Abstract

This document presents the results of a case study conducted in collaboration with a national building consultant managing a portfolio of over 4500 buildings in Canada. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of a proactive maintenance program using Domely Connect , an intelligent roof monitoring device, on the effectiveness of proactive roof management.

The study was based on a comparative analysis of data collected in 2020, before the implementation of the program, and in 2021, after the integration of the preventive maintenance program allowing remote inspections and snow load monitoring using Domely Connect . Further, data from academic publications, insurance partners and news reports supplement the analysis by providing insights into claims and events outside the partner's portfolio.

Two key indicators were selected for this comparison: the number of service calls and snow removal costs.

Note that the total snow fall between the 2 years for the regions where the customers were located was similar, with a difference of about 3.5 inches.

Results

Data analysis¹ revealed significant results in favor of proactive roof management supported by Domely Connect :

• 42% Reduction in Service Calls: The adoption of a preventive approach, including continuous monitoring and regular maintenance, significantly reduced the number of service calls related to roof problems. Water leaks from the roof were the most frequent subject of service calls (49% of total calls), with an average cost of 2707.29$ per intervention (excludes damaged goods and interior repairs). Insurance data² shows that the average total claim amount is about 15 000$.
• 57% Reduction in Snow Removal Costs: Proactive snow load monitoring, made possible by Domely Connect , enabled optimized snow removal operations, resulting in a substantial decrease in associated costs. Including specialized products, equipment and ground snow transportation, the median cost reported for a snow removal operation is 7765$ for a moderate size commercial building (25th Percentile ±4000$).
• Continuous Improvement over 3 Years: Program participants observed a 30% annual decrease in service calls, translating into an overall reduction of over 50% over a 3-year period.

The case study corroborates the findings of Public Safety Canada in its report " Emergency Management Strategy for Canada: Towards a Resilient 2030 ," which states:

The return on investment of proactive risk prevention/mitigation measures would generate a six dollar savings for every dollar invested.

Public Safety Canada Emergency Management Strategy for Canada: Towards a Resilient 2030

The Impact of Proactivity

Shifting from a reactive approach, where problems are addressed after they occur, to a preventive approach, where damage is anticipated and prevented, yields considerable benefits.

Reactive Management: A Costly Gamble

It is estimated that that a shocking 80% of commercial roofs are prematurely replaced due to preventable problems , highlighting the immense financial burden of neglecting roof maintenance. This reactive approach, characterized by addressing issues only after they manifest, often results in more extensive damage, higher repair costs, and potential business disruptions.

Data from a 15-year study conducted by Firestone Building Products and ProLogis, a leading provider of distribution facilities, reveals a compelling financial case for proactive maintenance. The study found that proactive roof maintenance costs an average of 14 cents per square foot annually, compared to 25 cents per square foot for reactive maintenance, representing a 44% cost increase.

Water Damage: The Silent Enemy of Commercial Buildings

Water damage, the most common consequence of roof neglect, can rapidly escalate into a major business crisis. As the roof accounts for approximately 10% of all property insurance claims, with water damage being the primary culprit in 70% of those cases, the average total claim cost reaches $15,000, according to available insurance data².

Interior repairs: Ceilings become stained, walls warp, drywall crumbles, and paint peels, creating an unsightly and unhealthy environment. Mold thrives in the dampness, posing health risks and requiring expensive remediation. Ceiling repairs alone can range from $500 to $2,500, while black water extraction can exceed $20,000 .

Operational Shutdown: Water damage often forces temporary closure, disrupting operations and halting productivity. Inventory and equipment can be damaged or destroyed, requiring replacement. Business interruption costs can equal or even surpass the expenses incurred from physical damage and loss. Business interruption claims, often tied to the speed of repairs, can be significantly impacted by disputed repair costs, further adding to financial losses.

Punctures and tears caused by foot traffic, dropped tools, and HVAC or other equipment installations can also puncture or tear the roof membrane, compromising its ability to keep water out.

Snow Removal : Larger Deployment, Increased Risks

In emergency situations, such as critical snow accumulation, large teams must be rapidly deployed to remove snow before structural damage or roof collapse occurs. This large-scale mobilization, sometimes involving up to 25 people or more, increases the risk of accidents, equipment damage, and potential harm to the roof itself. Clearing snow from a large commercial flat roof during a crisis becomes a complex and costly undertaking, demanding significant resources and careful coordination:

• Human Logistics: Large snow removal teams, sometimes composed of 25 or more people, must be mobilized. A bus is often required to transport workers to the site.
• Heavy Equipment: Cranes and forklifts are used to lift snow blowers and other heavy equipment onto the roof. In critical situations, the weight of the snow may be too great to support the additional weight of a snow blower. In such cases, snow removal must begin manually, with shovels, to gradually lighten the load before specialized equipment can be used.
• Temporary Infrastructure: Portable toilets and heated shelters are installed on site to meet the needs of workers, especially during periods of extreme cold.
• High Costs: Emergency interventions often involve overtime work on top of already scheduled operations . Union standards often require employees to be paid at premium rates (approximately 1.5 times normal rates), significantly increasing the final bill and your expenses. In extreme but unfortunately frequent cases, snow removal can cost over $ 140,000 because the situation was neglected and postponed. The reported average price for snow level assessment only, done by a professional is $ 781¹.

Limited Availability, Compromised Quality

During emergencies, most certified roofers are unavailable. You may have to settle for whatever workers are available, even if they are not the most qualified, increasing the risk of further damage to your roof.

Preventive Management: An Efficient and Economical Approach

• Smaller Teams, Minimized Risks: Thanks to Domely Connect 's proactive monitoring, you can plan targeted interventions with smaller teams and fewer equipment, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and labor costs.
• Roof Preservation, Cost Optimization: Removing snow only when necessary, promoting natural melting, and using de-icers preserves the integrity of the roof and reduces snow removal costs.
• Early Detection, Minor Repairs: Domely Connect alerts you to potential problems, such as water accumulation or equipment failure, allowing you to carry out minor repairs before the situation escalates.
• Strategic Planning, Operational Efficiency: Schedule snow removal operations at strategic times:
• Outside Peak Periods: Avoid holidays (like Boxing Day) when stores are crowded and parking lots are inaccessible, resulting in additional costs and logistical complications.
• Optimal Coordination: Coordinate snow removal with the teams responsible for clearing parking lots, optimizing operations, and avoiding additional costs.
• Selection of the Best Professionals: Planning gives you time to choose the most qualified contractors for maintenance work, ensuring optimal quality and controlled costs.

In short, proactive roof management translates into:

• Reduced risks
• Fewer accidents
• Less damage
• Lower expenses
• Greater peace of mind

Investing in prevention is an investment in the safety, durability, and profitability of your building.

1. Service call statistics from building consultant partner.
2. Claim Statistics from Insurance Partner