Roof Checklists Used by High-Performing Facilities.

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.

1. Active Winter Maintenance and Snow Removal

In many regions, winter brings the heavy burden of snow and ice. High-performing teams monitor roof loads constantly to prevent structural strain.

✔ Rooftop snow removal: Professional removal prevents excessive weight loads and "ice damming."

✔ Clear drainage: Ensure scuppers, gutters and internal drains are clear of ice buildup so ice melt has a path off the roof.

✔ Safety access: Verify that walkways and access points are safe and clear for HVAC technicians and emergency contractors.

2. Regular Inspections

If your roof is not currently covered by snow, early in the year is a prime time for a "mid-winter health check."

✔ Check flashings and seams: Fluctuating temperatures cause materials to expand and contract. Inspecting seams and penetrations now can catch small gaps before they become major leaks during the spring thaw.

✔ Identify wet insulation: Using technology like thermal scans, CentiMark teams can identify trapped moisture in your insulation. Remember: wet insulation loses up to 40% of its thermal resistance, driving up your heating costs through the roof. Pun intended.

3. Timely Repairs to Slash Heating Costs

Your roof is your primary defense against heat loss. Compromised roof integrity may lead to significant energy loss.

✔ Membrane integrity: Repairing punctures or failed membranes stops conditioned air from escaping.

✔ Thermal efficiency: Addressing damp insulation or gaps in the roof system reduces the workload on your HVAC units, leading to significant savings onyour energy bills. 

4. Planning the Year with CentiMark's Digital Customer Experience Platform (CMDCX)

Top-tier facility managers don't manage by "gut feeling", they use data. Now is the time to leverage CMDCX to organize your 2026 roadmap.

✔ Centralized data: Access all warranties, service records and historical inspection photos in one place.

✔ Budget forecasting: Use the portal to prioritize which sections of your roofing portfolio need capital expenditure versus simple maintenance for the coming year.

✔ Storm readiness: With hurricane and monsoon seasons on the horizon, use CMDCX to ensure your roofs are ready to face anything Mother Nature throws at them.

5. Prioritizing Safety and Compliance

Protecting your staff, contractors and brand reputation starts at the top!

✔ Fall protection: Inspect guardrails and safety accessories that may have been damaged by high winds or ice.

✔ Liability reduction: A well-maintained roof prevents internal leaks that may cause slips, equipment damage or costly health code violations and recalls.

New Year, New Plan!

Whether you are managing a single local warehouse or a North American portfolio, sticking to this checklist ensures you aren't playing catch-up for the rest of the year. Proactive strategy and maintenance can prevent over 25% of a roof's lifetime costs. Your CentiMark team is here for you to make it happen! Contact us today.