, principle of RooFix Services Inc., Burnaby: “A quality installation goes a long way in ensuring a long-performing roof.”Photo credit: Richard Lam
During inspection, the maintenance crew will clean all organic and windblown debris from the roof and carefully inspect edges and seals around any protrusions, such as heating and ventilation equipment. In some cases, damage can be traced to roof traffic, such as window cleaners and HVAC repair crews. If damage is suspected on insulated low slope roof systems, the maintenance professional can check for sub-surface moisture using an infrared scanner that detects the higher heat levels radiated by wet materials. Today’s professional roof maintenance companies are also armed with high-tech
tools to keep clients in the loop. Using smart phones linked to secure online storage, the crews photograph any roof problems and track repairs as they are being done.
• Do not allow traffic on your roof unless accompanied by a qualified maintenance professional.
At Roofix the information is collated with roofing material and invoice data and is fully accessible to the client through a secure Internet link. This information not only keeps a building owner up to minute on the condition of the roof, but can also be used in any warranty and insurance claims, Pepin explained.
• Keep a maintenance record of the roof system including guarantee documents and contracts.
Brad Eward, a partner in Continental Roofing of Richmond, which has developed an integrated software maintenance package that includes GPS tracking of trucks and materials for its 13 crews, notes that nothing replaces having a professional RCABC member attending to maintenance.
written by Frank O’Brian for RCABC
Continental Roofing, who include, which counts some of B.C.’s largest commercial building owners among its clients, “based their maintenance program on the RCABC Roof Maintenance Guide guidelines,” Eward said, “it is the best information available.” Tips on roof maintenance • Hire a professional roof maintenance company that is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia. • Have roof inspections and maintenance done every six months, more often during inclement weather. • Most manufacturers of roofing materials state specifically in their warranty that the warranty is void if the roof is not maintained.
To download a copy of the Roof Maintenance Guide, visit RCABC at www.rcabc.org, email roofing@rcabc.org or phone 604-882-9734.
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