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10 Commercial Roof Maintenance Checklists 

To prevent premature roof failure and keep your roof strong, have a solid plan for commercial roof maintenance and repairs.

Your commercial roof may show signs of damage as subtle as water spots on interior ceilings and walls or as obvious as a major leak. No matter the severity of the damage, any repairs that are needed should be handled as quickly as possible.

In the long run, failing to perform roof maintenance could cause some major expenses and interfere seriously with your day-to-day work.

It’s not just an investment in your roof, but in your business’ other investments as well.

We have outlined 10 essential checkpoints for keeping your commercial roof in good shape.

Checklists to Consider for Commercial Roof Maintenance

Keeping maintenance logs

History of activities in the maintenance and repair of roofs can be advantageous. Maintaining a maintenance log is a useful tool for managing your property, making repairs, or even selling your property. 

Be sure to keep records for who goes up onto your roof, when they are up there (date and time), where they are, and the reasons they are up there (maintenance, inspection, repairs, etc.).

Look for water damage inside 

An inspection of the roof should always begin from the inside out. The first step is to check the interior to determine if the problem is coming from the roof or something else. Be on the lookout for water stains on the ceiling and walls, leaks, and peeling paint.

Clean Up Roof Debris

Sometimes other contractors who access your roof will leave tools and debris behind, which can lead to damage to your roof. It’s important to note that the majority of leak service calls can be attributed to workers leaving behind tools of the trade, which can cause roof damage.

Check the roof for damage

The degree of visible damage will depend on the roofing type of your commercial building. Pay attention to the following for each type of roof.

• Flat Roofs – Loss of granular material, stretching, punctures, blisters.
• Metal Roofs – Corrosion, cracked screw heads, or bent panels.
• Sloped Roofs – Missing pieces, curled edges, and warping.

You should also check your roof’s interior and exterior surfaces for mold and mildew. Bacteria can cause extensive roof repairs or replacements if not kept off the roof.

Examine the drains and flashings

You should always check drainage systems regardless of whether they are gutters, flashings, drip edges, or sealants. The accumulation of debris and dirt on your roof can compromise the system and cause water to accumulate.

Check the roof for cracks and tears

Roof fields are the primary portions of roofs, excluding flashing and perimeter elements. It is common for roof fields to sustain cuts and tears, allowing water into the roof deck and causing structural damage. A professional roof inspector can locate the source of a leak by conducting a “flood test” if the field tear is suspected but not located.

Beware of external structural damage

Make sure you check for damage periodically if your building has air conditioning units, skylights, vents, pipes, or chimneys on its roof. A roof’s surfaces can be irreversibly damaged by exterior structures, including rusting or rotting, if they are not adequately maintained.

Retouch the exposed caulking

Roofing edges that have been sealed with caulking or other sealants can become damaged over time due to the elements. Minor leaks can be caused by only the slightest crack in the caulk or pulling away of the caulk.

Build a Custom Toolkit

Make sure you have all the tools you need to inspect the roof in a toolkit. Make sure you have a checklist, a roof plan, and aerial pictures, a pencil and paper, a camera for photographs of the damage, a tape measure, and a flashlight before you step on the roof to access the damage.

Selecting the Right Contractor

Choose an experienced and qualified roofing contractor. Consider factors such as the quality of work and safety practices before considering cost when choosing a contractor. This expense is essential when determining the long-term cost of your roof.

If concerns remain after a roof maintenance review, a professional roofing contractor may be helpful. Besides estimating the remaining life of the roof and developing a maintenance plan, the contractor can also recommend additional measures to protect the roof.

Final thoughts

Keeping your business running smoothly relies largely on commercial roofing systems. Without them, your business faces lost productivity, income, and time. Investing in your commercial building and enterprise is protected by regular roof inspections. 

You can ensure the smooth operation of your company by using the roof inspection checklist. In the event of leaks, clogging, or other signs of roof damage, contact trusted local professional roofers like SR1 Roofing right away.