Your commercial building is a big investment, and you want every part of it to last as long as possible — including the roof. Once your roof goes, you risk damage to other parts of the building. And let’s not forget a roof replacement can come with a hefty price tag. 

Thankfully, commercial roof maintenance can be easy and inexpensive, especially compared to a full roof replacement. These seven simple tips are proactive ways you can maximize your commercial roof's lifespan (and even tenant satisfaction).

One of the best ways to extend the life of your roof is by matching your roofing system to your location, building type and use, and environmental goals from the very beginning. With so many roofing systems available, how do you know which is the right choice for your building? Check out the highlights from some of the most popular roofing systems and try the Roof Explorer. Answer three questions and this tool will provide you with roof system recommendations. Alongside the help of a design professional, the Roof Explorer is a great place to learn more about your roof options.   

EPDM roofing is a versatile low-slope system that can be used for a variety of structures, from offices to hospitals. The high-quality, durable rubber is sure to protect your building, no matter the climate. Systems like RubberGard™ EPDM can last 30 to 40 years with proper care.

TPO single-ply roofing is quickly growing in popularity thanks to its energy efficiency and high reflectivity. TPO comes with another big advantage: its resistance to ultraviolet, chemical, and ozone exposure. It can be an excellent roofing material for manufacturing and industrial settings. Options like the UltraPly™ Platinum TPO System are backed by a 30-year warranty.

A tried-and-true system, asphalt roofing is a popular choice for low-slope and flat commercial roofs across a range of climates. Whether you’re looking for a built-up or modified bitumen system, you can count on asphalt. If your climate is prone to extremely low temperatures, SBS Roofing Systems are a good option. For hot, humid climates, APP Roofing Systems have your back. Whichever asphalt system you choose, you can expect it to last for years to come when installed by a qualified contractor according to the manufacturer's requirements.

Metal roofing systems not only provide exceptional durability but they also go big on style. A sleek, metal roof in the finish of your choice can notably improve the aesthetics of your commercial building. You can get decades of use out of your metal roof with the proper upkeep.

PVC roofing systems are the oldest single-ply systems and popular for educational buildings and certain factory applications. Available in a variety of widths, these systems can fit many needs. Similar to TPO, PVC roofs exhibit great chemical resistance. They also have excellent fire protection properties. A quality PVC system can last for 25 or more years.

Knowing your warranty is an integral part of commercial roof maintenance. Your warranty should give you guidelines to follow regarding inspections and maintenance tasks, each of which can help extend the life of your roof and give you more peace of mind from season to season.  

"The single, most cost-effective way to maximize roof performance and life cycle longevity is to adopt a proactive approach towards preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance minimizes the total and annualized cost of ownership of roofing systems through regularly scheduled inspections and periodic repairs of common problematic components," reports Facility Executive.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends semi-annual roof inspections and maintenance to keep your roof in its best condition. During an inspection, a contractor can catch issues like clogged drains or physical damage, conditions that may cause big problems later. If your building is located in an area with winter weather, you want to make sure you schedule seasonal roof inspections in the spring and fall.

On top of regular inspections, you should also regularly clean your roof. This includes clearing off leaves, dirt, trash, moss, and other debris. 

"Even something as seemingly simple as routine cleaning of drains and downspouts can prevent small headaches from compounding into exponentially costly problems," adds Facility Executive.

Debris can build up and clog your gutters or ventilation system, which can lead to water drainage issues and damage. Snow removal may be necessary in the winter, depending on building construction.

When repairs are necessary because of physical damage, storm damage, or regular rooftop maintenance activities by other trades, they should be addressed promptly. If you ignore a problem, it will become worse and put your roof at risk of needing a total replacement. It’s best to address roofing problems while they can still be repaired. Most manufacturers’ commercial roofing warranties require owners to report leaks right away. Refer to your warranty for specific requirements.

Overhanging tree limbs may not seem like a big deal, but they can put your roof in jeopardy. A falling branch can cause serious damage if it’s big enough, so you want to regularly prune limbs as they grow over your roof. Trimming branches will make cleaning leaves, acorns, and nuts off your roof easier. As a bonus, keeping branches away from a building is a smart way to help prevent animal and insect infestations.

When it comes to roof maintenance tips, you can’t get much simpler than limiting roof traffic. Excessive traffic will eventually lead to damage. While you can’t avoid foot traffic altogether, you can reduce it by restricting access. Don’t let tenants or other people walk on your roof. Only trusted professionals servicing equipment or the roof itself should have access. Also, consider installing Elevate Walkway Pads or Elevate X-Tred Walkway Pads at all roof access points (ladders, hatches, doorways, etc.) and anywhere foot traffic will occur to help protect the roofing system from damage.

You have a lot of responsibility as a building owner, but you don't have to go it alone. Check out our Building Owner's Toolbox to report a leak, access roof warranty information, or find a licensed Elevate Contractor near you.