(St. Louis, MO, May 21, 2024) Regular roof maintenance is often overlooked, but highly important to preventing costly roof repairs, say the experts at Western Specialty Contractors. Ensuring that a building’s roof is well-maintained protects the owner’s investment and extends the roof’s lifespan.

Western’s experts recommend that a building’s maintenance staff check for debris on the roof at least once a month, or after a trade has been working on the roof or after severe weather. Debris on a roof can clog drains, scuppers and downspouts and lead to ponding water that can quickly seep into an open seam or split wall flashing.

There are several types of damage-causing debris that can be found on rooftops. Poor clean-up by workers who have performed work on a roof and left behind trash and debris such as caulk tubes or rags can cause major problems if not cleaned up. High winds can blow debris around causing damage to the roof and to people and property below if it blows off.

Other types of debris found on roofs that should be regularly removed include leaves, tree limbs and twigs, goose droppings, fireworks and even bullet shells.

Western’s experts also recommend checking HVAC access panels on a roof to make sure they are securely in place during routine housekeeping. Access panels removed by a contractor and tossed on a rooftop can puncture roofing materials. Unsecured access panels blown around by high winds can cause further damage.

Regular roof housekeeping is crucial to not only maintain the roof’s integrity, but also for adhering to manufacturer warranties which often require routine maintenance. Failure to keep the roof clear of debris and trash can potentially void these warranties, leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided.



For a comprehensive guide to roof maintenance, download Western’s Roofing Inspection Visual Guide & Checklist. This valuable resource will help you identify common issues and keep your roof in top condition.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.