When it comes to protecting your commercial building, your roof is one of your most important investments, and preventative maintenance is the smartest way to protect it. Routine maintenance helps identify minor issues before they become costly problems. It can also extend your roof’s lifespan and keep your facility operating without additional disruption.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the key steps every property manager and building owner should take to maintain a commercial roof and avoid unnecessary repairs or premature replacement. Plus, we’ll tackle common misconceptions and answer the top questions we hear from building owners and managers about maintaining a commercial roof.
Why Does Preventative Commercial Roof Maintenance Matter?
Preventative roof maintenance encompasses everything from cleaning and repairs to general roof health assessment. A neglected roof is far more likely to develop leaks, structural problems, and drainage issues, all of which can lead to expensive repairs or even a complete replacement. In addition to preserving the roof itself, preventative maintenance protects the rest of your building. A leak in an office or a mechanical room could result in downtime, damage to electronics, HVAC systems, or even a major safety hazard.
Preventative maintenance is also critical for complying with factory warranties. Most roofing products come with a guarantee that they will last a certain amount of time. However, if the manufacturer finds that the roof has not been properly maintained, it can void the warranty.
What Does Preventative Commercial Roof Maintenance Include?
Preventative commercial roof maintenance goes beyond reactive repairs. It also includes a range of proactive services, such as:
- Routine Inspections (typically twice per year and after major weather events)
- Debris Removal
- Drainage Checks
- Sealant Reapplication
- Flashing and Edge Detail Inspections
- Leak Detection and Repair
- Thermal Scanning or Infrared Moisture Surveys (when necessary)
With Maxwell Roofing’s MAXCare® program, you don’t have to assess your own roof maintenance needs because our professional assessment team will do it for you. Starting with a forecast assessment, one of our experienced experts will lay out a maintenance schedule for the entire lifespan of your roof, helping you prepare your budget for the future. With scheduled inspections, discounted repairs, priority response for emergencies, and centralized reporting tools, MAXCare® takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
Common Preventative Commercial Roof Maintenance Misconceptions
Despite the proven value of commercial roof maintenance, several misconceptions persist. Here are five of the most common myths and expert insights to clear up any confusion:
Myth 1: “My roof is under warranty, so I don’t need maintenance.”
- Reality: Warranties often require proof of routine maintenance. Without that proof, coverage can be denied, even for manufacturing defects.
Myth 2: “We’ll fix it when it leaks.”
- Reality: By the time a leak becomes visible, the damage has often already spread and worsened, increasing repair costs.
Myth 3: “Maintenance is too expensive.”
- Reality: Routine maintenance is significantly cheaper than a full roof replacement or major emergency repair.
Myth 4: “Waiting to fix issues saves money.”
- Reality: Delaying repairs allows damage to spread, affecting insulation, energy costs, and interior building materials.
Myth 5: “Any roofer can maintain any type of roof.”
- Reality: Different roof materials (like metal, shingles, or asphalt) require specific skills and tools. Not all roofing companies have the expertise to assess and repair every roof type.
Answering Top Questions from Building Owners
When it comes to roof maintenance, we know property owners and managers have a lot of questions, and getting clear answers can help you make confident, informed decisions. Here are some of the most common questions we hear—and what you need to know.
How often should my roof be inspected?
Twice per year—once in the spring and once in the fall—plus after major storms or extreme weather events.
What should I look for during an inspection?
Keep an eye out for signs of damage, clogged drains, cracks in sealant, pooling water, and signs of roof membrane deterioration. However, the best inspections are performed by a professional. It can be difficult to spot the subtle signs of damage, and it can be unsafe to conduct a roofing inspection without proper safety measures and training.
Who should perform the maintenance?
A qualified commercial roofing partner with experience in inspections, repairs, and reporting, like Maxwell Roofing.
Can I perform maintenance myself?
It’s best to leave inspections and repairs to a professional to avoid safety risks and ensure warranty compliance.
Partnering with Maxwell Roofing
We understand the unique challenges property owners and managers face in maintaining their commercial buildings. For nearly 70 years, we’ve been the most trusted name in commercial roofing in Tennessee and Alabama and the recognized standard in quality and customer service. Let us help you keep your commercial roof in top shape and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and learn how we can become an extension of your property management team.