What’s on the Roof

Rooftops are often overlooked—until something goes wrong. For facilities teams, the roof is a complex, sometimes hazardous workspace where every step, inspection, and repair carries operational, safety, and budget implications. Tasks like HVAC checks, leak repairs, or membrane inspections may appear routine, but the rooftop environment is anything but ordinary. Elevated, exposed, and subject to weather extremes, roofs demand disciplined planning, training, and situational awareness.

For many teams, the difference between a safe, efficient rooftop inspection and a risky one comes down to preparation — knowing what’s up there before anyone climbs a ladder. That’s why many facilities are turning to solutions like ARC Facilities, which provide mobile access to rooftop layouts, shutoffs, and equipment documentation in seconds

Safety First: The Ever-Present Challenge

When teams head up to the roof, safety is always the primary concern. “Access and safety were key concerns on our campus,” explained Shalita Myrick, Chief Operating Officer at Pacific Lutheran University. “Buildings range from 100-year-old structures to newer LEED-certified facilities, and every roof has its quirks. Some have permanent ladders and railings; others require temporary fall protection or creative solutions just to move equipment safely.”

Weather compounds the risk. Moss, rain, ice, and morning dew can make surfaces unpredictable, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Chris Cowger, a facilities professional who often works alone, said: “One of the biggest issues is getting all my equipment onto the roof. I work solo 99% of the time, so lifting heavy components safely is a real challenge.”

OSHA regulations provide a framework for fall protection—guardrails, anchored systems, and minimum distances from edges—but compliance alone isn’t enough. Fall protection must be paired with trained staff, inspected equipment, and constant monitoring of weather and roof conditions. Even minor lapses can lead to serious accidents or near-misses, emphasizing the importance of vigilance at every stage.

Rooftop Work Ripples Through the Building

Rooftop maintenance is rarely invisible to building occupants. “Ideally, no one inside notices when we’re on the roof,” said Shalita. “That means systems are functioning correctly. But reality is different—HVAC work can affect temperature control in classrooms or labs, and roofing projects can create noise or vibrations that interrupt classes or events.”

Even small leaks can cascade into major issues. A minor flashing problem can evolve into water intrusion, damaged ceiling tiles, mold remediation, and operational disruption.

Lisa Spinneweber, Director of Facilities and Transportation for the Yough School District,shared an example from a greenhouse where a seemingly minor leak at the junction of glass panels and brick led to water dripping into offices below, forcing staff to relocate sensitive equipment and creating distractions during work hours.

These stories underscore a crucial point: rooftop work is not just about the roof itself—it supports the smooth operation of the entire facility. Preventive maintenance and careful coordination with building occupants minimize disruptions, but even minor issues can quickly escalate if ignored.

Unexpected Impacts: Small Problems, Big Consequences

Minor rooftop problems often escalate into significant challenges. Joe Bucci, ABM Building Solutions, recalled a situation where damaged wooden trusses and plywood sheeting forced a worker to fall through a weak spot, creating both a safety incident and a repair headache. Chris Cowger added, “You fix one part and discover that the broken component caused another to fail. What seems small often snowballs into a larger issue.”

These incidents illustrate why proactive inspection and maintenance are critical. Aging infrastructure, complex building designs, and climate volatility can turn an ordinary service call into an emergency repair if preventive measures aren’t in place.

Ben Nascenzi is in charge of a major University Convention Center/Sporting Arena, so ensuring the roof remains functional and leak-free is a top priority. Even a small crack or pinhole can lead to significant issues—water always finds the path of least resistance and usually ends up in the most inconvenient spot.

“Several years ago, another major sporting venue in our state suffered a roof leak during a televised basketball game,” he said. “Water dripped directly onto the court, interrupting the event and creating both operational and reputational headaches. That kind of issue underscores why we take proactive steps here to identify potential problem areas early and mitigate risks before they escalate.”

Do You Believe in Magic?

If facilities professionals could wave a magic wand, certain improvements would transform rooftop work. Permanent fall protection, guardrails, anchor points, and dedicated walkways top the list. Inspection logs, real-time condition monitoring, and mapping noteworthy facility features from a tablet—would reduce guesswork, improve safety, and make maintenance more efficient.

Teams gain a clearer view of rooftop assets before stepping onto the roof by using solutions like ARC Facilities. Knowing exactly what equipment is located where, its condition, and any previous issues reduces unnecessary trips, improves planning, and minimizes exposure to risk. As Shalita noted, predictive technology and real-time data can flag potential issues before they become emergencies, saving time, labor, and money while enhancing crew safety.

Chris Cowger dreams of “levitating materials up to the roof” to ease solo work. While magic isn’t on the menu, the ARC Facilities solution streamlines coordination and planning so crews can focus on safe execution rather than guesswork or repeated trips. Similarly, digital maps and asset logs allow leaders and staff to see roof conditions, helping ensure repairs and inspections are scheduled efficiently with minimal disruption to building occupants.

Making the Case to Leadership

Convincing leadership to invest in roof repairs or upgrades requires connecting maintenance needs to risk management, operational continuity, and financial stewardship. “We frame the conversation around risk and the cost of inaction,” explained Shalita. “Instead of just saying, ‘This roof is at the end of its life,’ we explain the potential for interior damage, operational disruption, and higher repair costs if deferred.”

Rooftops are more than surfaces exposed to the elements—they are vital operational zones that keep buildings safe, functional, and comfortable. The challenges of rooftop work—safety, access, weather, and the ripple effects of minor issues—require careful planning, rigorous training, and thoughtful investment.

Preventive and predictive maintenance aren’t optional; they are essential strategies that protect people, assets, and budgets alike. By pairing disciplined safety practices with digital tools and real-time insights, facilities teams can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and minimize disruption. Solutions like ARC Facilities allow teams to plan smarter, communicate better, and tackle roof work with confidence—ensuring the hidden work above the ceiling continues to support life below it, quietly, efficiently, and safely.

Maria Ruiz shared her magic wand wish, “Real-time visibility and documentation—inspections, digital roof maps, and shared access between tenants and property managers would be game-changers. Predictive tech could flag issues before they become emergencies, reducing reactive maintenance.”

Respect for Roofs

Rooftops don’t get much attention—until something goes wrong. Up there, it’s all about safety, planning, and precision. Weather, tough access points, poor visibility, and aging infrastructure can turn a simple checkup into a serious challenge. And when something goes wrong up top, everyone below feels it.

That’s why forward-thinking facility teams are shifting gears—from reacting to problems to getting ahead of them. With the right mix of preventive maintenance and digital visibility, they’re working smarter, not just harder.

Every rooftop trip carries risk. But with ARC Facilities, those risks become manageable, predictable, and preventable. The platform turns guesswork into guided action, helping teams protect people, preserve assets, and keep operations running smoothly.