Weather Shield Roofing Systems
Blog
How Do You Create a Roof Maintenance Plan?
Why Is Due Diligence Important for Commercial Roofing?
Buying a commercial building is a big investment—and also a big risk if you don’t go in with your eyes wide open. One of the most overlooked (and most expensive) elements during a property purchase is the roof. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been helping businesses protect their investments for over 40 years, and we’ve seen time and again how a little commercial roofing due diligence upfront can save tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars down the line.
Whether you’re a commercial property investor, manager, or first-time buyer, this article walks you through why roofing due diligence is critical before purchasing—and how to build a smart maintenance plan that protects your investment for years to come.
Why Roof Due Diligence Matters During a Commercial Property Purchase
When you’re under contract for a building, you typically get 40 to 90 days for due diligence. During that time, you’re expected to assess everything from plumbing and HVAC systems to the structural integrity of the building—and yes, that absolutely includes the roof.
Unfortunately, many new owners only find out the truth after they’ve closed. The first big rain comes—and so do the roof leaks. At that point, it’s too late to negotiate the price or ask for repairs.
We’ve seen this scenario play out time and time again. Sellers often say, “Oh, the roof’s fine,” or “We put a new roof on a few years ago.” But here’s the thing: sometimes what they call a “new roof” was actually just some patchwork repairs. And in many cases, the seller truly doesn’t know the full condition—especially if they’re out of state or haven’t had complaints from tenants.
We’re not suggesting sellers are dishonest. But relying solely on their word can leave you vulnerable to expensive surprises. A professional commercial roof inspection gives you a clear, objective view of what you’re really buying.
What Should Be in a Commercial Roof Due Diligence Inspection?
When we’re brought in during the due diligence phase, our goal is simple: let the roof tell the story.
Our commercial roofing inspections are thorough, unbiased, and built for transparency. We don’t slant reports to favor the buyer or the seller. We build the report assuming both parties will read it. That builds trust—and gives everyone clarity.
Here’s what a proper roof inspection during due diligence should include:
- Roof Type Identification: What type of roofing system is in place—EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, etc.? Different materials have different maintenance needs and lifespans.
- Remaining Roof Lifespan Estimate: Based on its current condition, how many usable years are left?
- Repair & Maintenance Forecast: What work is required to extend its life, and how much will that cost?
- Replacement Budgeting: If it’s near the end of its lifespan, what would a full commercial roof replacement cost?
- Photo Documentation: Clear images of any defects, damage, ponding water, flashing issues, or structural concerns.
This information arms you with the facts to make an informed buying decision—and potentially negotiate on price if the roof is nearing the end of its service life.
Common Red Flags During Due Diligence Inspections
- Undisclosed Past Leaks: Previous leaks that weren’t repaired properly, or were only “band-aid” fixes.
- Ponding Water: Flat roofs that hold standing water after rain are at higher risk of membrane breakdown and leaks.
- Improper Repairs: Temporary fixes that don’t meet manufacturer or industry standards.
- HVAC or Mechanical Penetrations: These can be weak points if not sealed correctly.
- Aging Roof Systems: Just because it’s not leaking today doesn’t mean it’s not near failure.
Even when everything “looks fine,” a trained eye can spot the early warning signs of roof damage or system failure.
How Roofing Due Diligence Saves You Money
Commercial roofs and parking lots are two of the most expensive parts of a building per square foot. The cost of a commercial roof replacement can easily range from $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on materials, access, and complexity.
If our inspection reveals that the roof needs to be replaced soon, you may be able to:
- Negotiate a lower purchase price
- Ask the seller to cover a portion of the replacement
- Plan appropriately with accurate capital expenditure budgeting
Skipping this step leaves you exposed to sudden, costly repairs that can derail your financial planning for the property.
What Comes After the Purchase? A Smart Roof Maintenance Plan
Once you own the building, the next step is protecting that roof with a proactive maintenance strategy.
Here’s a basic roof maintenance plan for commercial property owners:
- Schedule Biannual Roof Inspections: At a minimum, have your roof inspected twice a year—spring and fall. This helps catch issues before they turn into major problems.
- Implement the Max Life Roof Care™ Program: This is Weather Shield’s proactive maintenance plan, designed to extend the life of your commercial roof and reduce long-term costs. It includes inspections, minor repairs, drain clearing, and detailed reports.
- Keep Records of All Work: Document every repair, inspection, or service visit. This helps with warranty claims and resale value down the line.
- Budget for Future Repairs or Replacement: Don’t get caught off guard. Use your due diligence report to start budgeting for major work, whether it’s 5 years or 15 years away.
- Act Fast on Leaks or Damage: The sooner you fix an issue, the cheaper it usually is. Don’t wait until small leaks turn into major interior damage.
Real-Life Example: Due Diligence Gone Right
A recent client reached out while considering a purchase of a 100,000-square-foot warehouse. The seller claimed the roof was new, but our inspection told a different story. The “new roof” was actually partial repairs done five years ago. The remaining areas were 18+ years old and near failure.
Thanks to the inspection report, our client negotiated $150,000 off the purchase price. That funding covered a replacement of the aging roof sections—and saved them a huge financial headache.
The Weather Shield Difference
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we believe in helping our clients make informed, confident decisions—before and after the sale. If you’re considering buying a building or need help putting together a long-term roof maintenance plan, we’re here to help.
We’ve been providing trusted, cost-efficient commercial roofing solutions for over 40 years. Let us help protect your roof—and your bottom line.
