How often do you actually get your business roof checked?

“One missed nail pop can mean a leak later.”

Had a guy last month with a claim denied because his gutters looked like a chia pet - moss everywhere. Adjuster said water backed up under the shingles. I get why they did it, but dang, felt harsh. Anyone ever had a flat roof where you just keep chasing leaks? Those things are wild.

I've seen that exact scenario too many times - gutters packed with gunk and moss, then the owner’s shocked when the claim gets denied. Insurance is brutal about “maintenance neglect.” About flat roofs though, I’ve had clients who basically live with a bucket collection system because of chronic leaks. It’s wild how one tiny puncture or clogged drain can turn into a nightmare.

“Anyone ever had a flat roof where you just keep chasing leaks? Those things are wild.”

How often do you actually get your business roof checked?

Yeah, the flat roof drama is real. I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so rain is just a given, and I swear every year it’s something new. I used to think once every couple years was enough for inspections, but after a surprise leak last winter (right over my office desk, of course), I’m rethinking that. The repair guy found a tiny split near the drain - barely visible, but enough to cause a mess. Insurance basically shrugged and pointed to “lack of maintenance.” Not fun.

I get why people put off regular checks though. It’s not cheap, and sometimes you feel like you’re just throwing money at a problem that might not even be there. But then again, ignoring it seems to cost more in the long run. I tried doing some of the checks myself - clearing drains, looking for pooling water - but honestly, I probably miss stuff the pros would catch.

One thing I noticed: moss is a huge issue here. It creeps in around the edges and clogs things up fast. I started using one of those long-handled brushes every few months just to keep it down. Not sure if it’s making a big difference yet, but at least I feel like I’m doing something.

I’ve heard some folks schedule inspections twice a year - spring and fall - especially if their roof is older or if there are trees nearby. That seems like overkill to me, but maybe it’s worth it if you’ve had leaks before. Curious if anyone’s found a sweet spot between not spending a fortune and not getting burned by neglect.

Flat roofs just seem like they need more babysitting than pitched ones. If I ever replace mine, I might look into something with a bit more slope... or at least better drainage. For now, it’s just about staying on top of the little stuff before it turns into a big headache.

I get where you’re coming from about twice-a-year checks feeling like overkill, but honestly, in our climate it’s saved me more than once. I used to do the “wait and see” approach too, but after a nasty surprise leak during a holiday closure (and the cleanup that followed), I switched to spring and fall inspections. It’s not always a full pro inspection - sometimes just a quick walkthrough with a checklist. The cost stings less than emergency repairs, and I’ve caught clogged drains and early membrane cracks before they turned into bigger headaches. For me, it’s been worth the extra effort, especially with all the moss and debris we get around here.