Despite the digital era in which we live – where the answers to our questions are often a simple Google search away – commercial building owners, roofing contractors, and regular homeowners still struggle with indecision around roof maintenance. They wonder if they need it, how often it is necessary, and what they actually need to do.
As roofing experts, Polyglass can offer some clarity. We provide numerous roof maintenance solutions, regardless of the roofing system or installation methods.
Roof Maintenance – Why is it Important?
Like so many other parts of a home or building, your roof is designed to perform within its limitations. Few roofing products and installation methods used in the built environment are ever intended to be permanent, with no need for regular inspections and upkeep.
Roofs are permanently exposed to the elements and forces of nature that can impact their performance. Tree limbs fall, leaves build up, animals get onto the roof and build nests (or worse), and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure ages surfaces: these are all reasons your roof should be properly and regularly inspected and cared for.
Roof maintenance is also about repairs. Things can happen to your roof – weather damage, damage from non-roof-related activities on the roof (such as regular foot traffic), or changes to roof-top equipment requiring temporary or permanent repairs.
An unmaintained roof can lead to water damage to the roofing materials and building, resulting in premature problems or even system failure. Ignoring your roof and failing to repair and maintain it can take years off its service life and result in wasted money and resources.
On the other hand, adequately maintained roofs can perform trouble-free for many years. As Benjamin Franklin once offered, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In the roofing industry, a small investment into your roof, like regular roofing maintenance, can add up to years of trouble-free performance.
How Often Should My Roof Be Inspected?
If you look at industry standards and other published information, most recommend the following:
- Semi-annual roof inspections: While your roofs should be observed twice annually, the period can depend on where you live. It is typically suggested to have your roof inspected before Fall and again after Winter in colder climates. If you live in a location with particularly rainy seasons, an excellent time to review your roof would be just before the wet weather settles in.
- After significant storm events. This is generally a good time to inspect your roof and check for airborne debris or wind damage. Equally important is to ensure your roof is draining correctly. Blockage at drains or scuppers can result in major problems with your roof. In fact, many large buildings have had their roof structures collapse due to this very issue.
Polyglass’ Solutions for a Wide Range of Roof Maintenance Needs
Polyglass offers quality products and applications to aid homeowners, professional roofers, and commercial building managers with their low-slope or steep-slope roof maintenance needs.
Our wide range of emulsions, roof coatings, asphaltic-based mastics, and acrylic mastics can assist with any roof maintenance requirements.
PolyFlash® 1C
PolyFlash 1C provides immediate, but temporary emergency leak repair over wet or damp surfaces. It is also ideal for permanent roof repairs when combined with PolyBrite® reinforcing polyester fabric
PG 500 and Polyplus 50 (PP50)
Our asphaltic mastics are commonly used for both steep-slope and low-slope roofs. Polyglass offers two premium products. Our PG 500 and Polyplus® 50 (PP50) are unmatched products for repairs and general maintenance to asphaltic-type roof membranes and various other building conditions.
Asphaltic Mastics for Steep-Slope Roof Solutions
Whether your steep-sloped roof is asphalt shingle, concrete roof tile, metal roof panel, or one of the other many types of products used, Polyglass PG500 and PP 50 are ideal materials to use for:
- Sealing or resealing your asphalt shingle roof at details (roof to wall, penetrations, etc.).
- Bonding (“tabbing”) loose asphaltic shingle tabs/overlaps.
- Repairing damage to your asphaltic shingles.
Asphaltic Mastics for Low-Slope Roof Solutions
Polyglass’ PG 500 and PP 50 are premium products for many roof repairs and general roof maintenance needs for all BUR and polymer-modified roof membranes.* Most exposed mastics used in roof applications require re-working as the elements age these materials over the years. Polyglass’ PG 500 and PP 50 are ideal materials to use for:
- Sealing or resealing your asphaltic membrane roofs at details (roof to wall, penetrations, etc.).
- Repairing damage to your asphaltic membrane.
- Other roof types and conditions, including metal flashing conditions and other non-asphaltic problems.
Regular Roof Maintenance Ensures Roof Longevity
Regular roof maintenance is essential and can extend the service life of your roof. Using quality products to repair and maintain your roof saves time, money, and resources.
For more information about our asphaltic coating products, contact Polyglass today.
*Polyglass offers various non-asphaltic products for roof needs that are not compatible with asphaltic-based materials.