SUMMER MAINTENANCE


FROM SMALL PRINT TO BIG GAINS


John Hynes, Head of Safe Access at Fixfast, explains how a review of roof warranties can lead to a valuable shift in mindset for facilities managers.


The average commercial roof accounts for 5% of initial construction cost and typically lasts 20 to 30 years. But how this important asset is managed over its lifetime has a significant impact on the return on investment seen by the building owner.


A range of factors determine the whole-life ROI for a roof. Of course, the quality of the design and construction of the roof itself are key. Often forgotten though, are its energy performance, durability, and maintenance or repair requirements. With these factors accounting for five times the initial build cost, building owners and managers should consider the roof as part of a broader strategy for minimising the total cost of ownership of their building.


But that’s often not the case. It seems, when it comes to roofs, out of sight often means out of mind. The


34 | TOMORROW’S FM


warranties given by roof system manufacturers and installers perhaps mean the upkeep of the roof isn’t front of mind for facilities managers.


There’s a common misconception that long-term warranties, while potentially very valuable, are insurance policies that cover virtually any roofing problem. But the small print on the vast majority of these guarantees tells a different story. Once signed, many warranties actually commit owners to carry out regular inspections and maintenance to their roofs. Not doing so invalidates these agreements and exposes the owner to potentially much higher costs in the event of failure of the roof system.


There are three steps facilities managers can take to preserve the cover within their warranties and prolong the useful life of their roof:


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