Roof Maintenance Throughout the Year

When maintaining flat roofs, first inspect visually the joints of the waterproofing sheets and the areas where they meet walls, ventilation shafts, and pipes. If sheets are delaminating or the seal is broken, repair using the same materials as the roof covering (the same membrane and adhesive or sealant).

Flat Roof Maintenance

Winter maintenance of flat roofs includes regular snow removal. This is simpler than on pitched roofs. However, caution is still essential. Some waterproofing materials (tar paper, roofing felt, and other bituminous-based materials) are not very durable, and careless snow removal may damage them. The best solution is to leave a thin layer of snow on the roof.

The reason is that the roof emits a small amount of heat, causing the lower part of the snow cover to melt slightly. This results in a layer of ice forming beneath the snow, which can easily break through and damage the insulation.

In warmer months, flat roof maintenance includes inspection and cleaning from dirt. During this time, animals (birds or cats) may damage the surface, so it’s important to detect potential damage early for timely repair.

Winter Maintenance of Pitched Roofs

Maintaining pitched roofs is significantly more complex due to the risk of falling. When working near the edge, always use a safety harness.

Winter maintenance includes snow removal. There is no need to leave a snow layer, but care must still be taken to avoid damaging the roofing material. Avoid using metal tools during cleaning, as they may cause scratches or dents that can lead to corrosion, whether the roof is made of asbestos cement sheets or metal. The best tools are plastic or wooden shovels (without metal edges) and plastic brooms.

If the roof area is large, temporary pathways should be built to transport snow from the ridge to the eaves. A wide plank with crosswise battens can be used to carry snow. The plank can be moved as needed. Snow can be removed using a sheet of plywood, but only if not on a cleaned roof, to prevent damaging the surface. Wear soft-soled footwear—felt boots are ideal.

Summer Maintenance of Pitched Roofs

Summer maintenance is similar to that of flat roofs. Always check the condition of ventilation shafts and heating flues. Use special roofing walkways, which are standard on large buildings with pitched roofs.

If a roof defect cannot be fixed on-site, contact a professional. All roof maintenance work must be performed in the presence of an authorized representative from the managing organization, unless it's your private home.