By Roofing Corp of America. 

Being proactive and following these steps today will help keep your coverage strong and help you stay protected. 

A well-managed commercial roof warranty can be one of your property’s most valuable safeguards, if you know how to keep it active. With a few key practices and an understanding of the fine print, you can ensure your warranty works for you, not against you. It’s not about catching mistakes; it’s about staying ahead of them. Here at Roofing Corp of America we help property owners do just that with expert guidance, trusted service and proven maintenance solutions. 

If you are not sure about what type of roof warranty you have or its status, our team can certainly help, but we also suggest discussing the situation with your roofing system manufacturer. As one of the largest roofing contractors in the country, we have established relationships with all major manufacturers and can help you with key points of contact if needed. 

Regardless of the type of warranty you have, manufacturers require that “reasonable care” be taken to maintain the warranty and continue its coverage. Reasonable care typically means that it’s the building owner’s responsibility to properly maintain and care for the roof system. Failure to demonstrate this can potentially void your warranty. Reasonable care includes: 

Regular inspections 

Most warranties require annual or biannual inspections by an approved roofing contractor. These inspections will check for proper drainage, verify sealant performance and identify any issues or damage. 

Routine maintenance 

The roof also must be maintained regularly, clearing debris that might block drainage, trimming any encroaching tree branches, repairing minor damages, re-securing loose flashings and resealing or re-caulking as needed. 

Prompt, quality repairs 

Repairs or service work must be performed by a manufacturer-approved contractor, using authorized materials. This work must be performed promptly once the issue is identified. 

Detailed documentation 

Records must be kept around inspections and repairs, showing that any issues were addressed by an approved contractor which will also position you to notify the manufacturer of any leaks or potential warranty claims, if such notice is required in their specific warranty. 

No unauthorized modifications 

Any modifications or new penetrations must be preapproved, properly performed and well-documented. Changes made without authorization or through unqualified personnel can be seen as a failure to exercise reasonable care. 

By following these reasonable care requirements, you’ll ensure that your roof warranty remains valid and you can potentially even extend the warranty of your roofing system. By partnering with an approved contractor and following a regular schedule of preventative maintenance, you may be able to extend your warranty by up to 5 years at no additional charge, depending on terms offered by the manufacturer. 

Original article and photo source: Roofing Corp of America

BDI Roofing Group brings together Bone Dry Roofing, based in Athens, Georgia, and Innovative Roofing Group (IRG), based in Atlanta.

Roofing Corp of America, the home for America’s premier roofing contractors, has announced the merger of two of its North Georgia companies. The new combined organization — BDI Roofing Group — will serve customers across the region.

BDI Roofing Group brings together Bone Dry Roofing, based in Athens, Georgia, and Innovative Roofing Group (IRG), based in Atlanta. The new name reflects the initials of the two founding organizations and is paired with the tagline “Innovative Solutions. Bone Dry Results.”

The merger creates a strong footprint across the region, allowing BDI Roofing Group to deliver expanded capabilities and enhanced services to customers. The combined organization also creates new career growth and development opportunities for employees.

While the two companies previously operated independently, they have shared resources and best practices as part of the Roofing Corp of America family of companies since 2021.

BDI Roofing Group will be led by Michael Costoulas, formerly president of Bone Dry Roofing. Says Michael, “Bone Dry and IRG have each built outstanding reputations for quality, reliability and customer service. Joining these two companies brings our North Georgia customers one seamless team with the combined strength, expertise and heritage of two premier roofing organizations.”

About Roofing Corp of America

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Roofing Corp of America is building a home for the nation’s premier roofing contractors by attracting the industry’s most successful and respected entrepreneurs to join the Roofing Corp family. Through its local businesses, Roofing Corp of America delivers a wide range of roofing services to building owners, property and facility managers, homeowners’ associations, and general contractors. For additional information on Roofing Corp of America, please visit www.roofingcorp.com.

By Roofing Corp of America. 

Commercial roof inspections can help extend the life of your roof and lower costs in the long run.  

The most critical part of maintaining a commercial property and the safety of its occupants is ensuring a strong, healthy roof system. While the roof is often out of sight, out of mind for many people, staying on top of roof maintenance, including annual roof inspections, can be the key preventative measure in providing long-term protection and low costs. 

