Maintaining the roof of a mixed-use building can be a complex task, especially when you’re catering to the diverse needs of multiple tenants. From restaurants and retail spaces to offices and residential units, each tenant may have unique requirements that directly impact the roof’s performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’re walking property managers and building owners through essential strategies to ensure your mixed-use roof remains in top shape to serve all your tenants well.
Common Challenges with Mixed-Use Building Roofs
Mixed-use buildings typically house multiple tenants, often from different industries, which presents unique challenges when it comes to roof maintenance. Mixed-use buildings often have different roof sections, each with its own material or structure. For example, if you have a restaurant as a tenant that is emitting grease onto the rooftop, this section of the roof will require more attention than other sections. Roof systems are designed to cover what is taking place within the facility, so when it comes to maintaining the different systems on mixed-use buildings, there is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach.
Proactive Commercial Roofing Maintenance Measures
Beyond regular maintenance, there are proactive measures that property managers and owners can take to enhance roof performance and longevity. It’s beneficial to require tenants to use the same roofing contractor, especially for roof repairs. Allowing tenants to hire their own contractors can lead to incompatible repairs, voided warranties, or even unintentional damage. By ensuring consistency in roof maintenance and repairs, you can avoid complications and protect the integrity of the roof.
Another proactive maintenance measure property owners and managers can take is to track rooftop activity. Since multiple contractors may access the roof (e.g., HVAC repairs), it’s critical to keep a log of who was on the roof, when, and where they worked. This not only helps prevent accidental damage but also provides a record in case issues arise.
Our Comprehensive Roof Maintenance Resource dives even deeper into roof maintenance tips for property managers and even includes resources to help you navigate the financial aspects of roof care.
Recommended Commercial Roofing Maintenance Schedule
For mixed-use buildings, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to keeping the roof in good condition. At a minimum, property managers should schedule an annual roof inspection paired with a preventative maintenance call. This ensures a roofing professional is on-site at least twice a year to identify and address any potential issues.
Additional maintenance for specialized areas of the roof, such as sections with grease vents from restaurants, may require more frequent attention. In these cases, installing grease guards and changing filters regularly (up to monthly, depending on the level of grease output) can help prevent damage to the roof membrane.
A Trusted Partner for Mixed-Use Building Owners and Property Managers
Mixed-use building owners should consider enrolling in a roof management plan like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® helps owners and property managers schedule maintenance, prepare budgets, and track the building’s condition online.
Maxwell Roofing specializes in customized roof maintenance for mixed-use buildings. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help maintain the integrity of your roof while meeting the diverse needs of your tenants.