Low-Slope Inspection & Maintenance

Low-Slope Inspection & Maintenance

By properly maintaining a low-slope asphalt roofing system,
building owners can greatly impact its service life, reliability and
performance. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
(ARMA) has identified six steps all owners should follow to properly
care for a roof.

Step 1) Maintain historical records.

A building owner should keep a historical
record of the roof system. This should
include information about the following:
• original installation
• roof plan
• membrane type
• system components
• contractor’s contact details
• membrane manufacturer
• warranty
All roof inspections, maintenance and
repairs should be documented as well.

Step 2) Control roof access.
Building owners should allow roof access only to trained
professionals and only when maintenance is required. Roofs are not
generally designed for extensive foot traffic.

Step 3) Conduct regular inspections.
Each spring and fall, a roof should be inspected by a professional roofing
contractor. The contractor should inspect each visible component of the roof
and identify areas that may require additional attention. Inspections can help
to identify potential roof damage or leaks before they occur.

Step 4) Ensure routine maintenance.
Routine maintenance can be conducted by the building’s trained
maintenance personnel. This includes removing debris, such as
construction waste or tree limbs from a roof. Leaves and dirt
should be removed from drains and gutters to ensure proper
drainage. Tree limbs that overhang a roof should be trimmed.

Step 5) Report leaks or roof damage immediately.
If evidence of roof damage or a leak is found during routine
maintenance or an inspection, building owners should contact a
roofing contractor immediately to address the issue before it
gets worse.

Step 6) Use a professional roofing contractor for major
maintenance and repairs.
All major maintenance procedures and roof repairs should be
handled by a professional roofing contractor after consulting the
membrane manufacturer. Do not attempt these actions yourself.
By following these steps, owners
can maximize the value and service
life of their roofing investments.