Protecting your property from the elements starts with a well-maintained roof, but all too often, roofs are overlooked until there’s a problem. Regular maintenance can keep your roof in top shape while helping prevent damage or expensive repairs down the road.
FHS Roofing has been providing roofing services to Christchurch businesses for over 95 years, so we know a thing or two about protecting your assets. Here, we’ll explain why routine upkeep is so essential, what’s involved in roofing maintenance appointments, how the service benefits you, and share advice for finding an experienced roofing company.
Why professional roofing maintenance is important
The ever-changing Kiwi weather can wreak havoc on your roof. Whether you have a membrane roof, which is prone to penetration by loose fixings and cracking due to substrate movement, or sheet metal, which is prone to loose fixings and rust, no roof is safe from the elements. Identifying these vulnerable areas before significant damage occurs will help maintain the integrity of your roof, making sure it’s solid for years to come.
Roofing maintenance can also help to prevent seasonal issues, like the buildup of debris. Leaves, sticks, dead moss and other foreign objects can accumulate on a roof over time, especially in periods of high winds. This accumulation of debris can prevent water from draining properly, leading to standing water that can cause significant damage to the roof's surface.
Regular roof maintenance offers a chance to identify and address any changes in your roof’s appearance, structural integrity or drainage capabilities before they become larger issues.
The difference between a professional roofing company and amateurs is stark, so you should always be wary of dealing with cowboys. Outside of the quality of the service itself, an experienced roofing company will know how to carry out maintenance without damaging your roof, and will be up-to-date on proper safety-at-height measures.
The benefits of a well-maintained roof
A well-maintained roof has numerous benefits, both to you as the owner and to those using the building for their business.
Early intervention is the key to preventing damage from water leaks, weather changes and debris buildup. By arranging regular inspections and maintenance, you can rest easy knowing you won’t receive any frantic calls from upset tenants, while your tenants can be confident that their assets, inventory and office equipment are safe in situ.
As well as protecting the structural integrity of your building, well-maintained roofing also extends your roof's lifespan and can even add value to the property by improving its energy efficiency. By investing in professional roofing maintenance, property owners can create a safer and healthier environment for tenants while simultaneously increasing their building’s value and protecting their investment.
How do professionals maintain a roof?
Commercial landlords and property owners use professional roof maintenance services for a number of reasons, not least of which is that the task usually involves working at height. With larger, higher roofs come increased risks - risks that our team is well-trained to manage.
As part of our roof maintenance service, we can conduct a full inspection and identify minor issues long before they’re able to become problems. By nipping these problems in the bud early, we reduce the risk of water damage to your property. Alongside visual checks of your roof’s surface and the most common areas for leaks, we can also provide a comprehensive clean to tackle moss, grime and build-up.
From killing moss and clearing downpipes to a thorough scrub, we leave your roof in tip-top condition ready for the months ahead. This is one of the reasons we highly recommend booking a maintenance appointment at least once a year.
Additionally, professional roofers like the team at FHS Roofing offer out-of-hours services in order to reduce disruption to the occupants of your building - no downtime or unhappy tenants, just a job well done.
How often should you maintain a roof?
While the general rule of thumb is that you should have your roof maintained at least once a year, it’s not always as straightforward as that. In our opinion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how regularly you should get your roof maintained. In fact, there are a wide range of factors that need to be taken into account.
When it comes to the maintenance of your property, a thorough assessment is key. Our experts will consider all of the essential factors, such as roof pitch and orientation, materials used in construction, and the age and condition of the building, before tailoring an effective maintenance plan for you.
We look at the capacity of downpipes and gutters, and the proximity of trees or presence of nesting birds. In some cases we may recommend increasing the regularity of assessments.
How to find the best roof maintenance company
Now that you’ve identified you need the services of a roofing company, you’re tasked with finding one that is worth it's salt. When dealing with roofing contractors, it's important to find a company that’s both reliable and trustworthy.
One of the best ways to find a company that is up to the job is to ask around for recommendations. Once you have a few options, check their reviews and testimonials online, and be sure to look for a physical address and valid insurance certificate.
In our experience, an unreliable company will often show their true colours from the get-go. If you find your calls going unanswered and having to rearrange appointments due to no-show contractors, give that firm a wide berth.
And, if you’re looking for a Christchurch roofing company, be sure to get in touch. Our team will arrange an initial assessment at a time that suits you.
