Providing a Roof Maintenance Program (RMP) to our customers is not only
essential to our business, but it brings value to our customer relationship. The
most common reason for premature roof failure is lack of maintenance. A
conscientious and consistent program of scheduled preventative maintenance to
each roof component will maximize useful life of the entire roof system. This
program includes regular inspections of the roofing system. Standard roof
industry
recommendations as established by the NRCA are to make thorough
inspections of the entire roof at least in the spring and fall, and after
serious weather trauma. Capital expenditures on new or re-roofing receive
maximum value anytime a roof membrane can experience its full useful life
expectancy. Owners that understand this appreciate the value of a structured
roof maintenance program.
No single maintenance program can satisfy all customers’ needs. Our programs
are designed to provide a range of service options. The RMP-Basic Plan offers an
inspection with a roof condition report. This plan is restricted to a one-year
renewable term offering minimum service to keep an owner or facility manager
apprised of their roof condition. During the inspection small debris and trash
will be removed. For customers requiring added maintenance protection an RMP-Preferred
Plan is available. Services at this level offer semi-annual inspections with
roof condition reports that include a five-year budget. Small debris and trash
are removed, splits and blisters are repaired, and a free service is included
for roof leaks. The highest level of service is the RMP-Premiere Plan. Customers
contracted at the premier level receive all the services previously mentioned
with the option to add two additional inspections per year. Additionally, they
receive a comprehensive condition report with roof drawings, photographs, and a
roof asset management account (RAMCO). Flexibility exists within each of these
programs to meet specific customer needs. What is not flexible,however, is
providing an RMP on a roof system that is in poor condition. This can only lead
to an unsatisfied customer having expectations beyond the ability of the program
to satisfy.
Owners and facility managers often neglect annual maintenance due to the roof
system being under a manufacturer’s guarantee (warranty). Some guarantees may
only cover material. All major manufacturers’ guarantees that cover labor and
material require owners to perform inspections and maintenance to maintain their
coverage. This is no different than an automobile manufacturer’s warranty
requiring scheduled maintenance so as to not void the warranty. As the Building
Owner, you also have a responsibility, which is to provide necessary maintenance
of your roofing system and related building components. Failure to provide
necessary maintenance may result in deterioration of your guaranteed roofing
system that could otherwise have been avoided. Repair of such deterioration will
not be covered by your guarantee. In certain instances, such deterioration may
be so extensive that the roofing system can no longer be repaired and
maintained, resulting in the cancellation of your guarantee in whole or in part.
Owners usually are unaware of their responsibility required to keep the warranty
or guarantee in force. We must educate our customers of their responsibility if
their roof system has a manufacturer’s guarantee. Then, offer the RMP that meets
the manufacturer’s requirements. Become knowledgeable of manufacturer’s
guarantees with respect to the owner’s responsibility.
