Commercial Roof Warranty Protection: Inspection and Prevention

Commercial roof warranties offer peace of mind but if you’re not following the required maintenance activities, that warranty just became a piece of paper with no value. Just like any other building asset, a roof needs routine inspection and maintenance to maintain its value.

Why Commercial Roof Inspections Matter

Most warranties dictate annual or bi-annual professional inspections. It’s also best practice to inspect the roof following any major weather event like hailstorms and high winds. In some environments, like those surrounded by trees or vegetation, more frequent inspections are necessary to monitor debris and back-ups.

While a quick check by a facility manager is great for spotting emergency issues after a storm, a professional inspection is generally required on commercial roof warranties because it should be a thorough and safe process. Unfortunately, a lot of damage caused to the roof results from human error so the less foot traffic on the roof, the better. Commercial roof inspections should cover the following basics:

Key Areas Covered During a Commercial Roof Inspection:

• Roof surface: Look for debris, rust, standing water, or vegetation growth
• Roof membrane: Check for punctures, open seams, or signs of degradation
• Fasteners: Identify any missing or loose fasteners
• Flashing and roof details: Inspect deteriorated sealants, open joints, or loose equipment
• Gutters, downspouts, scuppers: Clear clogs and ensure proper drainage

Commercial Roof Maintenance & Housekeeping

In addition to the routine inspections, most commercial roof warranties also dictate a maintenance schedule. This can often be combined with the inspection to save time and return visits. This can be listed on the warranty as maintenance, preventive maintenance, or housekeeping. The schedule for maintenance will likely vary depending on the roof system installed and the environment. For example, facilities in Florida or coastal areas generally require frequent maintenance due to high winds/debris, bird activity, and damage from UV rays and salt.

Typical Commercial Roof Maintenance Tasks:

• Remove debris and vegetation buildup
• Clean according to manufacturer-recommended methods
• Re-secure loose flashing, pitch pans, and rooftop equipment
• Replace backed-out or missing fasteners
• Maintain clean and clear gutters, scuppers, and downspouts

Document Everything: Inspections & Maintenance

For both commercial roof inspections and maintenance activities, documentation is critical to keeping a warranty in good standing. Inspections should include photos of all roof sections, including but not limited to the defects on the roof. Maintenance activities should also be documented by photos and written descriptions of what was completed. This is not only important for commercial roof warranty protection but also for insurance purposes. In the event of an insurance claim, having documentation of the roof condition is extremely important.

Why Roof Documentation Matters:

• Helps validate warranty claims
• Provides backup for insurance claims
• Tracks roof condition over time
• Identifies recurring issues or premature wear

Key Takeaway: Stay Compliant, Stay Protected

Protecting your commercial roof warranty comes down to three critical actions:

1. Schedule regular inspections by certified professionals
2. Perform routine maintenance and housekeeping tasks
3. Document everything with photos and written records

A valid commercial roof warranty can save you significant money in the long run, but only if it’s backed by proactive maintenance and inspection habits.