Winter can be one of the most demanding seasons for commercial flat roofs. Snow accumulation, freezing temperatures and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can quickly turn minor issues into big problems if they’re not addressed early. Proactive winter roof maintenance is essential for protecting flat roof systems and maintaining building safety throughout the winter months.

The start of the year is more than just a calendar flip for facility managers. It is a critical window to protect the building envelope. High-performing facilities don’t wait for spring thaws to assess damage. They use the beginning of the year to create and execute their yearly maintenance strategy that minimizes operational costs and sets the stage for year-long resilience.

If you want to minimize expenses, ensure safety compliance and avoid operational interruptions, here is a checklist used by the industry’s most efficient teams.

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.

Is your commercial roof as safe as it should be? The condition and design of your facility’s roof is critical for servicing equipment such as HVAC systems and production exhaust systems. Poorly maintained roofs and missing safety measures can lead to injuries and property damage. As a commercial roofing contractor with over 55 years of experience across North America, we have seen many common safety hazards that are simple to fix but carry serious consequences if ignored. Ensure you are not overlooking these six crucial ways you can boost your roof safety and avoid hidden risks.

1. Skylights

Skylights are popular in commercial facilities because they harness daylight, reduce power bills and create a more comfortable environment. However, unprotected skylights are a serious fall hazard. From a safety perspective, they are essentially holes in your roof. Installing skylight screens, covers, guardrails or personal fall arrest systems is critical for any roof that features these light sources. Additionally, if your facility is in a FM Global Very Severe Hail (VSH) Zone, it is now a requirement to have FM-approved VSH skylight protection. 

2. Access Points

Simply getting onto the roof can be the most dangerous part of the job. Are your access points like ladders and roof hatches compliant with OSHA fall protection protocols and industry best practices? Some commercial facilities often overlook the transition points where people enter and exit the roof. Common safety issues may include missing guardrails around roof hatches and fixed ladders lacking necessary safety cages or fall-arrest cables. There are many solutions to keep your access points safe and secure. 

3. The Parapet Wall Illusion

A common misconception is that a parapet wall may serve as a safety barrier. In reality, many commercial parapet walls are only 12 to 23 inches tall. These may actually become tripping hazards rather than fall protection. According to OSHA standards, a guardrail or protective barrier must be between 39 and 45 inches high to adequately protect a person. If your parapet wall does not meet these height requirements, additional railing must be installed to ensure safety and compliance. 

CentiMark, QuestMark & CentiMark Ltd offices donate each year to food banks in the communities

where are associates live and work. We are proud to donate to the food banks listed below for Thanksgiving 2025! 

Managing a commercial facility often feels like juggling a dozen balls in the air, especially when it comes to coordinating various vendors for roofing, flooring and painting. Let’s face it, this can quickly turn into a complex maze! But what if you could simplify the process?

As winter approaches, it's time to prepare for the unique challenges that this season brings. Freezing temperatures, snow accumulation and thermal shock are a triple threat that puts serious strain on your most vital facility asset: your commercial roof. The big question isn't if it will snow, but how you will outsmart the weight to keep your building safe, sound and operational.

Severe weather events can be unpredictable, but one thing is certain: the damage they leave behind can disrupt your business. When there are strong winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes or hurricanes, your roof can become compromised. As a result, your entire operation is at risk. This is why it is key to understand the best options for immediate protection and long-term recovery after a severe storm. 

Looking for a cost-effective way to extend the life of your roof? You've probably heard about roof coatings. These liquified polymers are becoming increasingly popular with various commercial facilities because they can restore and waterproof your existing roof system, delaying costly reroofing for many years. The seamless application provides a unique advantage, allowing you to protect non-uniform roof surfaces and reinforce weak points quickly, for a fraction of the cost of a roof replacement. Additionally, their high UV stability, reflective nature for improved energy efficiency and lower environmental impact make them a great option for a roofing solution as they prevent the need for a roof tear-off and reduce waste. There are so many benefits but are there any downfalls? Let's delve into some common concerns and misconceptions surrounding commercial roof coatings that we encounter in the field.

