It can be as simple as switching from cable to dish TV. You install your satellite and the following rainy season you have a leak. You think, “My roof is only 5 years old. I’m turning it in for warranty.” However, the manufacturer denies it because while you installed the satellite, you or the installer damaged the roofing material.

The same thing can happen on a commercial building owner, when tenant improvements required penetrating the roof covering to accommodate their improvements.

Protect your investment by thinking twice before allowing work on or near the roof of your building:

1. Antennas or Satellite Dishes On The Roof

It is worth mentioning twice. Satellites themselves are not harmful to your roof. It’s the installation process, which can do damage, if not properly installed. Read your warranty document(s). Ensure that you or your installer are following factory guidelines when working on or around your roof, including holiday decorations.

2. Adding Penetrations Skylights and Solar Panels

Anytime you penetrate the material you run the risk of voiding your warranty. That includes changes to the roof such as adding skylights, solar panels, HVAC units and/or mechanical equipment. It is better to have those additions in place first so they are incorporated and made water tight during the roofing process. However, if you add these things after the fact, it is wise to consult with your roofing contractor. An inspection may be necessary to ensure that best practices are used.

3. Cleaning the Roof Improperly

It is important to keep the roof free and clear of debris and moss growth. Unfortunately, many home owners turn to high pressure water methods to clean their roof covering. The proper way to clean a roof varies by type, roof slope and amount of debris on the roof surfaces. The question should be, what is the most effective process to use? This should be determined by the roofing professional in consultation with the building owner or manager.

4. Improper Roof Ventilation

All confined spaces require proper ventilation. Consult with a Professional Roofing Contractor to ensure that your attic structure or confined spaces are properly ventilated.

5. Incorrect roof installation

All Roofing manufacturers provide installation recommendations regarding how their roofs are to be installed. It is important to work with a roofing contractor trained and accredited by the manufacturer of the roofing system they are installing. Do your homework before choosing a contractor to install a new roof.

The last few items on this list can easily be avoided by hiring a professional roofing company. However, being a service customer of ours, you already have a roofing advocate on your side. If you have any questions about the processes on this list, give us a call and ask us any questions you may have. We are happy to help.