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Covering Your Asset: Essential Roof Maintenance for Self-Storage Facilities
How important is the condition of your self-storage roof? Extremely! It isn’t only part of your facility curb appeal, it protects tenant belongings from exposure to the elements. That means its look and functionality are critical to your business reputation, customer appeal and expenses. Maintenance is essential to sustain these benefits and avoid problems down the line.
Scott Jolly
November 27, 2024
4 Min Read
Maintaining the roof on your self-storage facility is a critical part of protecting your overall investment—not just your buildings and tenants’ stored goods but your business reputation. This component is a structure’s primary defense against the elements, and regular upkeep is essential to:
Extend lifespan: A neglected roof can decline rapidly, leading to costly repairs or even replacement and earlier than anticipated.
Uphold warranties: To remain valid, many roof warranties require regular maintenance. Failing to meet this requirement can leave you solely responsible for covering repairs.
Prevent leaks and water damage: Infiltration can ruin stored items and cause mold to grow, which presents health risks.
Without proper maintenance, a self-storage roof can deteriorate and ultimately fail. Various weather conditions wear down materials over time. By addressing minor issues early, you can prevent damage while avoiding the associated costs and headaches. You’ll also ensure the structural integrity of your buildings.
This article will guide you through the basics of upkeep for flat and metal roofs, the two most common types used in the self-storage industry. Both can experience various types wear. Flat roofs, with their minimal slope, tend to accumulate debris like leaves and branches, which can trap water and prevent it from draining properly through scuppers, internal roof drains or downspouts. This pooling accelerates wear and increases the risk of leaks. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays contribute to erosion on any roof. High winds can cause uplift on metal roofs, which loosens fasteners and allows water to penetrate.
Preventive Care
As part of your preventive-maintenance plan, conduct regular roof inspections and cleanings. Check the component at least once per year and especially after major weather events. Record all conservation activities, documenting dates and materials used, and take photos. This diligence is essential for warranty claims and your future reference. For example, your potential buyers will want this information if you ever decide to sell your facility.
On flat self-storage roofs, regularly check the metal caps on parapet walls, which sit around the perimeter, and confirm that they’re securely fastened and caulked. There should be no gaps. Applying or reapplying surface coatings can protect against UV rays and standing water. The protective coating can also wear off on a metal roof. Reapply it to prevent rust and prolong lifespan.
Cleaning and minor repair is essential for all self-storage roof types. Here are some key tasks:
Use a broom, leaf blower or low-pressure wash to remove debris.
Ensure that downspouts and scuppers are securely fastened and clear for proper drainage. They should direct water away from the building foundation.
Remove any vegetation growing near or over the structure, as plants can root into and damage the roofing material.
Check for signs of wear, and inspect all edges and penetration points. Look at places where pipes, vents or other objects pass through the roof and reapply caulk as needed.
On metal roofs, check and tighten any loose fasteners, replacing any that are missing or damaged.
These simple chores can significantly extend the life of your self-storage roof by addressing potential issues before they become serious problems.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice significant leaks, structural damage or extensive wear on your self-storage roof, call a professional immediately. The goal is prevent further decline. Professionals have the tools, knowledge and experience to perform thorough inspections, identify issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye, and carry out repairs that meet industry standards. Also, keep in mind that if your roof is under warranty, expert maintenance may be required to prevent it from becoming null and void.
When to Upgrade
Common signs that it might be time to upgrade your self-storage roof include leaks that reoccur despite routine maintenance, significant erosion of the roofing material, and simple age. Flat roofs typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years while metal ones can last 40 to 70 years. Eventually, all roofs will need to be replaced.
When it’s time to upgrade, consider the options. If the roof deck and insulation are in good condition, you might extend life by applying a new coating. In cases of extensive damage, a full replacement may be necessary. Materials and designs that offer longevity and energy efficiency can provide long-term benefits.
Roof maintenance is crucial for effective self-storage management and long-term cost savings. Regular inspections, preventive care and timely repairs significantly extend lifespan, shielding your buildings from weather damage. By prioritizing upkeep, you ensure the ongoing security and functionality of your facility. Just remember to consult or hire a professional when necessary and do everything expected to adhere to your warranty requirements. With preemptive care, you mitigate the need for expensive repairs or replacements down the line, creating peace of mind for yourself and uninterrupted service for your customers.
Scott Jolly is co-owner of Site Consulting Specialists, a provider of project-management, engineering, asphalt and concrete, and roofing services. He combines his real estate experience with maintenance expertise to create savings for large portfolio owners. As an investor, he understands the impact capital expenditures can have on net operating income and financial returns. To contact him, email [email protected].
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