Commercial Building Maintenance Checklist

Roof

• Membrane condition: cracking, blistering, punctures, seam integrity.
• Flashings at every penetration and parapet.
• Drains, scuppers, and roof gutters clear and flowing.
• No ponding water more than 48 hours after rain.
• Rooftop equipment secured and not damaging membrane.
• Manufacturer warranty paperwork on file.

See our roof-specific inspection checklist for detail.

Gutters and downspouts

• Clean of leaves, debris, and granule buildup.
• Hangers tight, no sagging sections.
• Seams sealed, no visible leaks.
• Downspouts discharging at least 6 feet from foundation, no crushed sections.

Exterior walls

Masonry

• Mortar joints intact, no spalling or missing mortar.
• Brick or block faces clean, no efflorescence (white salt deposits).
• No visible cracking patterns that indicate settlement or moisture.
• Weep holes clear.

Metal siding

• Panels secure, fasteners tight, no rust streaks.
• Trim and J-channel intact.
• No impact damage at lift or vehicle level.

EIFS, stucco, or coated walls

• Coating intact, no cracking or delamination.
• Sealant joints sound, no failure at transitions.

Sealants

• Perimeter sealant on windows, doors, and storefronts.
• Expansion joint sealant.
• Sealant where dissimilar materials meet (brick to metal, masonry to roof).
• No cracking, gaps, or pulling away.

Windows and storefronts

• Glass intact, no cracks or chips.
• No fogging or condensation between IGU panes.
• Sealant joints sound, gaskets in place.
• Door operation smooth, threshold seal intact.

Doors and openings

• Overhead doors operate smoothly, weather seals intact.
• Personnel doors close and latch properly.
• Frames not rusting at the base.

Paint and coatings

• No widespread peeling, blistering, or chalking.
• Trim and accent areas not failing ahead of main field.
• Plan for repaint cycles every 7 to 12 years on most commercial surfaces.

Site drainage

• Ground sloped away from foundation.
• No standing water near building perimeter.
• Catch basins and storm drains clear.

Seasonal cadence

Spring

• Post-winter roof and gutter inspection.
• Sealant joint check after freeze-thaw cycles.
• Pressure wash south and west elevations for paint planning.

Fall

• Pre-winter roof inspection and repair.
• Gutter and drain cleaning after leaf drop.
• Tank up any minor repairs before snow load arrives.

Why one maintenance partner is easier

Most commercial building owners we work with started by managing roof, gutter, masonry, and paint as four separate vendor relationships. The handoffs are where things fall through. We see buildings where a gutter contractor flagged wall staining that never got back to the masonry contractor, and a year later the wall needed major repair. One partner, one schedule, one report is dramatically simpler.

Related reading

• Roof Maintenance Guide
• Gutter Maintenance Guide
• Masonry Repair Guide