As property managers and building owners gear up for 2024, their plates can get full, from budgeting and maintenance to tenant relations and safety compliance. With all these pressing concerns, it’s easy to overlook the significance of one crucial aspect of your commercial property: the roof.
Since 2024 is approaching, now is the time to proactively plan for your roof maintenance. To help you get started, our team at Maxwell Roofing has outlined four essential best practices to implement for a successful and worry-free roofing year ahead.
1. Accurately Budget for Roof Maintenance and Repair
The foundation of any successful roofing strategy is a well-planned budget. By budgeting for regular maintenance and repairs, you can proactively address any issues that may arise, preventing them from escalating into major problems.
To develop an appropriate budget for your roof, it’s helpful to understand your roof’s age and condition: Newer roofs may require less frequent maintenance, while older roofs may need more attention. You’ll also want to consider the type of roof you have and the impact weather could have on your roof.
If you need help developing an annual budget for your commercial roof, here are a few additional resources to help:
- Commercial Roofing Budget Checklist for Building Owners & Property Managers
- Spending Your Roofing Budget Wisely: How to Prepare for Maintenance and Repairs
- Building a Capital Budget: How to Plan for Today and Tomorrow
- How Property Managers Can Best Utilize Their Roofing Budget
2. Proactively Address Repairs and Manufacturer Warranty Claims
Don’t put off repairs, no matter how minor they may seem. Even small leaks can lead to significant damage if left unattended. Prompt repairs can save you money in the long run and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Additionally, many commercial roofing systems have manufacturer warranties covering specific defects or issues. As part of your 2024 preparation, it may be helpful to revisit your warranty terms and address any potential manufacturer issues. This will keep you from paying for other visits and making more costly repairs to restore your roof to warranty compliance. Our team at Maxwell Roofing can make a proper repair with compatible materials to remain in compliance with most manufacturer warranties.
Here are a few additional resources to help you prepare for roofing repairs or evaluate your warranty:
- Tips to Prepare for Commercial Roofing Repairs
- New Roof vs. Roof Repair? Which Should You Choose?
- Commercial Roofing Warranty: What it is and What it Covers
- Tips to Help You Understand Your Commercial Roofing Warranty
3. Schedule Regular Inspections
Regular professional inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing potential roof problems early on. As a qualified roofing contractor with decades of experience, our team can help you identify potential issues early, allowing you to address them before they become costly problems. As a family-owned business, we approach our work with honesty and integrity to establish and exceed customers’ expectations.
For most customers, we recommend scheduling inspections at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. These inspections thoroughly examine your roof’s surface, flashing, drainage systems, and any other potential problem areas.
Here are a few key insights to help you extend the lifecycle of your roof with inspections this year:
- What Facility Managers Should Know About Commercial Roofing Inspections
- How to Prepare for a Commercial Roofing Inspection
- Rooftop Preventative Maintenance Questions for Building Owners
4. Maintain a Consistent Cleaning Schedule
Debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate on your roof and clog drains, leading to water damage. Regular cleaning preserves the appearance of your roof. It can help you extend the life of your roof by preventing problems such as poor drainage and associated damage.
How often you clean your roof will depend on your roof type and the amount of trees nearby. It can also be helpful to clean your roof after any major storm. At Maxwell, we recommend quarterly cleaning for your gutters and roof drains. At a minimum, schedule a cleaning service once in late fall and once in late spring. We recommend cleaning the membrane in spring heading into the max HVAC cooling days for white reflective roofs.
Here are a few of our favorite resources to help you eliminate the guesswork of commercial roof cleaning:
- How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Roof?
- A Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your Commercial Roof
- Steps to Clean and Maintain Commercial Roof Gutters
- The Benefits of White Reflective Roof Cleaning
Make 2024 The Best Year Your Roof Has Ever Seen
Preparing your commercial roof for 2024 involves a combination of proactive measures. By budgeting for maintenance, addressing repairs and warranty concerns, scheduling regular inspections, and implementing a cleaning schedule, you can ensure your roofing system’s long-term health and performance.
If you’re in Tennessee or Alabama and need expert assistance with these best practices, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing. We’re here to help you make 2024 a year of worry-free roofing success.