For retail and restaurant facility owners, a proactive roofing maintenance strategy is essential to prevent costly issues down the line, says Bill Earl, director of roofing operation at MaintenX. “You just spent $200,000 on a roof. Preventive maintenance is about protecting that investment,” he explains.
Many roofing issues are not caused by material failures but by external factors like mishandling equipment or damage from storm debris. Earl emphasizes that routine maintenance can prevent small problems from escalating into major repairs. For restaurants, where foot traffic on roofs is common, damage often comes from activities such as careless air-conditioning (AC) unit handling. Tampa, Fla.-based MaintenX helps mitigate this by installing walk pads around sensitive areas like HVAC systems.
To help clients prepare for severe weather, MaintenX encourages pre-season inspections, especially in hurricane-prone regions like Florida. “Before hurricane season, we urge customers to secure loose materials like AC doors that could become hazards in storms,” says Earl. This proactive approach ensures that roofs are in optimal condition before extreme weather hits, reducing potential damage and costly repairs.
Materials, Technology and Savings
In warmer markets, property owners are increasingly opting for energy-efficient solutions like thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing. TPO’s reflective properties help lower energy bills by reducing heat absorption during hot summers, making it a popular choice for facility owners looking to cut long-term costs.
Another cost-saving measure MaintenX offers is roof coatings, which can extend the life of an existing roof by several years. “Sometimes cash flow is tight, and owners need more time before investing in a full roof replacement,” Earl explains. Coatings provide a temporary, budget-friendly solution.
Technology also plays a crucial role in saving money. Earl highlights the use of handheld scanners and drones to perform moisture scans before adding a new roofing layer. This ensures any preexisting wet areas are repaired, preventing further damage and extending the roof’s lifespan.
When it comes to warranties, Earl advises clients to consider their long-term property plans. If you’re planning to sell in five years, a 20-year warranty may be unnecessary. A shorter, more affordable option could make better business sense, he says. Longer warranties should be reserved for lifetime investments.
Safety First
Safety is another area where scrimping is not an option. Earl warns against choosing low-bid contractors who cut corners on safety measures. Proper training and equipment are essential to avoid accidents, which can lead to higher long-term costs in workman’s compensation and legal issues. “Safety should always be the top priority, because a safe project is a successful one,” Earl adds.
During construction, maintaining safety for pedestrians and visitors inside the building is equally important. Restaurants with open-ceiling designs face higher risks of debris falling from the roof. Earl emphasizes the importance of protective measures to avoid disruptions to business operations and ensure the safety of both employees and customers.
Lastly, restaurants must manage the challenge of grease and oil from kitchen exhaust systems, which can severely damage roofing materials. Earl advises using grease-resistant materials like PVC to prevent long-term damage and extend the roof’s life.
MaintenX supports facility owners with a full range of maintenance services, from roofing to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. This all-in-one approach allows clients to manage their facilities more efficiently and avoid costly surprises. “Outsourcing preventive maintenance ensures that business owners can focus on their core operations while experts handle the rest,” Earl says. “We perform preventive maintenance, clean roof drains, inspect details and address potential issues early.”
— By Brannon Boswell. MaintenX is a content partner of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business. For more articles from and news about MaintenX, click here.