By Jesse Sanchez. 

Understanding warranty terms, exclusions and responsibilities can help building owners protect their roofing investments and strengthen risk management plans. 

Commercial roof warranties can provide an important layer of protection for a building’s roofing system, but Benchmark emphasizes that their value depends on how well owners understand the coverage. Each warranty has its own terms, liability limits, exclusions and owner responsibilities, making careful review essential before the agreement is accepted. 

A commercial roof warranty is a contract between the warrantor and the building owner. Some provisions, such as legal jurisdiction, may be relatively easy to negotiate, while added protections for hail or higher wind speeds may require additional costs or changes to the roof assembly. 

Roofing material manufacturers typically offer warranties ranging from five to more than 25 years, with 10- and 20-year terms among the most common. Installing contractors generally provide shorter warranties lasting two to five years, although some extend to 10 years. Manufacturer warranties commonly address leaks caused by covered product defects or workmanship issues, while contractor warranties focus on installation workmanship. 

These warranties are reactive, not preventive. They may provide a remedy when a covered leak occurs, but they do not stop leaks from developing and should not replace regular roof inspections and preventive maintenance. 

Common exclusions can include improper roof design, catastrophic events, unauthorized repairs, incompatible materials, changes in building occupancy and inadequate drainage. Owners may also be required to document maintenance, report leaks promptly, use approved contractors and provide roof access to preserve warranty coverage. 

Building owners can strengthen their risk management strategies by combining a long-term manufacturer material warranty with a contractor workmanship warranty, qualified roof design services and a comprehensive annual maintenance program. Property insurance should also be reviewed to understand coverage for significant weather events. 

Regardless of the warranty strategy selected, owners should understand exactly what is covered, what is excluded and what actions are required throughout the warranty period. 

Learn more about commercial roof warranty coverage, terms and risk management from Benchmark!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

For data centers, resilient roof systems help protect uptime, reduce risk and support long-term return on investment. 

For data centers, downtime is more than an inconvenience. It is a financial exposure measured in thousands of dollars per minute, with outages capable of reaching six- and seven-figure losses. In that environment, Benchmark understands the roof is not a passive building component. It is a frontline risk-control system protecting equipment, service continuity and client confidence. 

A resilient roof delivers value by reducing the likelihood of outages, limiting the severity of events and helping facilities recover faster when disruption occurs. Data centers carry a different risk profile than typical buildings because even small roof issues can lead to water intrusion, emergency shutdowns, contractual penalties, reputational harm and damage to sensitive equipment housed below. 

Resilience is not defined by one product or detail. It is the result of intentional planning, robust design, disciplined execution, and proactive maintenance. For mission-critical facilities, that means choosing systems that can withstand wind, hail, fire, foot traffic, chemical exposure and the realities of rooftop maintenance. 

Codes, climate and performance expectations are also changing how data center roofs are designed. ASTM International E3341 defines resilience as the ability to plan, adapt, withstand and recover from disruption while maintaining intended function. Applied to roofing, that means designing for expected hazards as well as low-probability events through redundancy, tested assemblies and conservative detailing. 

The return on investment comes through fewer leaks, fewer emergency repairs, longer service life and less disruption. Upgrades such as dense cover boards, thicker or multi-ply membranes, stronger attachment, secondary membranes and maintainable systems can improve repairability and support future recovery strategies. Thermal performance also contributes to resilience by reducing mechanical loads and helping stabilize interior conditions during abnormal operating events. 

Resilience does not stop at design. It depends on construction oversight, asset management, inspections, monitoring and early repairs. When built into the roof program from planning through maintenance, resilience becomes a stabilizing asset that protects uptime, capital, insurability and long-term operating confidence. 

Learn more about how resilient roof systems help protect data center uptime and reduce lifecycle risk!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Benchmark’s Roof System Selection Guide outlines key factors commercial roofing professionals should evaluate before choosing a roof system. 

Choosing the right commercial roof system is rarely simple, and choosing the wrong one can create costly consequences. From unsafe conditions to premature failure, roof performance depends on how well the system matches the realities of the building’s uses and its environment. Benchmark Inc., a national roof and pavement consulting firm, addresses those variables in its Roof System Selection Guide, an all-inclusive resource designed to help professionals evaluate roof systems with greater clarity. The guide emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and urges designers to consider each project on its own terms, including climate, roof access, foot traffic and potential chemical exposure. 

The guide states, “Understanding the criteria and factors that will cause the roof system to deteriorate will allow the roof designer to weigh pros and cons of various roof membranes and systems.” The resource examines 16 key attributes that affect roof performance, service life and cost efficiency. Among them is ponding water, which Benchmark identifies as a major concern for long-term durability. Standing water can intensify ultraviolet damage, freeze and thaw during colder seasons and collect hazardous chemicals. The guide also notes, “Many manufacturer warranties specifically exclude damages caused by long-term ponding water (>48-hours).” 

Chemical exposure is another important consideration, especially for industrial and food-service facilities. According to the guide, materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ketone ethylene ester (KEE) and metal can offer stronger resistance to oils and greases. However, Benchmark encourages roof system designers to consult manufacturers early in the planning process. 

The guide also highlights the importance of labor availability. Single-ply membranes have become widely used because of ease of installation, factory consistency and a larger available workforce. Still, modified bitumen and built-up roof systems remain viable options, particularly when puncture resistance is a priority. 

