If that sounds familiar, these tips may be able to get you back on the roofing maintenance bandwagon. The first is easy — simply check your roof manufacturer's warranty to remind yourself what it requires regarding maintenance. Chances are the answer's not nothing.

Whatever those requirements, the key to a good roof preventive maintenance program is to do regular roof inspections. That means at least twice per year, usually in the spring and fall. This includes checking all flashings, drains, gutters, and other roof peripherals.

At the time of inspection, make sure to remove all leaves and other debris, and thoroughly clean the drains. Check all the laps to make sure they're still secure. This is also the time to make minor repairs — patches to flashings or perform a recoating in worn areas, for instances.

Finally, make sure to document what exactly you've done, even if you didn't find anything wrong with the roof. This will help with warranty compliance if an issue arises down the line. It will also help you figure out when a replacement is nigh, and will give you a ton of data to add to your proposal for your organization's financial folks.

Take notes about any concerns that you have so you can refresh your memory the next time you inspect your roof. Otherwise, it can be difficult to determine if any problem areas are worsening. It can be a good idea to take pictures of any problems as they develop, particularly if your roof, or any part of it is under warranty.

When inspecting your roof, look for the following signs of problems:

Worn patches at the peaks or in the creases
Missing or loose shingles
Soft spots under the shingles
Cracks, holes or standing water, particularly around the back of chimneys and fixtures
Rust or dents in metal roofs
Ponding water, debris or plants on low-slope or flat roofs

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