Historically, commercial skylights have gotten a bad rap. "The old joke was: 'if it's not leaking now, it will be soon,'" says Brian Grohe, a 13-year vet of the skylight industry and a commercial sales manager at industry leader VELUX. Fortunately, technology has changed that old tune for the better, turning commercial skylights into a golden opportunity for roofing contractors.

Roof coatings have become a popular option among contractors and building owners for extending the life of a structurally sound roof. Sometimes referred to as liquid-applied roofing systems, these solutions are made up of multiple components that can work together to form a seamless membrane — which can help significantly lengthen the lifespan of an existing low-slope roof.

A low-slope commercial roofing system is responsible for keeping the elements out of the building. During times of heavy rain, water with nowhere else to go may pond on the roof. A roof drain prevents water from ponding by providing a way for it to leave the roof.

Part of being a landlord is ensuring your tenant's home has adequate living conditions. Depending on its severity, a leaking roof could be a true emergency. Navigating this situation can be tricky for landlords. You want to fix the problem as soon as possible—but without disrupting your tenant's living situation. Here is a helpful process to follow to ensure everything runs smoothly when dealing with a roof leak, whether in a residential home or a commercial building.