Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Roof Systems

Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Roof Systems

Severe convective storms that can produce high winds, hail and lightning cause billions of dollars in losses annually. Proper routine maintenance throughout the year can help reduce the overall damage to your roof systems. Here are three areas to address to help keep your roof systems storm ready.

1. Roof Cover

The roof cover is one of the most vulnerable components of your buildings when exposed to high winds and hail. Routine maintenance can prolong the life of your roof covers and reduce roof damage during wind, hail and heavy rain events.

  • Schedule several inspections throughout the year to monitor the condition of your roof covers, particularly around season changes and after storms.

  • On flat roofs, look for tears, bubbles, cracks and ponding water.

  • Remove excess debris such as branches and leaves.

  • Inspect for loose or missing roof materials.

2. Roof Flashing

The roof flashing refers to the strips of metal or other material installed around the roof edge where the roof cover meets the wall. Loose or ill-fitted flashing can cause roof cover failure and water intrusion during high-wind events.

  • Check for loose or ill-fitted roof flashing, which greatly increases the potential for roof cover failures.

  • Repair or replace loose or damaged flashing per the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Roof-Mounted Equipment

If any of your buildings have roof-mounted equipment such as HVAC units, TV antennas, satellite dishes, lightning protection systems, etc., unsecured equipment is subject to sliding, lifting and overturning. This can cause significant damage to roof covers and water intrusion.

  • While conducting your roof cover inspections, inspect all equipment that is attached to the roofing structure and ensure it is securely attached.

  • Inspect for loose flashing around roof-mounted equipment which could lead to potential failures of the unit’s structure and water intrusion.

  • Clear all debris around and under roof-mounted equipment. Debris can cause water to pond, which could cause costly damage to the roof and interior.

If you are unable or do not have the personnel to complete the above, consider hiring a licensed roof contractor to conduct a scheduled preventative maintenance plan.

 
 
 
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Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)
P.O. Box 357 | 3000 Schuster Lane | Merrill, WI 54452-0357
Telephone (800) 554-2642 or (715) 536-5577

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Church Mutual is a stock insurer whose policyholders are members of the parent mutual holding company formed on 1/1/20. S.I. = a stock insurer.