It’s so easy for building owners and facilities managers to forget about roofing as an essential component of their overall business. For many, the out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach to roof management comes naturally. Understandably, not many owners or managers often walk their roofs. They’re often too busy working on other aspects of their business – until a problem occurs.
Unfortunately, roof management is often handled on a crisis management basis. Managers simply react to the latest problems as they come along. That way, they don’t incur expenses until it’s absolutely necessary. When roof repair or replacement does become an imperative, they often opt for the lowest-cost solution.
What Is the Lowest Cost Roofing Solution?
Ironically, the lowest cost roofing solution is not a particular system or material. Rather, it’s an approach to roof management that saves money by moving from a reactive to a proactive roofing strategy. It may include any or all of the following:
- Regular visual and/or infrared audits by an independent consultant
- Preventive maintenance
- Inspections after major weather events
- Proactive roof management program that clearly outlines future planned projects and expenses
Obviously, you can also maximize value for your dollar by making sure you choose the most cost-effective roof system for your building. A knowledgeable independent consultant can provide you with some options there as well. For now, however, let’s just focus on how your overall strategy can save you money.
How Can a Roof Management Program Save Money?
You’re probably thinking that all of the above will cost money. That’s true. But how much will it cost to wait? A proactive roof management program can save multiples of its cost by:
- Identifying Problems While They’re Small: By addressing small issues as they arise, you can prolong the life of your existing roofs and prevent them from becoming larger, much more costly problems.
- Preventing Downtime and Damage: If you talk to anyone who’s experienced even a small roof leak, it can cause immense damage in terms of lost productivity, damaged products and equipment, or mold contamination. The worst-case scenario is course a roof collapse and all of the losses in terms of human and other forms of capital that entails.
- Forecasting Projects and Budgets in Advance: With a firm roof management plan in place, you are able to ensure that funding is available for the project ahead of time. You’re also able to put your project out to tender at a time of your choosing when you can get the most competitive pricing as well as the ideal installation conditions.
Your roof assets protect all of your other assets. When it comes to roof management, you have many choices. Doing nothing is always the most expensive option.
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