5 Common Commercial Roofing Mistakes That Cost Building Owners Thousands

A commercial roof is one of the most valuable assets on your building and one of the most overlooked. When maintenance slips, problems multiply fast.

Leaks, insulation damage, and structural issues often trace back to the same preventable mistakes. The difference between a roof that lasts 20 years and one that fails in 10 usually comes down to routine care, qualified contractors, and proper documentation.

Here are the five most common commercial roofing mistakes building owners make and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Annual Roof Inspections

Skipping annual roof inspections is the number one mistake across Colorado’s commercial buildings.

Most major roofing manufacturers require annual inspections to keep warranties valid. Missing even one can void coverage if damage occurs later.

A certified contractor can spot early warning signs, like seam separation, ponding water, or membrane wear, long before they cause leaks. Preventive inspections cost a fraction of what a full roof replacement does.

👉 CRA Tip: Schedule an inspection every spring or fall, before and after severe weather seasons. Find a qualified and trusted CRA Member for your annual inspection here!

2. Ignoring Drainage Problems

Water is a flat roof’s worst enemy.

Blocked drains, clogged scuppers, or poor slope design can lead to ponding, which accelerates membrane decay and adds weight to your roof deck. Standing water for more than 48 hours violates most manufacturer specifications and can void your warranty.

A simple maintenance check to clear debris after storms and ensure drains flow freely can extend the roof’s life by years.

👉 Resource: CRA Consumer Resources – Roof Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement Tips

3. Hiring Unqualified or Unlicensed Contractors

Not all roofing contractors are equal.

Unqualified or uninsured crews may offer a lower price, but they often skip crucial steps like substrate prep, flashing reinforcement, or proper drainage detailing. That can turn into tens of thousands in corrective work within a few years.

Beware of unlicensed contractors. Not all roofing contractors are legitimate, and too many home and building owners have paid dearly for using them.

Colorado building owners should always verify:

• The contractor is a CRA member in good standing

• They carry general liability and workers’ compensation coverage

• They’re certified by the manufacturer of the system being installed

More on this can be found in the CRA’s How to Spot Roofing Scams Guide here.

4. Failing to Document Roof Maintenance

Many building owners don’t realize warranty claims can be denied if maintenance records are incomplete.

Keep a roof file that includes:

• Inspection reports and photos

• Invoices for any service or patchwork

• Copies of manufacturer warranty documents

• Dates of cleaning, coating, or resealing

Proper documentation not only protects your warranty but also helps with resale value and insurance claims.

5. Delaying Minor Repairs

A small puncture or open seam can lead to major leaks if ignored. In Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, even a pinhole can widen fast.

Many owners postpone repairs until budget season, but water damage doesn’t wait. By then, insulation may be saturated, decking rusted, and interior finishes ruined.

Fix minor issues as soon as you find them. You’ll save thousands in avoided structural repairs and downtime.

Protect Your Investment with Annual Inspections

Your roof protects everything beneath it—inventory, tenants, and employees—but it needs routine care to perform that role.

The Colorado Roofing Association connects property owners with vetted, professional contractors who understand local code, weather conditions, and manufacturer requirements.

👉 Find a Qualified Roofing Professional Today. Contact a Colorado Roofing Association certified professional today. Your roof and your warranty depend on it.