We all know the importance of roof inspections, but we all like to save money whenever and wherever we can. Many of today’s facility managers are very experienced and have “seen it all” when it comes to building exterior maintenance, so it may naturally beg the question. Can I just do the roof inspections myself?
The answer, in short, is “it depends.”
It depends on the type of inspection you’re looking for. If you just want to take a quick look at the roof and remove any obvious debris, have at it. When you do so, though, there are some important things to keep in mind.
4 COMMERCIAL SELF-INSPECTION TIPS
- Introducing safety hazards. It goes without saying that there are many potential dangers inherent in accessing the roof. Be mindful of skylights, compromised decking and getting too close to the building perimeter. Always follow roof safety best practices.
- Missing small problems before they get bigger. Remove debris, unclog drains and look for obvious damage after a weather event. Rely on a trained professional to identify smaller problem areas and address them before they cause major problems.
- Voiding warranties. Performing any minor fixes on a roof yourself might inadvertently void a warranty. The terms and conditions on roof warranties often specify who is permitted to perform repairs and/or what materials can be used.
- Violating OSHA regulations. Once you start performing any work on the roof it becomes a job site, triggering all kinds of OSHA safety rules and regulations. You not only need to be aware of these but also in compliance with them.
With all of this to consider, it’s easy to see why many facility managers rely on a trained eye to properly inspect their roofs. Professional inspections should include fixing minor issues while they’re on-site to save you the cost and aggravation of a follow-up service call. This preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run by preventing small issues from becoming big problems and by extending your roof’s useful life.
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