Proactive commercial roof asset management from TEMA Roofing Services.

Proactive Roof Asset Management vs. Reactive Roof Maintenance – The Differences You Need to Know

Roof repairs and roof replacements shouldn’t have to be unexpected expenses. In fact, something as simple as a proactive roof asset management plan can help your business stay ahead of costly repairs that can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Many business owners make the mistake of practicing reactive roofing maintenance. The tips in this blog will show how proactive roofing can drastically cut down on commercial roof repair or replacement costs with simple preventative maintenance.

What Is Reactive Maintenance in Commercial Roofing?

Reactive maintenance fixes roofs only AFTER the damage is already done. With reactive roofing maintenance, you are addressing problems after the fact instead of staying ahead of them. 

Examples of reactive roofing management include the following:

  • Calling a repair company after you notice a massive water leak
  • Rarely performing visual inspections of the roof
  • Not calling a roof repair company for maintenance services on minor concerns
  • Relying on costly 24-hour emergency repair services when problems arise
  • Ignoring early warning signs of roof leaks or damage

Many times, costly repairs can have been avoided or made more affordable to fix. If the examples above reflect your business’ approach to handling commercial roofing maintenance, you could be wasting money.

The Downside of Reactive Roofing Maintenance

When you are simply reacting, you are already behind! With reactive maintenance, you have given up control of the condition of your facility and allowed weather and random events to dictate if and when you require roof repairs.

Roofs are not designed and constructed to be completely ignored until a catastrophic disaster or failure occurs – Roofs are intended to be fixed and maintained until reroofing is completely necessary.  

Reactive roofing maintenance can lead to workplace health problems from damp or leaky areas being the source of mold growth. Black mold in the workplace can lead to symptoms that include wheezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes, according to the CDC.

With few exceptions, the appearance of water leaks means that your building has already suffered structural damage. Preventing roof leaks through proactive roofing maintenance is the only way to stop that damage from occurring in the first place. 

What Is Proactive Roof Maintenance?

Proactive commercial roof maintenance is not very time-consuming, and the small steps can save building owners a lot of money and hassle. Performing regular maintenance, frequent visual checks of your roof, hiring a quality roofing company to perform annual inspections, and quickly fixing minor or potential problems are some common ways you can benefit from proactive maintenance

Visual Inspections of Roof System

An inspection should be completed after any extreme weather event (looking for signs of roofing materials that were blown off your commercial building is one way to perform a quick visual inspection), and finding these things quickly can prevent costly repairs later.

The beginning of spring is a great time to check on the condition of your commercial roof because roofs are commonly damaged by ice and winter weather. Because extreme heat can also damage roofs, using this time to inspect your roof and address potential problems before the weather gets warmer can greatly benefit your building. At TEMA Roofing, our preventative maintenance programs include inspections twice a year in order to proactively stay ahead of any issues that may arise.

If you can safely access the top of your building, look for pools of water (important for flat or low-slope roofs), loose materials, or signs of mold or algae. If you find anything, you need to call a trusted roofing company to address these roof problems before they affect the entire infrastructure.

Also, be sure to check around your rooftop HVAC units for potential water leaks. Use a flashlight to glance at the wooden support structures of your roof. Dark areas on wood or insulation may also be a sign of a leak or water accumulation. 

Regular Inspections and Commercial Roof Maintenance

Having a professional inspection of your roof on a regular basis is a good idea for preventative maintenance. Often, a roofing contractor can fix minor issues without the need for costly repair work. If you have noticed anything of concern during your own inspections, share that information with the inspector.

Benefits of Proactive Roofing Maintenance

Proactive roofing maintenance can spare you from having to pay for unexpected repairs or the need for a new roof. While preventable repairs can end up costing several thousand dollars, replacing an entire roof can cost more than ten times that.

Proactive roofing maintenance often extends the life expectancy of your roof by preventing minor water leaks and ensuring that the frame of your roof, underlayment, insulation, and even drywall are spared from water damage. 

Unexpected expenses are a common source of stress, and a complete roof replacement may interfere with work as crews tear and remove the damaged roof. Proactive roofing maintenance gives peace of mind and a predictable timeline of when your roof will eventually need to be replaced. Spending money throughout the life of your roof on small repairs is more cost-effective than premature replacements.

How to Create a Proactive Roof Management Plan

Does your business have a proactive roof asset management plan? Unless you have a new roof, you’ll want to have a professional assessment of the condition of your roof, especially if you own or manage multiple facilities. Then, you’ll have a reasonable idea of how long you can expect your roof to last.

At TEMA, our roof asset management plans include an agenda of priorities, allowing customers to take advantage of our expertise:

  • Have someone perform a visual roof inspection after any major weather event
  • Regular inspections of the commercial roof’s current condition and to remove debris
  • Schedule annual inspections from trusted roofers several years out
  • Begin budgeting for roof replacement at the end of the roof’s expected lifespan
  • Keep records of personal and professional inspections and any repairs
  • Helps to keep any roof warranty intact 

Be Proactive About Roof Maintenance 

Unexpected events are out of our control, but having a proactive roof maintenance program and following the tips in this blog will ensure that you stay on top of the factors that you can control. Your business can greatly diminish the probability of unexpected complications by utilizing proactive roof management vs. reactive roof maintenance, and the benefits will result in cost-savings and peace of mind for you and your workers.

Need help with roofing problems or simply need to ask a question? Leave us an message and a member of our team will be in touch to work through your unique situation!

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