The Ultimate Roof Maintenance Checklist: Metal, Flat, and Commercial Roofs

Statistics show that 94% of North American roofing projects included roof replacements. The glaring statistics highlight the importance of roof maintenance to prevent expensive repairs and replacements.

It not only extends your roof’s lifespan but also ensures the safety and protection of living beings and property underneath it. In this guide, we will share all the important steps to inspecting and maintaining the most popular roof types! 

Common Roof Maintenance Checklist

Whether it’s a metal, flat, commercial, or residential roof, all roofs need some common inspection and maintenance routines, like the following!

Inspect visually

Check for clear indicators of wear and tear on the roof, such as cracks or missing shingles, leaks, and damaged or loose flashings. Examine for moisture marks, as they cause rotting, mold, and mildew growth, and fix them.

Clean gutters

Clogged gutters cause water to stay back, damaging the roof and the structure’s foundation. So, clean the gutter and downspout for seamless drainage.

Remove debris

Regularly remove leaves, twigs, branches, and other accumulated debris from the roof. Otherwise, they may cause water accumulation, leading to rotting and other damage.

Trim nearby trees

If there are any trees nearby, they can damage the roof in different ways. For instance, branches may fall and crack the roof. Excessive leaves and twigs may fall and increase the frequency of debris removal.

If the tree is too close and creates shade, the roof won’t get enough sunlight to dry up after rainfall and snowfall, leading to mold growth.

Metal Roof Inspection Checklist

Metal roofs are renowned for their high durability and low maintenance requirements. However, you must perform the following to ensure it lasts you long enough!

Observe for damage signs.

Notice whether all screws and fasteners are present. Check around skylights, chimneys, and vents and make sure all flashing are intact. Replace the missing and damaged parts.

Examine for and treat corrosion.

Check around the joints and fasteners for signs of rust and corrosion. It’s better to apply rust-inhibitive pain and sealant to these areas early on. However, if it’s already rusty, scrub off the rust with a clean cloth or sandpaper. Apply a metal primer to prevent more rusting.

Inspect the roof coating.

Metal roofs generally have a coating to protect them from natural elements. If yours has the same, observe for signs of peeling. If you spot signs of wearing, reapply a fresh coating soon.

Get rid of snow and ice.

After winter storms, clear snow and ice from the roof with a long non-metallic broom.

Clean metal panels

Wipe the metal panels using a dish soap solution and a microfiber cloth and rinse off using a garden hose.

Flat Roof Inspection Checklist

The roof maintenance checklist for flat roofs is slightly different due to their no/minimal slope design. This makes them highly prone to water and debris accumulation, leading to severe damage. Here’s how to care for it!

Inspect thoroughly and fix issues.

Examine the roof for different kinds of damage, such as

• Ponding water: If water pooling happens more often in any area of the roof, upgrade the drainage system and prevent water accumulation.
• Damaged membrane: This appears as cracks, blisters, and punctures in the roof membrane. Take care of a damaged membrane soon to avoid serious leaks.
• Damaged roof penetrations: There’s a high chance of damage around roof penetrations, including chimneys, vents, and skylights, in flat roofs. Check whether the flashing is secure in these areas. Repair any sign of water infiltration.
• Separated seams: Flat roof edges and seams may separate from the effects of natural elements. Reseal any unnatural gaps.

Maintain drainage systems

Your flat roof’s durability majorly depends on the drainage system. So pay attention to drains, downspouts, gutters, and scuppers. Clean debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, from them regularly and ensure proper water flow.

Examine roof internally

Look for signs of mold, peeling paint, moisture, coldness, and dampness on the walls, roof deck, and around vents, roof hatches, and chimneys. In such cases, seek professionals immediately.

Commercial Roof Maintenance Checklist

Commercial roofs are much bigger than residential ones and are made of diverse materials. They need more regular and thorough maintenance to prevent expensive repairs later on.

Visually inspect all details.

Check for ponding water, debris accumulation, vegetation growth, and hail damage on the roof. Inspect for signs of leaks, deterioration, and damage.

Examine the areas around the rooftop equipment, such as HVAC units, vents, and skylights. Ensure they are secured and watertight.

Clean regularly

Remove dirt, moss, algae, and any other buildup from the roof. It’ll prevent water pooling and clogging, which damages the roof.

Take preventive measures

Apply protective sealants and coating to boost roof durability and enhance its weather resistance and energy efficiency.

Next Steps

With these detailed steps, you can inspect and maintain your roof even better. However, some issues require professional attention, while others are just beyond your scope of expertise. 

So, if you’re seeking reliable roofing experts with years of experience in roof inspection, maintenance, and repair, contact us at LA Roofing Materials. Our team will offer you top-notch services within this industry at competitive prices!