Your commercial roof is exposed to extreme temperatures, rain, wind, animal activity and fallen tree limbs year-round. What might seem like a small problem at first – minor cracks, gaps, pooling water – can quickly compound, ultimately resulting in serious damage if gone unchecked, such as rotting wood or mold infestations. Proper roof inspections and roof maintenance can play a crucial role in extending the longevity of your roof from these natural and common occurrences. 

Warranties can also help keep costs under control. However, no warranty lasts forever and may not be valid under certain circumstances. For example, most roofs maintain their warranties only if they have undergone steady, consistent maintenance and inspections year after year. This is another reason why regular roof inspections are to your benefit! 

While performing a total roof replacement can be needed depending on the circumstances, we at Roofing Corp of America wanted to educate building owners to have a more proactive versus reactive approach to the health of their roof in order to extend each roof’s life span.  

Common roof issues 

1 - Wind uplift damage 

While roof material and installation processes have evolved for maximum efficiency, mother nature can have a mind of her own. Flat or low-sloped roofs, common on commercial properties, fight against wind damage better than high-sloped roofs, such as those on a typical home. But that doesn’t make roofing material invulnerable to wind, especially if a property has single-ply roofing. 

2 - Damaged flashing 

Flashings are installed at walls, curbs, pipes and other penetrations to prevent water intrusion.  Damaged or improperly installed flashing can create gaps where water can enter, ultimately ending up in a higher likelihood for roof repair. 

3 - Ponding water 

Poor design and drainage can lead to standing water, which can cause leak damage and rot. Clogged gutters and drain baskets are a major source of ponding water. 

Ponding water is a significant concern for commercial roofing because it can lead to leaks, structural damage and accelerated deterioration of roofing materials. Standing water adds unnecessary weight to the roof, potentially compromising its integrity over time. Routine roof inspections are essential for identifying areas where ponding occurs, allowing property managers to address drainage issues before they escalate. 

Roof inspectors can evaluate drainage systems, locate low spots and recommend corrective actions, such as re-sloping or improving drainage pathways. Regular monitoring not only extends the life of the roof but also safeguards the building’s overall structural health. 

4 - Punctures and open seams 

Punctures often occur because of accidental human actions, such as from other trades or tenants. Debris blown or tossed on the roof can also cause punctures. Seams can be lifted from high winds, causing leakage, heat loss and eventually roof failure. 

5 - Failing caulk 

Proper caulking is essential in roofing because it creates a watertight seal that prevents leaks and moisture intrusion. This helps protect the structural integrity of the roof and the underlying materials from water damage, mold growth and rot. Additionally, effective caulking can enhance energy efficiency by minimizing air leaks, reducing heating and cooling costs. Regular inspection and maintenance of caulking are crucial to ensure long-term roof performance and to avoid costly repairs down the line. 

As sealant ages, tiny openings and cracks may occur, eventually leading to roof leaks. Caulk usually needs to be replaced every two to five years. 

6 - Blisters 

Blisters are a significant concern for commercial roofing as they can indicate underlying moisture trapped beneath the roofing membrane. These blisters form when water vapor accumulates, causing the membrane to bubble and weaken. If left unaddressed, blisters can lead to membrane failure, leaks and extensive water damage, compromising the building’s integrity. Additionally, they may disrupt the roofing system’s insulation properties, resulting in increased energy costs. 

Conducting a regular roof inspection is crucial for detecting blisters early, allowing for timely repairs to prevent further deterioration and ensure the longevity and performance of the roof. Addressing blisters promptly is vital for protecting your investments 

The importance of proactive roof maintenance 

Fixing a leak before it happens is far less expensive than fixing it after it occurs. In addition to rot and mold, insulation can be compromised, interior machinery and storage can be ruined and moisture can also create tremendous additional damage when it boils in the summer and freezes in the winter.  

But, for many building managers, a roof is “out of sight, out of mind.” Damage can fail to be discovered due to the inconvenience of accessing a roof regularly. This makes professional roof inspections essential to finding these problems before they worsen so you can make a repair instead of a full roof replacement. It’s been shown that preventative roof maintenance can double a roof’s life expectancy. 

The recommended roof maintenance process 

Roof maintenance begins with a professional commercial roof inspection from a qualified commercial roofing expert. The process generally includes three main components: visual inspection, general maintenance and reporting.  

