Good roof asset management is oftentimes an overlooked component for many businesses and building owners. But the truth of the matter is that the old “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” frame of mind is not a viable mentality for a proactive roof management plan.
Unfortunately, many brick-and-mortar businesses tend to put this important aspect of their facility management on the back-burner. With all the difficulties that come with overseeing multiple facilities, there’s a good chance that managing roofing assets isn’t always at the forefront of concern.
However, that doesn’t make it any less crucial.
The good news is with the right knowledge about key components, you can gain a stronghold over these little nuances in your businesses, which will make it inordinately easier to manage and maintain your rooftops.
Here are some common challenges facility managers face in maintaining the roofing systems of multiple facilities (and what you can do to handle them).
1. Roof Leaks and Useful Service Life
Roof leaks are one of the most common problems businesses face, and yet it is still an often-ignored part of a roof asset management program.
The most insidious aspect of roof leaks is that, most likely, you won’t know you have them until it’s too late. When that rainstorm hits and the leaking starts in your commercial space, it can easily cause many issues simply due to its unexpected nature. If the leak is disruptive enough, your company can also face unexpected downtime.
Roof leaks can cause mold and unpleasant odors in your commercial space. Depending on the location and size of the leak, it can also stain the walls of your facilities as the water makes its way down from the rooftop (not to mention that they will drastically reduce the useful service life of your roofing asset).
When managing multiple properties, a roof asset management system will help to organize information and make it available at the click of a button – including information on work orders, past repairs and estimates of roof asst lifespan.
2. Gaps in Caulking
If caulking is cracked around vents, HVAC units, or roof penetrations, your commercial facilities will suffer, and failure to correct this can lead to much larger problems.
Cracks in the caulking can be due to a roofing contractor doing a shoddy job or they could appear gradually, wearing down over the passage of time.
Over the years, building(s) will expand, contract, move, and shift. This slow and steady repositioning causes breaks and tears in the caulking over time, and cracked caulking then becomes a gateway for water, insects, and cold air to make its way into your commercial facilities. All these issues could affect occupancy if intense enough.
3. Damaged Flashing and Punctures
Often made out of metal, flashing was created to be tough and durable. But even with its strength, it is not a cure-all when it comes to normal wear and tear. Over the years, the flashing on your commercial facilities can become bent, warped, and fractured.
Other variables that contribute to ineffective flashing can be:
The Elements – Whether it’s a cold and unforgiving winter or an aggressive heavy downpour, the elements play a big role in how well your flashing holds up.
Shoddy Repairs – Poorly done roof repair jobs often do more harm than good, especially if you’re attempting the DIY approach. Be sure to hire a professional roofer with the right knowledge and tools to get the job done.
Bad Installation – Installing flashing on a new roof is not a simple process. And when it is done incorrectly, it can cause leaks and add more damage to your commercial roofs.
Roof punctures do more than make your rooftop look worn out; they can compromise the structural integrity of your facility. Even minor holes allow moisture and humidity in through the cracks, which can then lead to serious damage to other nearby parts of the roof.
Some of the main culprits that contribute to roof punctures include wildlife, extreme weather conditions, and even an inordinate amount of foot traffic (technicians, repairmen, etc).
4. Maintaining Roof Warranty
This often overlooked (or forgotten) element of a roofing system is extremely important, especially when managing multiple roofing assets.
Roof replacement is not a cheap endeavor. But, if the roof warranty has been properly maintained and for some reason the roof system begins to fail prematurely, repair or replacement may be covered.
Regular preventative maintenance and a roof asset management system help facilities managers in multiple ways – preventative maintenance keeps the warranty in place; a roof asset management system stores warranty documentation, information about preventative maintenance visits and provides holistic information on every roof asset in your company’s portfolio.
5. Absence of Roof Maintenance
It’s easy to let the preventative maintenance of your rooftops fall by the wayside. Oftentimes you don’t even think about it until you get that first leak or the HVAC system starts giving you problems.
But without frequent roof inspections and checkups, your roofing assets can easily become liabilities. That’s why roofing asset management is so important. It all begins with the regular upkeep and preventive maintenance of your facilities.
Running multiple facilities is a tricky juggling act, don’t make it harder than it needs to be by ignoring your commercial roofing assets.
With all of these challenges that present themselves, you may be wondering: how can I manage them and maintain my roofs?
How to Maintain Roofs for Multiple Facilities
There is a relatively simple answer when wondering how to manage multiple roofing assets: have a plan. Create a detailed and comprehensive guide for every aspect of your roofing operations.
Every brick-and-mortar business needs a proactive roof management plan, especially when running multiple facilities. Leaving your roof condition unchecked will cost you.
Most businesses lack an adequate roof management plan because they don’t think it’s a necessity, at least not until they’re handed the bill for mold in their walls from a leaky roof or find themselves needing a full roof replacement.
All of the problems on this list, as well as many others, can be avoided simply by having a plan for how you’re going to manage your roof and keep up with a regular maintenance program. So be sure to avoid the common pitfalls that occur WITHOUT a plan (and make budgeting easier in the process).
A good roof management plan will include:
- Assessment of installation – How much will it cost to install the right equipment?
- Site composition – What materials are your roofs composed of?
- Recorded footage space – How much space are you working with and what type of machinery would best complement that space?
- The category (or type) of roof – What kind of roof do your facilities have and what equipment is best suited for each one?
- Regular checkup and repair costs – How much should be budgeted for roof inspection (at least once every 6 months)?
If you can stay on top of these small steps, you can avoid a lot of the stress that comes with poor roof management, while extending expected roof life.
Trusted Commercial Roofing Contractors Can Help Manage Multiple Facilities
At the end of the day, handling multiple facilities is not a job that is for the faint of heart. It takes grit, determination, and a strong will…but that’s also part of what makes it rewarding!
If you’d like to learn more about roofing asset management from TEMA Roofing Services, or need roofing solutions for issues at hand, be sure to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
