The benefits of using maintenance staff to checkyour roof are pretty clear. First, they are already in the building, and there is no extra cost. Second, the building engineers already should have maintenance schedules set up for HVAC and other equipment and highlighting a roof program along with these other tasks takes little extra time.
But there are downsides too. For one, building maintenance personnel may not be confidentin what they should look for. What's more, with their other duties, they may not have the time or inclination to go on the roof. On top of that, expertise may vary with staff changes. It may take little expertise to watch for obvious things like punctures, breaks and tears in flashings, flashings that are slithering and opening up at the top, rusted metal elements, or ponding water on the roof, but will the personnel know what to do to fix it once it’s discovered?
Another choice is to consult an experienced roofing contractor Louisville KY for contracted maintenance and inspection. An experienced and trustworthy contractor on an annual maintenance schedule incurs an expense and can be hard to find, and even more so if they are properlyinsured. But with those disadvantages come several benefits. The first is that they have no conferred interest in the result of the roof survey: Their fees don't change whether the roof is in bad condition or good condition. A competent roof maintenance consultant knows what to look for — not only the obvious items but also the unusual conditions that affect roofs and cause failures. The consultant will also understand why problems are occurring, will know the most appropriate repairs and can write specifications for repairs that will handle issues found during the survey. Loaded with a specific scope of work, the facility manager can seek offers on a project-to-project basis.
Contractors differ extensively in expertise, depending on the stage of personnel sent out to do the inspection. Some are outstanding and do a professional, well-informed job. Others send out their repair experts who may know how to make general repairs but may not know the system that is on your roof. If they are used to asphalt-based roofs and you have a single-ply membrane, they may not have the necessary expertise to do a capable inspection.
Finding a trustworthy and honest contractor is key! Keep in mind that roof replacement Louisville KY make their money by doing repairs and replacing roofs. When contracting a company for maintenance and inspection there are companies that do both services, also performing roof repairs and replacements. So even the most professional contractors have a built-in bias whether they acknowledge it or not. Some contractors offer periodic inspections as a part of a total maintenance program — inspections and repairs. The program is set for a given number of years for a specific cost. This settingcan create a financial deterrent for a roofing contractor to do the marginal work that is needed as costs are augmented and profit slumps. If you are going to contract these services, you should thoroughly vet your contractor. Find a contractor that is transparent and has a system of checks and balances for their bias.
One such growing company is Roof It Right in Louisville, KY. Call today to discuss their experience and services offered.