Your commercial roof includes a warranty that safeguards your investment—but it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions. Just as a car warranty won’t cover damage if you neglect oil changes, a roof warranty also requires basic maintenance to remain valid. Additionally, there may be situations that your warranty might not cover at all.

Inspections Are Key
Most commercial roof warranties require regular inspections—some even mandate the timing. For example, an annual or semi-annual inspection may need to take place in the spring to assess any damage from winter weather. These inspections are common sense: they help identify potential issues early, extend the life of your roofing system, and ensure your building remains protected.

Don’t Overlook the Fine Print
Some warranty requirements are more subtle. For example, areas with high foot traffic may need to be equipped with walk pads. Without them, repeated foot traffic can damage the membrane. Walk pads not only preserve your roof system but also enhance safety for anyone accessing the roof.

Know the Limits of Coverage
Roof warranties also have limitations. For example, most warranties depend on your roof being designed for a specific wind speed—let’s say 80 MPH. If your building is in an area prone to hurricane-force winds, you may need a higher-spec system to stay protected under warranty.

In addition, many warranties do not cover damage caused by:

• Rodents
• Hail
• Acids or hazardous chemicals
• Unauthorized repairs or alterations

Maintenance Matters
Most warranties include a care and maintenance guide, but your facility team may not always be adequately equipped to follow it properly. That’s where a qualified service and maintenance partner comes in. By collaborating with a dedicated commercial roofing maintenance team, you can ensure warranty compliance and extend the life of your roof.

Your warranty is extremely valuable—but only if you adhere to the maintenance requirements. We’re here to assist you. If you have questions about your roof warranty or wish to schedule an inspection or service, click here to get in touch with us.

Greenwood Building Envelope Services (GRS) is the professional service and maintenance division of Greenwood Industries. As experts in complete building envelope systems, GRS provides tailored solutions for everything from routine maintenance to comprehensive repairs and restorations.

For several years, GRS has been a trusted partner to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)—the state agency responsible for managing Massachusetts’ forests, parks, pools, ice rinks, and other public facilities. With a diverse portfolio of buildings, each with unique requirements, DCR relies on GRS’s expertise to address its ongoing maintenance and restoration needs.

“DCR projects are as eclectic as they come,” said GRS Project Manager Shane Dunn. “We’ve worked on everything from minor repairs to major roof replacements and masonry restoration across the state.”

Highlighted Projects

Magazine Beach: Cambridge, MA
Greenwood Industries’ longstanding reputation for excellence in commercial roofing extends to GRS’s work on large-scale public facilities. A prime example is Magazine Beach in Cambridge. The historic brick building, which houses the pool’s facilities, required a new roof in preparation for the busy summer season. GRS installed a durable EPDM roofing system, ensuring the structure is well-protected and ready to serve the community.

Moore State Park: Paxton, MA
At Moore State Park, GRS restored two historic structures, each requiring specialized attention and care:

• Sawmill Restoration: Upon arrival, the GRS team discovered that the historic wooden sawmill was home to a colony of baby bats. The project was temporarily paused to allow the bats to mature and leave the building safely. Once they departed, GRS completed the restoration with a beautiful cedar shake roof, preserving the sawmill’s historic character.
• Spaulding House Restoration: Nearby, Spaulding House, a historic schoolhouse, required both a roof replacement and masonry repairs. Demonstrating GRS’s full building envelope capabilities, the team installed a new asphalt shingle roof and repaired the chimney, ensuring the building remains a charming and well-preserved part of the park.

Myles Standish State Forest: Carver, MA
GRS faced a unique challenge at the Fearing Pond Picnic Bathhouse in Myles Standish State Forest. Significant structural repairs were needed before a permanent roof could be installed. To prevent further deterioration in the meantime, GRS implemented a long-term temporary solution by installing a TPO roof. This approach ensures the building is protected from the elements while plans for structural reinforcements and engineering are finalized.

Peddocks Island: Boston, MA
GRS’s work spans every corner of Massachusetts, including offshore projects like Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor. The team replaced the roof on the island’s historic chapel—a project that required unique logistics, including an amphibious landing to transport materials and equipment onto the beach. This successful re-roofing not only preserved the chapel but also showcased GRS’s adaptability to challenging work environments. The team is now preparing for additional projects on the Boston Harbor Islands.

