IN PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES THAT EXPERIENCE EXTREME WINTER WINDS, rain and natural disasters, it is not uncommon for storage facilities to experience roof damage. The elements are a common threat to your facility and your customers' stored goods, so it is essential to prevent winter-storm damage by properly maintaining and repairing your roofs.

Far too frequently, the cause of a roof failure during a storm is lack of proper maintenance. Storage owners often attempt to repair roofs themselves to save money. If the job is not done right, the final outcome may cost a lot more than if a professional had done the work.

According to Patricia Barthen of Flexospan Steel Buildings Inc., people who aren't roof-repair professionals usually don't know the entire process to prevent leakage, which is one of the most important factors in roof maintenance. Poor repair jobs can range from something as small as overtightening screw fasteners to using the wrong sealants.

A perfect example would be a claim made by a storage owner who experienced roof damage to his buildings after a severe winter storm hit his area. When a claim like this is made, it is typical for a roofing engineer to inspect the damage and determine if it was caused by the elements or the result of poor installation or maintenance. In this case, the storage owner hadn't properly cared for his roof, and the damage was considered regular wear and tear. For building repairs to be covered by your insurance policy--and for you to avoid liability for damage to customer's stored goods--the damage must be a direct result of a storm and not regular deterioration, which is more than likely excluded from your policy coverages.

Call it insurance, or call it foresight--the best way to avoid simple mistakes and costly damage to building roofs and contents is to properly maintain your property with regular inspections. Have repairs done correctly. Periodic visual inspections and consequential maintenance can greatly increase the life of any roof. When inspecting a facility, always check the ceilings of units for any evidence of water leakage. It isn't a bad idea to have a consultant inspect your roofs every couple of years and provide a report of their condition. Necessary repairs should be made immediately. Even the tiniest problems will become big if not addressed right away.

If you hire a professional to inspect and repair damages to your roof, you'll want to feel comfortable with your choice. Here are some helpful tips for finding the right roofing contractor, supplied by the Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Georgia (www.rsmca.org):

After Choosing a Contractor

Universal Insurance Facilities Ltd. offers a comprehensive package of coverages specifically designed to meet the needs of the self-storage industry. For more information, or to get a quick, no-obligation quote, write P.O. Box 40079, Phoenix, AZ 85067-0079; call 800.844.2101; fax 480.970.6240; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.vpico.com/universal.