In many facilities, the roof functions as an active workspace supporting maintenance crews, equipment and operations. When a roof experiences frequent foot traffic, it requires specialized care to remain watertight, safe and compliant.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Hi! I am Anne Serzz, your commercial roof safety advocate. Fasten your harness and get ready to learn about the different accessories on the market that play a vital role in keeping your roofing projects compliant and safe at all times! In every work environment, unwavering dedication to roof safety is crucial to prevent injuries. From warning lines to fall prevention systems, there are multiple accessories that can help you comply with the stringent standards and regulations. Let’s discuss these different accessories: 

Ready to explore the different elements of maintaining a safe and efficient commercial roof environment? In the latest edition of the #AskCentiMark series, we will review the best practices, training protocols, different ratings and career advice for commercial roof safety on the job site.