Why proactive roof maintenance matters

By Tim Fowler, Sentry Roofing, Inc. 

A consistent maintenance plan can extend roof life, improve performance and minimize emergency repairs. 

Commercial buildings rely on strong roof systems to protect daily operations, yet many owners think about that roof only when a major issue appears. Routine maintenance is often overlooked even though proactive care can significantly reduce long-term repair costs. 

As owners at Sentry Roofing, Inc., Gene Fowler and I understand this challenge well. For more than four decades, we have helped businesses extend the life of their commercial roofs through strategic inspections and preventative work across the region.  

During a visit to our own office building, we realized we had been so focused on customers’ roofs that we had forgotten to tend to our own. Gene joked, “You know, like the shoemaker’s kids that go barefoot… we’re so focused on everybody else.”  

This moment served as a reminder that roof maintenance must be intentional and proactive. So, we developed this guide to help you protect your commercial property through consistent, planned maintenance practices that support long-term performance and cost savings. 

How often should your roof be inspected? 

The single most effective thing you can do for your roof’s longevity is to have it inspected regularly. But how often is enough? 

We recommend you, or a trusted professional, should be looking at your roof at least once annually, if not twice a year. 

The ideal times are spring and fall. This schedule allows you to assess any damage after the harsh winter weather has passed and to prepare your roof for the coming cold, snow and ice. 

Why are winter and summer so hard on commercial roofs? 

We get this question a lot. It’s not just about a little snow. 

As Gene explains, “The ice and snow create a lot of extra hydraulic pressure on the roof. There are falling icicles, and the extreme temperatures have a tendency to tighten materials up, cause cracking and increase any problems that you already have.” 

The freeze-thaw cycle relentlessly works to expand and contract roofing materials, opening tiny vulnerabilities. Summer brings its own challenges with intense UV radiation that can degrade materials and thermal shock from sudden thunderstorms. An inspection schedule centered around these seasons is your best defense. 

The high cost of delay: Why early detection is crucial 

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A common objection we hear is, “Why spend money on maintenance if it’s not leaking?” The answer is simple: preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs. 

A small issue, like a cracked seam, a clogged drain or a loose piece of flashing, is a simple, low-cost fix. 

Left unaddressed, that same small issue can lead to water infiltration, saturated insulation, damage to your building’s structure and eventually, a costly and disruptive full roof replacement. 

As Tim puts it, “You want to catch maintenance items early because you want to get to them before they cause any damage and before they get worse. Sometimes if they get worse, the repair ends up being a lot bigger than what it would have been otherwise.” 

A tell-tale sign is, of course, a leak. But by the time you see a stain on a ceiling tile, the damage has already begun. Water may have been sitting in your roofing system for weeks or months, silently compromising its integrity. 

A building owner’s roof inspection checklist 

When we perform an inspection, we look at the entire roofing system with a trained eye. If you’re conducting a preliminary check yourself, here are the critical areas to focus on. 

1 - Drainage systems 

Your roof’s primary job is to shed water. If it can’t, you have a problem. 

• Rooftop drains: Check for leaves, dirt, trash and other debris that can clog the drain and cause water to pond on your roof. 
• Gutters and downspouts: Ensure they are clear and flowing freely. We’ve seen it all. “If you’re at a school, I pull out baseballs and such from gutters all the time.” Make sure water has a clear path off your roof. 

2 - Sealants and caulking 

The most vulnerable points on any roof are the seams and penetrations. 

• Check all penetrations: Look at where HVAC units, pipes, vents and curbs meet the roof. 
• Inspect the caulking: Is it cracked, peeling away or no longer pliable? As Tim notes, “Dirt is not a problem on the caulking… but you want to watch for those cracks and anything that’s loose.” These are common fail points that need attention. 

3 - Membrane integrity 

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The roof’s surface, or membrane, is its main shield. Look closely for signs of wear and tear. 

• Cracks: Look for linear cracks that indicate the membrane is aging and becoming brittle. 
• Holes and punctures: Damage can come from anywhere – falling tree branches, dropped tools from other contractors or even discarded items. “In cities, bullet holes can be a problem, too. We’ve dug bullets out of roofs on many occasions.” Every puncture is a direct entry point for water. 
• Loose membrane: If you see areas of the roof that appear to be billowing or fluttering in the wind, it could mean the fasteners or adhesive have failed. This is an urgent issue that needs immediate professional attention before a storm can tear off a section of your roof. 

4 - Rooftop equipment 

Often, roof damage is caused by other work being done on your building. 

• Inspect around HVAC units: Look for loose access panels, doors or damage to the membrane from service technicians. We’ve seen a serviceman “simply throw the door and it punched a hole in the membrane.” 
• Check equipment condition: Ensure the units themselves are secure and not causing damage to their curbs or the surrounding roof area. 

Safety first 

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Before sending anyone onto your roof, safety must be the top priority. “Make sure anybody that gets up on the roof is trained in fall safety and trained to be on a roof and do it safely.” 

This is the number one reason to partner with a professional. At Sentry Roofing, our team is fully trained and insured. But beyond safety, you get our experience. We see things others miss. 

As Gene says, “We know what to look for. There’s a lot of subtle signs that we can see that most people will miss.” That subtle sign could be the difference between a simple repair today and a major replacement tomorrow. 

Take control with a roofing maintenance plan 

Don’t wait for a leak to tell you there’s a problem. Be proactive. We offer tailored solutions to fit your needs: 

• On-demand inspections: Call us when you need a check-up, after a major storm or if you suspect a leak. 
• Formal maintenance programs: We partner with you to create a scheduled, bi-annual inspection and maintenance plan. We’ll come out, perform a comprehensive check of all the items on this list, provide a detailed report and handle any minor issues on the spot before they become major problems. 

Your commercial roof is a complex system that works hard to protect your business. Investing in a regular maintenance plan provides peace of mind, extends the life of your roof and is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for your property. 

Original article and photos source: Sentry Roofing, Inc.