As a property manager or building owner, you understand that keeping your property in top condition is essential for your operational success. Ensuring that the roof integrity is intact is just as important as caring for windows, parking lots, and HVAC systems—in fact, a properly maintained commercial roof can help to avoid expensive damage to both the building and whatever is housed inside. Before your annual spring check-ups are completed, revisit this maintenance checklist to ensure that your commercial roof is as healthy and long-lasting as possible.

Regular commercial roof maintenance is vital for business operations, as proactively caring for your roof saves budget dollars over the long run. These savings are reflected in lower repair and replacement costs, as well as better insurance rates for well-maintained roofing systems. A roof maintenance plan that ensures routine inspections and minor repairs is essential and should be tailored specifically to the age and type of roofing material at your building, as well as the conditions it is exposed to.

What to Look for During Inspections

It is generally acceptable for building managers to perform routine visual inspections in between yearly professional assessments. Many potential issues can be easily spotted, and you can then bring in a contractor if necessary. This avoids the problem of sitting for months on end, being aggravated by harsh weather conditions.

If you do conduct your own visual inspection, be sure to take all safety precautions – follow marked walkways and wear a hard hat and a harness if necessary. If you are not familiar with the roof, call a professional to assist.

Roof Surface: Look for cracks, blistering, bubbles, or holes. If there are areas of ponding water, mold, or mildew, those should also be addressed.
Flashings and Roof Edges: Check for loose, damaged, or missing flashing or edge metal, damaged coping, or deteriorating sealant. These areas can allow water intrusion if left unaddressed – but are easily fixed.
Rooftop Penetrations: When damaged, the vents, pipes, HVAC units, or skylights on the rooftop can cause major problems with the integrity of the roof or water intrusion.
Gutters and Downspouts: Clogs, blockages, or debris accumulation in gutters and downspouts can easily cause water to back up and penetrate the building.

Maintenance Checklist: Clearing Debris

One of the most essential aspects of commercial roof maintenance is keeping the roof clear of debris. Debris can cause clogged drains, damage the roof surface, and even result in leaks.

Remove Debris from the Roof: Leaves, branches, or garbage that have blown onto the roof should be immediately removed to help avoid blockages in the drainage system. If there are overhanging trees, trim all branches away.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts: These areas should be cleaned twice a year, but especially during rainy seasons when large amounts of water must be directed efficiently off the roof.

Maintenance Checklist: Inspect Roof Flashing

Flashing is the metal material commonly installed around roof edges, vents, and chimneys to prevent water intrusion. When flashing is damaged or exhibits cracks or gaps, water may penetrate and cause damage to the building’s interior or structure. You will want to ensure that the flashing is securely attached and shows no signs of corrosion or rusting.

If damage to the flashing is identified, it is vital to repair it promptly to prevent further damage. Small cracks can be sealed with roofing cement, while larger areas of damage may require a more comprehensive repair or replacement. Be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor to repair any flashing issues to ensure that the repair is done correctly and effectively.

Maintainance Checklist: Evaluate Roof Drainage

Efficient roof drainage maintenance is critical to prevent standing water from causing subsequent damage. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool and pond on your roof, weakening the roof system and structure and encouraging leaks.

Another important aspect of drainage maintenance is checking that downspouts are directed away from the building’s foundation. This simple adjustment will prevent water from pooling around the base of your building, which can result in structural damage and water intrusion.

Roof Coatings to the Rescue

Sometimes roof repairs can be quick and easy. But if you fear that you need to replace your roof due to age or damage, call Unicoat Industrial Roofing before making another decision.

Unicoat has installed over 4 million gallons of roof coatings (and counting) that have averted the need for expensive roof repairs. These coatings seal the roof, protect it from leaks, reflect dangerous UV rays, and repair minor damage, ensuring that your roof can last longer than you ever thought possible.

Click here to learn more about how roof coatings can significantly reduce the cost of your next roof repair – and even delay the need for roof replacement by a decade or more!