As the calendar year draws to a close, many facilities managers find themselves with unspent capital expenditures (CapEx) funds. This presents a prime opportunity to invest in long-term safety and compliance upgrades, particularly for your facility’s roof.

Why Roof Safety Matters

Rooftop safety is often overlooked, yet it’s critical for protecting your team and your facility. OSHA mandates fall protection for employees working at heights of 4 feet or more in general industry settings and 6 feet or more in construction. Beyond regulatory compliance, ensuring safe rooftop access reduces injury risks, minimizes liability, and demonstrates proactive facility management. Upgrading your roof’s safety features such as guardrails, walk pads and access systems, mitigate hazards like skylights, roof edges, ladders, and areas with heavy machinery.

Strategic Safety Upgrades to Maximize Your Budget

Year-end budget dollars can go a long way toward improving rooftop safety. Consider these strategic installations:

• Crossover Platforms & Stairs: Facilitate safe passage across rooftops, especially over equipment or parapets. Modular systems like ErectaStep® provide pre-engineered, bolt-together metal stairs and platforms that are OSHA-compliant, quick to install, and durable.
• Walk Pads: Protect roofing materials and provide stable footing, particularly in winter when warranties often require them.
• Safety Rails & Hatch Guards: Prevent falls around roof hatches and skylights, common hazards across facilities.
• Ladder Access Systems: Replace risky traditional ladders with systems designed for compliance and ease of use.

Spotting Risk Areas

Evaluate your roof with a critical eye. Common areas needing additional protection include:

• Ladders and hatch access points
• Loading docks and production areas
• Skylights and roof edges
• Areas with heavy machinery

Go Beyond Roof Safety: Comprehensive Building Envelope Services

Greenwood Industries can help with building upkeep beyond rooftop safety. Our roofing maintenance and repair packages provide ongoing inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs to extend roof life. Our waterproofing solutions protect structures from moisture intrusion, while historic restoration and masonry services ensure the longevity and performance of critical architectural elements. Together, these services support safe, durable, and code-compliant facilities.

Take Action: Schedule a Roof Safety Audit

To assess your facility’s roof safety and overall envelope, consider scheduling a Safety Audit with Greenwood Industries. Our team evaluates your current systems and recommends upgrades to ensure compliance, enhance safety, and protect your investment.

Wrap-Up

Using expendable dollars to improve rooftop safety is an investment in your team, your compliance, and your facility’s long-term performance. Combine safety upgrades with proactive maintenance, waterproofing, and restoration services to maximize the value of your budget while safeguarding employees and your building.

A typical commercial roof carries a 20-year warranty and, with proper maintenance, can last even longer. But how much longer, and how do you know when it’s time to consider a replacement?

If your roof is out of warranty, you may already be wondering about replacement. However, if it has been proactively maintained through a managed roof care program, it could outlast its warranty by 10 to 15 years. In other words, age alone doesn’t determine whether you need a new roof, it’s really about condition.

Signs It’s Time for a Roof Replacement

1. Persistent Leaks

This one is obvious. If leaks are becoming a recurring issue, especially after major storms, it’s likely your roof system needs extensive repairs or a full re-roof.

2. Visible Membrane Damage

Cracks, ridges, or punctures in the roof membrane compromise the integrity of the system and indicate it may be nearing the end of its service life.

3. Membrane Flaking

On EPDM roofs, a common warning sign is membrane flaking. If you rub your finger across the surface and material flakes off, the roof has reached the end of its useful life.

4. Wet Insulation

If large sections of your roof feel soft underfoot, this often means water has infiltrated the system. Wet insulation loses effectiveness and can quickly lead to widespread structural issues.

5. Changes in Building Usage

If your property is undergoing a significant change in use—such as installing heavy rooftop equipment, expanding occupancy, or increasing energy demands—a new roof system may be necessary to support those changes.

Replacement Isn’t Always the Only Option

In some cases, a full replacement may not be needed right away. If the roof membrane is still in good shape, a roof restoration can extend the life of your system for several more years.

We specialize in roof restorations that extend the lifespan of aging commercial roofs while giving property owners peace of mind. Our experts can assess your system and recommend whether a restoration or replacement is the best option for your building.

 

Is it time for a new roof? Contact us today to schedule an inspection and discover whether restoration or replacement is the right solution for you.

WORCESTER, MA (June 11, 2025) — Greenwood Industries, the Northeast’s leading provider of commercial roofing and building envelope solutions, has generously donated and installed a new roof for the Family Promise Metrowest Center. This pro bono project—covering all materials and labor—was made possible in part thanks to donated materials from QXO, Inc. (NASDAQ: QXO), and reflects Greenwood’s commitment to community partnership and support for families experiencing homelessness.

Family Promise Metrowest serves families with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing shelter, education, and comprehensive support. The organization focuses on low- and moderate-income Massachusetts residents, prioritizing those from the Metrowest region. Families of all compositions and genders are welcomed.

Prior to the renovation, the Center’s roof was severely deteriorated and structurally compromised. These conditions disrupted daily operations, hindered family meetings, and affected collaboration with community partners. A secure and well-maintained facility is vital to delivering the safe, respectful environment Family Promise Metrowest strives to provide.

With a new roof in place, the organization is now positioned to expand in-person workshops, strengthen partnerships, and engage more volunteers. The upgrade ensures that the Center remains a professional, welcoming space—one that reflects the dignity every family deserves.

“Greenwood Industries didn’t just replace a roof—they reinforced the foundation of our mission,” said Danielle Conti, Executive Director of Family Promise Metrowest. “Their generosity and partnership reflect a shared belief that every family deserves dignity, safety, and a place to grow. When businesses step up like this, they don’t just improve buildings—they strengthen entire communities.”

To learn more about Family Promise Metrowest, donate, or volunteer, please visit www.familypromisemetrowest.org or contact Amy Miller at [email protected].

About Greenwood Industries

Greenwood Industries is the Northeast’s leading commercial roofing and custom building envelope provider, with offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For 30 years, Greenwood has delivered commercial roofing, architectural metal fabrication, waterproofing, and maintenance services for all exterior building systems. Recognized by Roofing Contractor Magazine as the tenth-largest commercial roofing company in the nation, Greenwood has earned numerous awards for craftsmanship. Visit www.greenwoodindustries.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for more information.

About Family Promise Metrowest

Founded in 2008, Family Promise Metrowest (FPM) offers a spectrum of services to families that are facing housing instability and homelessness. From a family shelter based in Natick Center to a homelessness prevention program that serves families across the region, FPM has grown exponentially in recent years, now helping close to 100 families per year access stable housing, sustainable employment, affordable childcare, and educational opportunities. By partnering with local businesses, congregations, foundations, schools, and dedicated volunteers, FPM is creating real solutions to the housing crisis facing families.

Media Contacts

Amy Miller, Executive Director
Family Promise Metrowest
[email protected]

Ginny Pitcher, Vice President of Marketing
Greenwood Industries
[email protected]

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.