High Level Decisions for Facility Management

Rarely do you see the type of organization in which roofing funds are so readily available that they flow like water. Most maintenance and engineering managers face the quandary of too many roofing problems and not enough money available. Combine this with a lack of a coherent roof management plan, and many organizations find themselves overwhelmed with roofing issues.

Most managers in commercial and institutional facilities agree that regular inspections are an essential part of a roof asset management program. They would also agree with the basic roof management tenet- that regular inspections and routine maintenance reduce ownership costs, reduce leak frequency and severity, extend roof life, and reduce management inefficiencies.

But, by the time many organizations think about starting a roof management plan, they actually end up needing a roof replacement program. The opportunities to maintain and repair the roof have been supplanted by the obligation to fund and implement roof replacements.

If an organization can extend the life of each roof under it’s roof management plan by one year, then they break even on the roof management plan costs. If they can extend each roof by two or three years, the plan can reduce roof expenditures by a multiple of its costs.

So why don’t all organizations have a viable roof inspection and maintenance plan? It’s hard to fathom. The truth is, even a minimal plan is better than no plan. The best advice for managers is to get started now.

Action Steps to Take
It’s time to call RAMCON today so that we can perform a condition assessment of your roofing system. No roof can be managed appropriately without first knowing the roof’s history and then understanding its current condition. Managers can best obtain the current conditions of there roofing systems by scheduling this roof assessment.

The information gathered during an inspection will do no good though if it sits on a shelf collecting dust. It is imperative for managers to be proactive with their roofing systems and this information. Managers need to study the information, as it will help identify opportunities to make repairs, conduct maintenance or anticipate re-roofing. Formulating a plan will also help managers communicate better with upper management and owners, and it can assist in creating an effective management plan.

Perhaps the most important goal of all is to avoid having a roof replaced before its design life is reached or having to perform emergency repairs at the least opportune time. To avoid letting a good roof sit neglected and doomed to early failure, managers can begin the effort with a well-devised roof inspection and maintenance plan by calling RAMCON at 877-726-2661. Get started today and be on the road towards proactive roof management.

Supporting Your Roof Warranty

The goal of a warranty is to ensure a quality roof installation that provides long-term performance. But a warranty alone has never kept a building dry.

The best way to guarantee long-term performance once a roof is in place is to develop a comprehensive roof management plan. An effective plan includes periodic inspections, maintenance/repairs, and it promotes a proactive approach to guarantee long-term performance.

Consider this: Roof systems with no maintenance last 9 to 12 years on average, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. A properly maintained roof system will provide service life that is more than double the time of a one that is not.

Roof management programs should include establishing a historical record, performing regular roof inspections, establishing routine maintenance programs, and developing policies and procedures to implement the program.

Managers should know the location of their warranty documents and refer to them periodically. Many manufacturers figure that 50 percent of managers either lose or forget about written warranties, which only benefits them. With RAMCON, we always keep a file on hand, so if you ever need it, it’s available immediately.

Regular roof inspections can identify small problems before they develop into leaks or become catastrophes. Manufacturers often recommend inspecting roofs at least twice annually, with corrective action taken on the deficiencies that exist.

A warranty includes both limitations and benefits, but it is not a substitute for proper roof design, quality installation, and a proactive roof management program. Give us a call and we’ll do a complimentary inspection and provide a comprehensive analysis of your roof with one of our signature roof maintenance programs; showing you the ‘math’ on the savings that exists in reduced leak expenses and extended roof service life. When it comes to the best proactive roof management, Florida’s top building owners and managers consistently turn to our pros at RAMCON.