Common Maintenance Items for Commercial Roofs

Your roof is one of the most important components of your building—it protects the interior, your assets, and the people inside. Despite its importance, roof maintenance is often overlooked and it tends to become an out-of-sight, out-of-mind responsibility. This can lead to building owners or managers missing critical issues that could have been prevented.

In this article, we’ll cover why regular roof maintenance is essential, what you can do as a building manager or owner to help keep your roof in top shape, and how we can provide you with maintenance support.

Commercial Roof Maintenance Benefits

There are many benefits that come with performing regular maintenance on your commercial property:

• Helps avoid emergency repairs and premature replacements
• Improves energy efficiency
• Protects building assets and interiors
• Enhances safety and manages liability
• Increases tenant satisfaction and occupant comfort

Overall, the benefits of regular maintenance heavily outweigh the costs. Consistent upkeep protects your property at all times, giving you peace of mind as a building owner or property manager.

Maintenance Items for Commercial Roofs

Roof Drains and Scuppers

Roof drains and scuppers help water drain from flat and low-slope roofs. Drains are typically located toward the center of the roof, while scuppers are placed along the edges to allow water to exit the roof. Leaves and debris can clog both systems, preventing proper drainage. Ponding water on flat and low slope roofs can seep into weak areas and cause leaks.

You should keep drains and scuppers clear of debris and ensure they are draining properly. With the right safety precautions, this is a simple item that can be checked regularly.

Roof Penetrations

You should inspect your roof for any holes or penetrations caused by hail, tools, foot traffic, or other damage. Sealants around pipe penetrations also require routine inspection; they often need to be reapplied to maintain weather-tightness. Freeze-thaw cycles, snow, and heavy rain can worsen the issues caused by roof penetrations.

If you notice any roof penetrations, this is the time to call a professional. Proper repairs help prevent further damage—improper fixes can lead to costly surprises down the road.

Gutters

Gutters line the edge of your roof, collecting water and directing it through downspouts. By channeling water away from your building, gutters protect windows and walls from excessive moisture and are a critical part of your building’s drainage system.

Gutters often fill with leaves, trash, and debris, preventing them from functioning properly and potentially causing water intrusion. Excessive debris can also add weight, damaging the gutters and the roof itself. You should regularly inspect your gutters to ensure they are draining properly and remove any debris that prevents water flow.

Flashings

Flashings create watertight seals where the roof meets vertical surfaces such as walls, chimneys, vents, and skylights. These areas require routine inspection and resealing to prevent leaks. If you notice leaks around skylights, vents, or similar features, it’s time to call a professional.

Key Takeaways

It’s critical to have a reliable roofing contractor to address maintenance issues before disaster strikes. While it’s helpful to know how to identify obvious roof problems yourself, thorough roof inspections require safety precautions and professional expertise. A roofing expert can identify less noticeable issues that may lead to severe damage and knows how to repair them affordably and efficiently.

We offer a comprehensive maintenance program to address these needs and provide emergency storm response when necessary. We can schedule annual inspections, post-storm inspections, and complete any needed repairs—giving you peace of mind knowing one of the most critical parts of your property is protected.

At Next Phase Roofing and Construction, we specialize in large-scale commercial roofing and construction projects across Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, we understand the unique demands of this region and have the expertise to protect and maintain complex properties through every season. Whether you have a TPO roof on a commercial building, SPF on a school, or a metal roof on a church, we have the experience to maximize your roof’s performance and lifespan.

Ready to protect your investment with proactive maintenance? Contact us today or call 405-500-7663 to schedule a free inspection.