Supporting DCR’s Mission

In addition to these large-scale restorations, GRS performs numerous smaller repairs across the state, helping ensure DCR’s facilities remain safe and functional for public use. Whether addressing minor roof repairs, masonry touch-ups, or emergency maintenance, GRS delivers responsive, reliable service.

From historic restorations and innovative temporary solutions to large-scale roof replacements, GRS’s partnership with the Massachusetts DCR highlights the team’s versatility and expertise. By preserving and protecting these essential public buildings, GRS helps ensure they remain a vital part of Massachusetts’ landscape for generations to come.

Greenwood Industries announces that it has been honored with the prestigious North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Award for its work on the New York State Capitol Central Courtyard in Albany, NY. This project was part of a significant restoration effort, focusing on the re-roofing and revitalization of the Capitol’s Central Courtyard. The courtyard itself is a roof, protecting various mechanical systems of the Capitol, and the restoration aimed to not only restore, but enhance the courtyard to return it to the architect’s original vision.

According to the original plans the courtyard was to be covered in pavers making it accessible to the public. However, the previous system was simply an inaccessible PVC roof system which had developed significant leaks. Greenwood replaced it with a Siplast liquid applied Paraflex system. The public areas were adorned with stone pavers, carefully selected to match that original vision. To enhance the courtyard’s visual appeal and sustainability, large planters filled with drought-tolerant native plants were installed.  The pavilion restoration includes the former restaurant and the Hawk Street Passage, as well as the refurbishment of the Passage’s windows. These improvements ultimately allow more natural light inside and enhance the enjoyment of the beautified courtyard.

The central feature of this restoration was the large copper pavilion, a distinctive element that had not been replaced since its original installation over 120 years ago. Due to the advanced deterioration of the copper, it was imperative to replace all elements, including flat seam and standing seam roofs, wall cladding, downspouts, and intricate ornate details. Our team painstakingly matched the new copper to the original materials, ensuring a seamless integration that honored the historical integrity of the structure. Greenwood did propose one change. The original walls were hand soldered, but our artisans mocked up an ingenious alternative involving hidden clips and bolts. This allowed the wall cladding to be installed with no visible fasteners giving it a beautiful, clean, seamless look.

Winning the NACIA Award is a significant recognition of the hard work and unparalleled experience of our talented team. This project was a collaborative effort involving crews from New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and solutions that define Greenwood Industries. We are immensely proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing our mission of preserving and enhancing historic structures with the same level of dedication and precision.

The building envelope serves as a critical barrier, protecting the interior from the adverse effects of harsh and unpredictable external conditions. Timely and proactive maintenance is not just necessary but an investment yielding substantial cost savings over time. In fact, maintenance can sometimes be a legal requirement. For instance, in Boston, every occupied building that is 70 feet or taller must undergo an exterior wall and appurtenance inspection every five years.

The real value of maintenance, however, transcends legal obligations; it significantly prolongs the lifespan of your property. Studies conducted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) highlight the importance of regular maintenance. Roofs without consistent upkeep typically last between 10 to 14 years, whereas those under routine maintenance enjoy a lifespan of 14 to 20 years. Impressively, roofs that are part of managed care programs can last 20 to 35 years. Over 24 years, preventative maintenance resulted in a 43% reduction in total ownership costs.

A pivotal aspect of preventative maintenance is the roof inspection. During these evaluations, professionals examine the roofing materials for signs of wear, damage, or defects. They also check the drainage systems to ensure they are clear of obstructions and remove debris. Proper drainage is vital, especially during severe weather or winter storms, as it prevents water infiltration and ice buildup, which can damage gutters and the roofing structure.

For building owners seeking efficient maintenance solutions, programs like Greenwood’s tiered GPA™ offer a structured approach to simplify the maintenance process. Although self-maintenance is beneficial, professional management of roof maintenance guarantees thorough and correct execution, significantly extending the roof’s lifespan. 

Moreover, applying a high-quality concrete and masonry sealer further protects your building. Sealants, particularly those based on silane-siloxane, chemically bond to brick and masonry pores, effectively repelling water while allowing interior vapor to escape. This creates a breathable barrier that controls moisture without causing internal damage.

The maintenance of pavers is equally essential. Applying water-repellent treatments can prolong the usability of these high-traffic surfaces by 5 to 7 years, reducing wear and minimizing safety risks.

The building envelope is a complex system that is vital for the sustained health of your property. Investing in its maintenance maintains the integrity of the building’s structure, ultimately promoting a safe environment and peace of mind for all stakeholders.