1 - Expert visual inspection 

A professional inspector will examine every part of the roof to identify damage, cracking or indications of water ponding. They will also inspect seams and penetrations and confirm flashing and drainage components are functioning as expected. Sometimes roof leaks may not be visible to the naked eye, but upon further inspection, water may have been soaking down through the insulation and to the roof deck.  

2 - General maintenance 

Minor repairs will be made once the problems have been identified, such as re-sealing or re-caulking small penetrations or gaps. Trash, tree limbs and other debris will be removed and discarded. Loose flashing or drainage components will be re-secured as needed.  

3 - Reporting and repairs 

A comprehensive report with photos will be issued. Minor areas that could be remedied during the inspection process will be identified, with a list of those needing to be addressed immediately. The inspection records should be kept in case they are required for future warranty claims and ongoing maintenance. 

Original article and photo source: Roofing Corp of America

By Roofing Corp of America. 

With the right practices, building owners can get the highest value from their commercial roof and save themselves money and stress. 

A commercial roofing system is a huge investment and performs a critical role in protecting the building owner’s assets. To do this, it stands as the first line of defense between outdoor elements such as animals, weather and foreign debris. So, the possibility of damage to this crucial element of the building can have significant repercussions. A roof leak can disrupt operations, accrue large repair bills and may even be a sign of a bigger problem that could eventually lead to extensive repairs or even a full roof replacement. 

However, there are practices that can be implemented to give a commercial roof a longer life span and lower annual costs. One of which is designing a regular maintenance schedule for it. Another best practice is developing a relationship with a roofing company you trust, such as those that work with us here at Roofing Corp of America. We can help the building owner set up the maintenance schedule and perform tasks, along with being a valuable resource in case large problems arise. Keep reading to learn more about why a maintenance schedule is key and what should be included in it. 

A neglected roof delivers problems, but a well-maintained roof delivers lower expenses, fewer disruptions and lasts a lot longer, too. In fact, according to the Building and Owners Management Association (BOMA), proper maintenance can extend a roof’s lifespan by up Plus, manufacturer warranties require ongoing care. Without regular maintenance, most commercial roof warranties are null and void. 

Plus, manufacturer warranties require ongoing care. Without regular maintenance, most commercial roof warranties are null and void. 

Preventing a problem is usually far less costly than fixing it after the fact. In addition, leaks introduce moisture that can compromise the roof deck, insulation and create major additional damage over time — boiling in the summer and freezing in the winter. Roof components, as they age or sustain damage, may go from being easily repairable to a situation in which they must be completely replaced. In short, commercial roof maintenance makes a tremendous difference. 

Consider a new commercial roof with a 20-year warranty. Without regular commercial roof maintenance, that roof will likely last only 15 years before replacement. If the roof costs $525,000 to install, that’s an average of $35,000 per year over 15 years. 

With a comprehensive commercial roof maintenance plan, however, you can likely double the life of that asset and many manufacturers will even extend your warranty. With regular inspections and maintenance — where caulk is freshened, drains are cleared and potential future problems are identified and addressed — you may get 30 years out of that same, well-maintained roof. At a $525,000 installation cost, that’s only $17,500 per year — a cost savings of $17,500 annually. 

Extended roof life more than offsets the small annual cost of commercial roof maintenance, which may only be a few thousand dollars. Commercial roof maintenance also drives other significant benefits every year, including: 

• Delaying roof replacement 
• Preventing leaks 
• Avoiding building damage 
• Maintaining and extending warranties 
• Fixing roof components vs. having to replace them 
• Eliminating headaches for yourself, the building owner and the occupants 

Regardless of the age and state of your current roof, preventative maintenance can create value. In most cases, with regular inspections and care, you could still double the remaining life of your roof, as well as gain the advantages above. 

In addition to this, there are other key practices for maintaining a healthy commercial roof system. Roof access control is one very important best practice. According to BOMA, there is a direct correlation between the number of people who access the roof and the number of costly repairs for the roof that will be required. Be sure to keep hatches and doors locked, maintain a record of all roof access and communicate strict requirements for contractors on the roof, such as following safety protocols, reporting damage and cleaning up after their work. 

Original article source: Roof Advantage 360