Duro-Last Cleaning & Caring Tips
Using custom fabrication in a factory-controlled environment, Duro-Last roofs are designed to dramatically reduce the risk of leaks with little ongoing maintenance required. However, all roofs require inspection to detect potential issues, and there are comprehensive steps that you can take to help protect your investment for the long-term.
As an authorized Duro Last roofing contractor in Michigan and beyond, Superior Services knows that your new investment will require some work to remain reliable for years to come. Whether your roof has debris that needs to be cleared off, your rooftop equipment needs to be replaced, or your building goes through severe weather, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Inspect twice per year
You should visually inspect your Duro-Last roof at least twice a year. The ideal times for this are in the fall and in the spring. In the spring you should check for any maintenance items that should be scheduled for inspection or repair by your roofing contractor. In the fall, you should check to make sure that your roof is ready for a long winter. Duro-Last offers an Inspection Maintenance Checklist to help with this process.
Inspect after severe weather
Severe weather like intense rain, hail, wind, or lightning can potentially cause damage to your Duro-Last roofing system. It is important to visually check to make sure that everything on your roof appears normal after a severe storm, even if you do not see signs of leaks.
Keep your roof free of debris
Whether it is tree branches, leaves, pine needles, rocks, bottles, or building material, having too much debris on your roof can cause damage and pose a safety hazard. Use a plastic shovel or push broom to help clear off debris to avoid punctures, water ponding, and other issues caused by debris. You should also inspect downspouts and gutters for any signs that your drains are clogged.
Maintain metal flashings, sealants, and masonry
Poorly maintained metal and masonry components are often a source of water leaks, so you should be sure to inspect both during your roof inspections. Look for rust, deteriorated sealants, cracks, and detached components that need to be repaired or replaced.
Avoid contact with asphalt
Asphalt and Duro-Last PVC membrane do not go well together, so it is important to keep that in mind while cleaning your roof. Asphalt will bleed into the PVC membrane, and it is impossible to get it out once this has happened. Many products like fillers, sealants, and caulks have asphalt products in them, so it is important to only use maintenance products that are asphalt free. This is especially important to communicate to any contractors that will be working on your roof, such as HVAC installers.
Avoid solvents
While your Duro-Last roofing system provides protection from dozens of chemicals and construction products, you should avoid using solvents when cleaning your roof. They may cause the PVC membrane to soften, causing damage to your roofing system. Use water or non-solvent cleaners when cleaning your roof exterior.
Keep rooftop traffic at a minimum
Large amounts of repetitive foot traffic can slowly wear out your roof, so it is important to cut back on rooftop traffic as reasonably possible. You can do this by keeping a roof access log, or by limiting roof access to specific individuals.
Do not make repairs on your own
If you see signs that your Duro-Last roof needs to be repaired, do not try to make the repairs on your own as this will often make the problem worse. Roofing repairs need to be made using Duro-Last materials, typically using heat weldable PVC patch material and must be performed by an authorized Duro-Last contractor.
For additional maintenance advice and steps, refer to the Duro-Last maintenance checklist guide on the Duro-Last website.
