Maintaining the roof of your commercial building in Battle Creek, MI is essential for protecting your property, assets, and operational continuity. Unfortunately, many building owners overlook critical roof maintenance practices or make costly mistakes that lead to premature roof failure, water damage, and expensive repairs.
If you are a commercial property owner looking to protect your investment, avoid the following common roof maintenance mistakes. For expert help with professional inspection and upkeep, contact JM Roofing Solutions today at 269-361-8305.
Top 10 Roof Maintenance Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Skipping Regular Inspections
One of the most common mistakes is not scheduling regular roof inspections. Many commercial building owners wait until there is a visible problem—like a leak—before calling for help. By then, the damage is usually more extensive.
How to avoid it: Schedule professional inspections twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, and after major storms.
2. Ignoring Minor Issues
Small issues like ponding water, loose flashing, or minor tears might seem insignificant, but they can escalate quickly. What starts as a small puncture can lead to structural damage, mold growth, or insulation failure.
How to avoid it: Address even minor problems immediately. Routine inspections help catch these issues before they become major headaches.
3. Improper Drainage Maintenance
Clogged gutters, scuppers, and downspouts cause water to back up and pool on your flat or low-slope commercial roof, increasing the risk of leaks and structural damage.
How to avoid it: Clean roof drainage systems quarterly or after heavy storms. A proactive maintenance checklist should always include drainage inspection.
4. Using Untrained Personnel for Repairs
In an effort to cut costs, some property owners allow in-house maintenance crews or untrained workers to patch up roof issues. This often results in improper repairs that void warranties or create more problems.
How to avoid it: Always hire a licensed commercial roofing contractor with experience in your roof system type.
5. Neglecting Roof Documentation
Failing to keep track of repair records, inspection reports, and warranty details makes it harder to plan maintenance or file warranty claims when issues arise.
How to avoid it: Maintain a roof management file with photos, receipts, and inspection logs. This not only helps with maintenance planning but adds value if you sell the property.
6. Walking on the Roof Unnecessarily
Uncontrolled roof traffic is a major source of membrane damage, especially for TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen systems.
How to avoid it: Limit rooftop access to authorized personnel only and use walk pads where foot traffic is necessary for HVAC or equipment maintenance.
7. Failing to Address Vegetation or Debris
Leaves, branches, and moss can trap moisture against your roof surface, leading to rot, leaks, or deterioration.
How to avoid it: Clean debris off the roof monthly or as needed. Trim nearby trees to reduce future debris and install barriers to deter pests.
8. Overlooking Flashing and Seals
Flashings around HVAC units, skylights, vents, and edges are common leak points. Deteriorated or improperly installed flashings are often responsible for the majority of roof leaks.
How to avoid it: Include flashing inspections in your regular maintenance routine and replace worn-out seals as needed.
9. Delaying Roof Replacement Decisions
Pushing your roof beyond its expected lifespan while patching up issues may seem cost-effective but often leads to interior damage and higher repair costs in the long run.
How to avoid it: If your roof is nearing the end of its service life (typically 20–30 years depending on material), begin planning for replacement rather than waiting for a catastrophic failure.
10. Not Having a Roof Maintenance Plan
Lack of a structured maintenance plan leaves your roof vulnerable to neglect and reactive repairs instead of preventative care.
How to avoid it: Work with a roofing contractor to create a customized maintenance plan that includes regular inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs.
Schedule Roof Maintenance in Battle Creek, MI
If you are a business or property owner in Battle Creek, MI, now is the time to protect your building and avoid costly repairs by partnering with a trusted roofing professional. Contact JM Roofing Solutions at 269-361-8305 to schedule a professional inspection or discuss a tailored roof maintenance plan that keeps your property protected year-round.
FAQ
How often should I inspect my commercial roof?
At a minimum, inspections should be done twice a year (spring and fall), plus after any major weather events.
Can I perform roof maintenance myself?
While basic visual checks and debris removal are okay, repairs and inspections should always be handled by a licensed roofing professional to prevent damage and preserve warranties.
How do I know when it is time to replace instead of repair?
If your roof is nearing the end of its service life or experiencing frequent issues despite regular repairs, it is time to consult a professional for a replacement evaluation.
What is the lifespan of a commercial roof?
Lifespans vary by material—TPO and EPDM typically last 20–30 years, while built-up roofing can last up to 40 years with proper maintenance.
Will roof maintenance lower my insurance premiums?
Some insurance companies offer discounts or better terms for commercial properties that undergo regular, documented roof maintenance.