Roof boots stick out like a sore thumb, but without them, temperatures inside your factory, cooking areas in your restaurant, or even hotels will rise and even cause indoor air hazards in the process. Unfortunately, roof boots are also prone to problems brought by the elements. In this post, let's look at how you can keep your roof boots operational and free from any dangers brought by extreme danger
Conduct a visual inspection of your roof boots at least once a year, preferably in the fall before winter sets in. Look for signs of damage around the single-ply material and flashing surrounding it. Check for cracks, tears, or wear and tear around the roof material and see if there's rusting or misaligned flashing around the roof boots. Next, observe the seal around the pipe to ensure it is tightly packed together – then reapply sealant material where needed.
Remove any debris, leaves, or twigs that may have accumulated around the base of the roof boot to avoid blockage and even some of them from entering your inner spaces. Most roof boots have a grill on their exit spout to prevent debris and leaves from entering, so keep an eye out whether it's torn and in need of replacement.
As mentioned, roof boots have flashings, screws and adhesive that keep them in place. Rust can weaken these metal components and cause it to deteriorate over time. Make it a point to replace any rusty components to prevent further damage during your scheduled inspection dates.
Inspect the sealant around the base of the roof boot, especially if it's already cracked or the flashing is misaligned. Over time, sealant can degrade due to exposure to the moisture and heat of the natural seasonal cycles. If you notice any cracks or gaps in the sealant, reapply a new layer to ensure a watertight seal.
Ensure that your roof boots are installed correctly. If you entrust roof boot installations to a renowned commercial roofing company, you won't have to worry about leaks and premature failure. Also consider hiring them to inspect and correct any issues that may arise.
If you have trees near your roof, trim back any branches that may be touching or rubbing against the roof boots. Hotel and hospital owners might not need to worry about this, but low-rise factories and restaurants might have problems due to branches that can cause damage to the boots and compromise their effectiveness.
No roof boot is ever made to last forever, so if your roof boots are old or showing signs of wear, upgrade to newer, more durable materials to give yourself peace of mind. Modern roof boots are designed to last longer and provide better protection against leaks. If you're unsure which brand might work for you, we recommend asking your reliable commercial roofer for help.
While we're not the best when it comes to roof boots, we're the best when it comes to commercial roofing installations. If you need help, turn to Roper Roofing and Solar, your local roofing and solar panel and roofing system experts. Call us today or check out our social media page to know more about what we can do for you.
