Facility managers juggle various responsibilities, including HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, security, etc. It’s easy for the roof to fall to the bottom of the list until there’s an obvious leak. But many of the costliest roof repairs could have been avoided with early detection. Subtle signs are easy to miss but can point to major issues in the making.
Continue reading to discover early warning signs, spot hidden red flags, and understand how proactive commercial roof maintenance protects budgets and building integrity.
10 Common Red Flags You Should Look For
If left unaddressed, small problems can create major problems. Early damage can weaken roof systems from the inside out, often without visible leaks. When inspections miss these red flags, the result can be expensive remediation or full system replacement.
Knowing what to look for empowers you to stay ahead of failures and avoid surprise costs.
1. Minor Ponding Water That Dries Quickly
A little water on the roof after a storm might not seem like a big deal, especially if it dries within a day. However, even temporary ponding can signal slope or drainage issues.
When water consistently collects in the same areas, it may be due to:
- Settled insulation beneath the membrane
- Inadequate roof slope
- Clogged internal drains or scuppers
These conditions can lead to membrane wear, material softening, and eventually leaks. Even if it dries up, take ponding water seriously.
Look for recurring patterns, and include them in your commercial roof maintenance report.
2. Cracked or Aging Flashing Around Penetrations
Flashing protects vulnerable areas where roof penetrations like HVAC units, vents, or skylights meet the membrane. With time and exposure, flashing can crack, peel, or separate from the roof system.
The result? Slow water intrusion that travels unnoticed behind walls or through insulation.
Check flashing for signs of:
- Brittleness or cracking
- Separation from the surrounding membrane
- Missing or damaged sealant
These details are easy to miss during casual inspections but can be costly if ignored.
3. Discoloration or Staining on the Membrane
A subtle color change on a membrane roof may seem cosmetic, but it could be a warning sign. Discoloration often results from:
- UV damage from prolonged sun exposure
- Chemical runoff from HVAC units
- Microbial growth around drainage areas
Look closely at areas around rooftop units, drains, or high-traffic zones. Staining or fading in isolated patches may signal weakened materials.
Regular cleaning and proactive material testing can help catch these issues before they compromise the system.
4. Loose or Damaged Roof Penetrations
Seams around roof penetrations should be tightly sealed and secure. But over time, building movement, vibration, or repairs done by other trades can loosen these connections.
When penetrations aren’t properly resealed, water finds its way into insulation and substrate layers, causing slow decay.
Regularly check:
- HVAC curb sealant
- Skylight and vent base seams
- Any new installations for signs of damage
A solid preventative roof maintenance routine includes inspecting all penetrations, not just the obvious ones.
5. Membrane Shrinkage or Blistering
On TPO, EPDM, and PVC systems, membrane tension changes over time. Shrinkage causes seams to pull away from edges or flashings. Meanwhile, blisters, which are raised areas that trap air or moisture, can grow and eventually rupture.
Common signs include:
- Edges pulling inward or curling
- Raised bubbles in flat areas
- Splitting seams near transitions
These are more than cosmetic flaws. They’re signs that the waterproof barrier is compromised.
Prompt attention prevents complete membrane failure.
6. Clogged Drains and Scuppers
Even if your roof looks clean from above, drains and scuppers can be hiding debris. One of the most common causes of leaks is poor drainage. Backed-up drains trap water and create standing pools that strain the membrane and structure.
Make sure your commercial roof maintenance plan includes:
- Cleaning drains after every major storm
- Inspecting scuppers and overflow pathways
- Removing leaves, sediment, or trash from covers
Simple cleanings can save thousands in water damage.
If you’ve spotted any of the above signs, it’s time to schedule preventative maintenance services from Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing.
7. Vegetation Growth Near Edges or Seams
It may sound extreme, but moss, algae, or even small plants can start growing in areas where water collects. Moisture, dirt, and debris create the perfect environment for vegetation, and it’s a clear sign of long-standing water issues.
Plant growth leads to:
- Root penetration into membrane layers
- Accelerated roof decay
- Increased weight load on the roof
Even small moss patches deserve attention before they expand.
8. Overlooked Roof Perimeter and Edge Metal
During quick visual inspections, roof perimeters are often skipped. But edge metal plays a critical role in securing the membrane and protecting it from wind uplift.
Look for:
- Bent or rusted edge metal
- Loose fasteners
- Seams separating from coping or walls
Edge failure can allow wind-driven rain underneath the system and compromise the entire roof.
9. Rooftop Equipment That Was Recently Serviced
When contractors from other trades (HVAC, solar, electrical) service rooftop units, they may move components or cut into sealant unintentionally. If roofing seams aren’t resealed afterward, you could have slow leaks around equipment without realizing it.
Coordinate with other trades and inspect any recently serviced areas for exposed materials or damaged seals.
Cross-trade communication is key to lasting roof performance.
10. No Log of Roof Work or Inspection History
While this isn’t a visible red flag, the absence of documentation is a major risk. Without a roof log, there’s no record of what’s been inspected, repaired, or replaced. That makes it difficult to track recurring issues or prove due diligence to insurance and warranty providers.
Your log should include:
- Dates and findings of all inspections
- Photos of repair areas
- Work orders and service reports
Documentation is a simple but powerful tool for effective commercial roof maintenance.
Small Signs, Big Impacts: Don’t Miss the Message
Small red flags don’t stay small for long. Minor issues like ponding, clogged drains, or cracked flashing lead to system-wide failures when ignored. Catching these signals early is the key to protecting your roof, budget, and building operations.
A robust preventative roof maintenance program, one that includes inspections, repairs, and documentation, gives facility teams the tools to stay ahead of problems.
When in doubt, don’t leave it to chance.
Address Your Roofing Red Flags With Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing
Roof problems don’t appear overnight, and they shouldn’t be solved with short-term thinking. At Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing, we take a long-term approach to roof health.Our expert team provides detailed inspections, photo documentation, and maintenance plans that identify red flags early and reduce your long-term risk. We work alongside your facility team to ensure your commercial roof is safe, compliant, and built to last. Contact us today to discover how our commercial roofing services can protect your investment.
