10 Questions to Ask Before Planning Roof Repairs in 2026.

In 2026, commercial roofing is no longer just about stopping leaks. It’s also about energy management, asset preservation and data-driven budgeting. As material costs and building codes evolve, asking the right questions upfront can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.

Before you authorize a single repair or replacement this year, run through these ten critical qualifying questions to ensure you are choosing the most effective path for your facility.

1. What is the current condition of the roof deck and insulation?

A repair is only as good as the substrate it is installed on. If your insulation is saturated or the deck is compromised, a surface-level repair might not be the best use of your roofing dollars. High-performing facilities use infrared moisture scans and core inspections to determine if they can utilize existing materials, potentially saving 30-40% on reroofing costs.

2. How long do you plan on keeping the building?

✔ Short-term (1-3 years): Focus on high-quality repairs and maintenance to keep the building watertight for sale.

✔ Mid-term (4-9 years): Perform larger repairs and roof condition reports to know when to budget for future replacement.

✔ Long-term (10+ years): Consider a full replacement to take advantage of long-term energy savings and warranties.

3. Are leaks impacting critical areas?

Not all leaks are created equal. A leak over a loading dock could be a nuisance. A leak in a server room, clean room or food processing line is a major issue. Mapping the location of roof leaks helps you prioritize repairs based on operational risk rather than just square footage and budget.

4. What is our current vs. desired R-value?

With energy costs fluctuating, your roof's thermal resistance (R-value) is your best friend. If you are in charge of a cold storage facility or a climate-controlled pharmaceutical lab, upgrading insulation during a repair or reroof can pay for itself in reduced utility bills within a few seasons.

5. Does the current roof design meet local codes and industry’s best practices?

Building codes and local regulations change, especially regarding wind uplift, hail and drainage. What was compliant ten years ago may not meet today’s standards. An experienced nationwide contractor like CentiMark can help you navigate whether your planned repair triggers a code upgrade requirement.

6. Is the facility FM Global Insured?

If you are insured by FM Global, your roof must meet strict highly protected risk (HPR) standards for fire, wind resistance and hail. Failing to complete required repairs or upgrades can lead to coverage and premium issues.

7. How many service calls have we made in the last 12 months?

If you are calling a contractor every time it rains, you are likely throwing good money away. At a certain point, the cumulative cost of emergency repairs exceeds the cost of a new roof system. It is important to know the condition of your roof so you can make an educated decision on when to repair versus replace your roof.

8. Is your roof a candidate for a coating?

Before jumping to a full tear-off, ask if your facility’s roof can use a coating. This can extend the life of a roof by up to 10-20 years at a fraction of the reroofing cost. It can also potentially be classified as a maintenance expense rather than a capital expenditure.

9. What are the specific safety risks for this roof?

In 2026, safety compliance is a major part of project budgeting. Addressing safety accessories now helps prevent OSHA fines and protects your staff and contractors.

10. Can we leverage CMDCX for data-driven planning?

Do you have a digital paper trail for your roof? Using CentiMark’s Digital Customer Experience (CMDCX) allows you to see the full history of the asset and budget for future maintenance, repairs or replacements.

Pro Tip: If you can’t answer questions about the age, warranty status or square footage of your roof, contact your CentiMark representative today to set up your CMDCX demo.

Make an Educated Choice

Answering these ten questions will move your roofing strategy from reactive to proactive. Aren't sure about your R-value or the condition of your roof? Don't guess. Contact CentiMark today to schedule a free commercial roof inspection and let’s get started! From inspections and maintenance to coatings, resurfacing and capital planning, we’ve got you covered. Let’s build your 2026 strategy. Start the conversation today!