A commercial or industrial roof is one of the largest investments a property owner makes. It protects the building and everything inside it, yet because it’s rarely seen, it’s often overlooked until a problem surfaces.
Waiting to act can be expensive. A reactive approach frequently leads to emergency repairs, business interruptions, voided warranties and, in many cases, the need for a full roof replacement sooner than expected.
“Roofs tend to be ignored because they’re out of sight,” said Dan Kimball, CEO of North American Roofing. “Most owners don’t think about them until something goes wrong, and by that point the fix is usually far more costly and disruptive.”
Dwight Marwede, chief operating officer of North American Roofing, notes that many building owners assume a roof will last its full service life without ongoing care. “What’s often overlooked is that most manufacturers require routine preventative maintenance for a warranty to remain valid,” he said.
Based in Tampa, North American Roofing emphasizes proactive roof management. The company believes that consistent maintenance can significantly delay the need for replacement, allowing owners to allocate capital toward growth and operations rather than unexpected infrastructure costs.
“Age alone isn’t a reason to replace a roof,” Marwede said. “If we can responsibly extend its lifespan at a fraction of the cost of replacement, that’s usually the more sound business choice.”
Commercial roofs don’t wear evenly. Factors like sun exposure, drainage issues, rooftop equipment and foot traffic all influence how quickly certain areas deteriorate. In severe cases, neglected drainage has even contributed to roof collapses in areas with heavy rainfall. Routine inspections help catch small issues—such as failing sealants or clogged drains—before they become major problems.
Regular maintenance can translate into substantial savings. According to a study by the Roofing Alliance for Progress, roofs that received consistent upkeep lasted an average of eight years longer than those managed only when issues arose.
Preventative care also plays a critical role in preserving warranty coverage.
“When a failure occurs, manufacturers want documentation showing the roof was properly maintained,” Marwede said.
A comprehensive approach to roof maintenance
To bridge the gap between basic repairs and full replacement—and to address warranty requirements—North American Roofing created its StarCare 360 program. This tiered maintenance model offers building owners and property managers flexible options throughout the life of their roof.
The program includes three service levels:
- Manufacturer-compliant maintenance for newly installed roofs
- Standard preventative maintenance for roofs at any stage
- An innovative option called StarCare Total
StarCare Total is designed for roofs that are still performing well but require a new or extended warranty. North American Roofing evaluates the existing system, identifies potential risks, completes necessary repairs and then underwrites the warranty.
“We’re assuming responsibilities the industry typically avoids,” Kimball said. “Our warranty can be even stronger than a manufacturer’s because we take full responsibility for all roofing components, regardless of brand or installation date.”
Instead of committing millions to a new roof, owners can extend the life of their current system and invest those savings back into their business.
Staying operational during hurricane season
A large regional food distributor with facilities across the Southeast demonstrates the value of this proactive strategy.
Between 2022 and 2024, four major hurricanes impacted the region. In food distribution facilities regulated by the FDA, even minimal water exposure can result in the loss of entire pallets of product. Despite the storms, the distributor experienced no downtime and no interior damage.
“That outcome was the direct result of a proactive preventative maintenance program,” Marwede said.
Protect your roof—and your investment
For organizations that haven’t yet adopted a preventative roof strategy, the first step is a professional evaluation of the roof’s current condition.
“You’ve already made a significant investment,” Kimball said. “The goal is to protect that investment and get the most value from it—without replacing the roof before it’s truly necessary.”
Information from: https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2026/01/14/commercial-roof-maintenance-proactive-approach.html
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