Hey there, it’s Anne Serzz! Today, we’re shifting focus to the fast-paced world of real estate and property management. Whether it’s tight loading zones or weekend-only work windows, every property comes with its own set of roofing challenges. I sat down with Billy Phillips, Global Accounts Project Manager and Tom Vehrs, Senior Vice President of National and Global Accounts to get the inside scoop on real estate roofing. In this blog, they’ll uncover what building owners and managers are really looking for and how your roof can help you deliver it. Let’s dive in:

Time flies, right? Hard to believe it’s already time to start planning for 2026. As you build next year’s facility budget, make sure you’re not overlooking a few critical areas that directly impact safety, efficiency and compliance: your facility's roof, floors and parking or access areas.

As 2025 comes to a close, many facility and operations managers are faced with a familiar challenge: what to do with remaining maintenance dollars before they vanish from the budget. If you don’t use them, you’ll lose them. This is a great opportunity to make smart, strategic roofing investments that protect your building, reduce long-term costs and set you up for success in 2026.

Let’s face it, Canada throws just about everything it’s got at commercial roofs. From persistent moisture on the coast to the fluctuating temperatures in the prairies, every part of Canada comes with its own set of roofing challenges. In this blog, we’ve compiled the top four types of weather Canada faces and offer some insight on how to fight back.

Commercial roofs take a beating during the summer. With extended UV exposure, extreme heat and daily thermal cycles, even the most durable roof systems like TPO, EPDM and PVC are under constant stress. While these materials are built to perform in tough environments, they can degrade or fail without proper maintenance. Once a summer storm or hurricane hits, that hidden wear and tear may turn into costly water intrusion. Here's a breakdown of the key summer-specific challenges your commercial roof faces and how to stay ahead of them.

Now that summer is in full swing, you need to realize that sometimes it’s the small details that are failing your roof. Drains, flashings, seams, pitch-pans and metal edges may seem like the least of your worries but they have the potential to cause some major roofing headaches. Whether it’s heat and humidity or rain and winds, the weather you’re experiencing may be putting some serious stress on your roof components. Over the years, we’ve learned that taking a look at each detail of your roof makes a drastic difference to its overall performance, especially during stormy summers like this one. This article is packed with pro tips to help you meet strict insurance requirements and avoid costly downtime. Let’s take a closer look at what you should focus on this summer.

Each year, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes bring some serious damage to all types of commercial properties across North America. Severe weather has surged even earlier this summer and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most intense years for heavy rain and high winds. It’s time to turn your attention toward your commercial roof now more than ever. From hail and tornado resistant systems to proper installation techniques and changes in insurance coverage, this year is one for the books. We’re here to help you understand your roofing risks and prepare for what the future holds.

Store owners: How’s your roof holding up? With back-to-school sales in full swing and Labor Day promotions will be here before you know it, the stakes are high this summer. Your aisles are about to be packed with eager shoppers, keeping your customers focused on your products and your register ringing is key. In order to keep your facility safe, dry and fully operational during the rush, you need to start from the top down.

Hey there, it’s Anne Serzz and I’m here with some inside advice: resorts, hotels, restaurants and conference centers are evolving and roofing plays a critical role in both guest comfort and the property's overall aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we’ll uncover some roofing tips and innovative tools for the hospitality industry.

As the school year winds down, now is the time to start thinking about summer maintenance and one area that should never be overlooked is your roof. From small private schools to large college campuses, educational institutions tend to quiet down significantly over the summer break. That makes it the perfect window to tackle roof maintenance, repairs or even full replacements without disrupting classes.

CentiMark Corporation is proud to donate to the food banks listed below as we honor roofers and roofing contractors for NRCA National Roofing Week - June 1-7, 2025.