Maintenance Matters

How Often Should a Commercial Roof Be Inspected?

When you’re responsible for a hotel, retail center, or a large commercial property, the roof can feel like “out of sight, out of mind.” But the truth is, your roof is silently working 24/7 to protect your investment and your reputation. It needs routine attention to keep performing.

Industry guidelines and decades of experience tell us that regular roof inspections are the single most cost-effective way to extend roof life, prevent expensive leaks (or catch them while they’re still small, and inexpensive fix) and to avoid guest or tenant disruptions.

So, how often should you schedule inspections? Let’s break it down.

Why Regular Roof Inspections Matter

A well-maintained roof is more than just shingles or membranes. It’s a shield for your property’s reputation, guest satisfaction, and most importantly, your bottom line.

Regular Inspections:

• Catch small issues before they turn into major repairs.

• Extend the roof’s usable lifespan by 5, even 10 years with proper maintenance.

• Prevent disruptive leaks in hotels, retail shops, or offices.

• Prevent bad Google or TripAdvisor reviews that result in empty rooms.

• Help maintain insurance coverage.

• Help ensure that your roof is in compliance with manufacturer warranties.

When Should a Commercial Roof Be Inspected?

At Independence Roofing, we recommend:

• Twice per year: Once in the Spring, and once in the Fall

• After major weather events: Here in Florida, we need to expect the unexpected. Hail, hurricanes, wind, and even animals or a stray bullet can be the cause of damage.

• High-traffic roofs: High-traffic roofs should be checked more frequently- especially when the roofs have HVAC equipment that have been recently repaired. Occasionally a cigarette butt was left behind, or a welding/soldering spark caused a small perforation. We’re not here to point fingers, we’re here to help save you money and headaches.

What should you look out for?

During an inspection, our team looks out for:

• Ponding or standing water. Even after the water may have evaporated, we know the signs that water has previously ponded.

• Cracks in flashing or open seams.

• Tears or punctures in the membrane.

• Clogged gutters, scuppers, and drains.

• Early warning signs of leaks inside the building.

Even if you’re not a roofer, simply keeping an eye on these visible red flags can save you time, money, and peace of mind.

Proactive Maintenance = Long-Term Savings

At Independence Roofing, we know that you’re a busy professional, and may not have time or resources to regularly inspect your roof. That’s why we invented Independence RoofCare.

Independence RoofCare offers you peace of mind. Independence RoofCare includes twice-a-year comprehensive inspections, complimentary condition reports, inspections after major weather events (such as a hurricane, hail, heavy winds or heavy rains,) and clean-up of drains and other debris. We can tailor your Independence RoofCare package specific to your roof’s needs. Call TODAY to discuss your Independence RoofCare options.