Your commercial roof is one of the most important—and expensive—components of your building. It protects your business operations, assets, and tenants from the elements, and when well-maintained, it can last for decades. But like any part of a building, a roof is subject to wear and tear, especially in the unpredictable climate of Central Texas.
Whether you’re overseeing a retail complex, warehouse, or office building in San Antonio or Austin, proactive maintenance is key to extending your roof’s life and avoiding costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explain how to properly maintain and repair a commercial roof, what a professional inspection covers, and what you as a property owner should watch for throughout the year.
Why Annual Roof Inspections Are Essential
The most important step you can take to maintain your commercial roof is to schedule a professional inspection once a year. This is especially critical if your roof was installed or serviced by Rhino Roofers.
Annual inspections help you:
- Stay compliant with your workmanship warranty (Rhino Roofers offers a two-year workmanship warranty)
- Maintain manufacturer warranties on materials like TPO, EPDM, or coatings
- Catch minor issues before they turn into major leaks or structural problems
Failing to inspect your roof annually may void warranty coverage, leaving you on the hook for preventable repair costs.
What a Professional Inspection Covers
When Rhino Roofers conducts an inspection, we perform a detailed evaluation of the entire roof system—not just the visible surface. Our inspections typically include:
1. Membrane Condition
We look for signs of cracking, blistering, punctures, or membrane separation, especially around seams and flashings.
2. Flashing and Penetrations
Flashing protects the joints and edges of your roof, particularly around HVAC units, vents, skylights, and drains. We check for detachment, corrosion, or sealant failures.
3. Drainage Performance
We assess whether water is draining properly through scuppers, internal drains, or gutters. Ponding water can weaken the membrane and cause leaks or sagging.
4. Roof Edges and Parapets
Wind and weather often cause damage at the perimeter. We ensure that edge flashings, terminations, and sealants are intact.
5. Signs of Structural Movement
Any signs of deck deflection, sagging insulation, or uneven surfaces may point to a larger problem beneath the roofing system.
6. Roof-mounted Equipment
We check the base seals, supports, and flashing around mechanical units to ensure they are watertight.
After the inspection, you receive a detailed report outlining any issues, recommended repairs, and a general health rating for the roof.
What Building Owners Should Monitor Between Inspections
While professional inspections should be performed annually, you can—and should—keep an eye on your roof periodically throughout the year. Especially after storms, it’s smart to do a basic visual check to make sure everything looks normal.
Here’s what you should look for:
1. Ponding Water
Water that remains on your roof more than 48 hours after rain is a red flag. Standing water accelerates membrane breakdown and can lead to leaks or mold.
2. Visible Debris
Leaves, branches, trash, or roofing material fragments can block drains and cause water to back up. Clear them off carefully and make note of where they collect.
3. Cracked or Deteriorated Seals
Check areas around vents, pipes, and units for cracks or missing caulking. These are common points of water intrusion.
4. Unusual Odors or Moisture Inside the Building
Sometimes the first sign of a roof problem is a musty smell or ceiling stains. Don’t ignore signs of water infiltration, even if you can’t find the source from inside.
5. Animal Activity
Nesting birds or rodents can damage insulation, tear up roof membranes, or block vents.
6. HVAC and Equipment Leaks
Condensation lines or equipment malfunctions can dump water onto the roof and create localized ponding or premature wear.
Important: If you spot anything suspicious, contact a roofing professional. Don’t attempt major repairs yourself—walking on a commercial roof without the right knowledge or equipment can cause damage or injury.
Common Commercial Roof Repairs
Even with good maintenance, repairs will occasionally be necessary. Common commercial roof repairs include:
Flashing Replacement
Flashings around roof penetrations often fail before the membrane does. Replacing these promptly prevents leaks at vulnerable points.
Patching Membrane Tears or Punctures
Foot traffic, dropped tools, or wind-blown debris can tear the membrane. Professional patching prevents water infiltration and extends roof life.
Drainage Improvements
If the slope of the roof has changed or insulation has compressed, drainage performance may suffer. Tapered insulation or drain installation can restore water flow.
Coating Reapplication
Reflective or waterproof roof coatings wear over time. Recoating is a cost-effective way to restore performance without replacing the entire roof. A coating can only be applied two times, per code.
Keeping Records Matters
To ensure warranty compliance and good facility management, maintain a record of:
- Inspection reports
- Photographs of damage and repairs
- Dates of all service visits
- Copies of warranties and maintenance agreements
Having these on file helps you plan for capital expenses, sell or insure the property, and avoid confusion in the event of a claim.
Work With Rhino Roofers to Keep Your Roof Up To Date
Maintaining and repairing a commercial roof doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does require consistency. The most valuable action you can take is to schedule an annual inspection with a qualified contractor like Rhino Roofers. This keeps you in compliance with warranty terms, identifies small problems before they grow, and ensures your roof lasts as long as possible.
In between inspections, building owners and property managers should perform routine walk-throughs to spot visible issues such as standing water, blocked drains, and membrane damage. With a proactive approach, you can avoid surprise repairs, preserve your investment, and keep your operations running smoothly—rain or shine.