Throughout the guide, Benchmark frames roof system selection as a balance of benefits and trade-offs. Puncture-resistant systems may be more difficult to install or repair, while reflective membranes may create condensation concerns if vapor drive is not properly addressed. As the guide states, “Every project needs to be carefully examined to determine which roof system will perform best for your situation.” 

Learn more about Benchmark’s roof and pavement consulting services!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how proactive maintenance, planning and financial strategy can help facilities withstand increasingly severe weather. 

As storm activity intensifies, the cost of delayed action continues to rise. Benchmark notes that in response, organizations are moving away from reactive repair cycles and toward proactive asset management strategies that prioritize continuity, safety and long-term performance. 

That shift becomes most visible at the building’s exterior, where risk often begins. Roof systems and surrounding pavement serve as the first line of defense, yet they frequently go unnoticed until failure occurs. When drainage systems become obstructed or surfaces begin to deteriorate, the impact can escalate quickly, from localized ponding to interior water intrusion, structural strain and operational disruption.  

Preventing those outcomes requires routine maintenance, including clearing debris from drainage systems, identifying minor roof vulnerabilities and tracking post-storm repairs, which helps stabilize performance before issues compound. In more advanced stages of deterioration, full roof replacement may be the most practical solution. At the same time, pavement conditions demand equal scrutiny. Cracking, erosion and pothole formation not only disrupt drainage but also introduce safety concerns for vehicles and pedestrians, increasing exposure to liability. 

To address these risks more effectively, facility managers are adopting structured, forward-looking approaches. Regular inspections, timely interventions and the use of higher-quality materials strengthen resilience under stress. Maintaining clear and functional drainage pathways remains central to this effort, as even minor blockages can trigger widespread water accumulation and downstream damage. 

Operational readiness, however, extends beyond physical systems. Staff training, emergency response planning and financial preparedness all contribute to a facility’s ability to respond and recover. Allocating resources for both immediate repairs and long-term mitigation, while maintaining a clear understanding of insurance coverage, supports faster, more controlled recovery. Integrating sustainability strategies further reinforces resilience by aligning infrastructure decisions with evolving environmental demands. 

With consistent weather volatility, proactive planning is no longer optional. Organizations that anticipate risk, rather than react to it, are better positioned to reduce downtime, manage costs and maintain confidence in their operations despite increasingly unpredictable conditions. 

Learn more about proactive weather strategies that help facility managers strengthen resilience, reduce downtime and maintain operational stability in the face of increasingly severe conditions!

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry experts break down what roof restorations are and why they are growing popular now. 

Roof restoration has grown to be the go-to alternative for traditional tear-offs and replacements. To help people learn more about what defines a restoration project and the key standards that guide a successful restoration project, the Roof Coating Manufactures Association (RCMA) recently sponsored a Coffee Conversation® on the topic. In the episode, Megan Ellsworth sat down with an expert panel that included Josh Poole from Tremco, Cody Wilson of Uni Roofing and James Santiago from Benchmark. 

Josh opened the conversation by defining what a roof restoration is, explaining, “I would define it as the process of extending the service life of an existing roof. And generally, that's going to feature a roof coating or some type of a liquid-applied roofing product.” As for why the fluid-applied restoration market has taken a while to grow in popularity, it all has to do with a misunderstanding of what coatings are. Cody explained:  

A lot of people used to think restoration meant temporary repair. And it really isn’t; we’re not just painting your roof and calling it a day. When a contractor restores a roof, there’s a lot of prep work that goes into it, from assessment of the existing structure to repairs that need to be done beforehand to make sure that this roof is tight and ready to go. 

James shared a bit more about what these preparation tasks might look like, saying, “The first step is always determining if a roof is a good candidate for restoration. Here, good contractors will do things like perform infrared scans determine the attachment of the existing system.” And, as the industry has finally begun to realize, when these proper preparation steps are taken, coatings can be a powerful option for aging roofs. As Josh added: 

Restoration has really established itself as a viable solution that truly performs for the customer or the end user at the end of the day. It can typically be done at a fraction of the cost of replacement, it minimizes disruption to the building beneath it, requires minimal contractor labor/equipment and has a number of sustainability benefits including reduction in landfill material and greenhouse gases. 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the episode to learn more about liquid-applied roof restoration and its benefits.  

Teresa's vision is for Benchmark's people systems to be as intentional and disciplined as its technical expertise. 

We are pleased to welcome Teresa Weber as head of people & organizational effectiveness. Teresa brings deep experience in human resources, organizational development and leadership effectiveness. Her work has focused on helping organizations grow with intention by aligning the right people together with business goals. In this role, she will help Benchmark strengthen the systems, structure and leadership practices that support long-term performance.

A leadership role built for growth

Benchmark has earned client trust through technical expertise, independent advice and reliable service. As the company continues to grow, strong internal alignment becomes even more important. Clear expectations, defined accountability,and effective leadership practices help ensure that growth supports quality rather than distracting from it.

That is where Teresa’s experience will make an immediate impact. Her role is centered on helping Benchmark’s people systems match the same discipline and rigor that clients already expect from its consulting work. This means supporting leaders, improving organizational clarity and building scalable systems that reinforce company values and business strategy. People and organizational effectiveness shape how a company hires, develops talent, manages performance and prepares for the future. When these areas are strong, teams work better together, leaders make better decisions and clients benefit from a more aligned organization.

Helping organizations create clarity and improve performance

Before joining Benchmark, Teresa served as Vice President of Talent and Culture, where she worked closely with executive leadership to align people strategy with business outcomes, strengthen organizational structure, clarify accountability and build scalable people systems designed to support growth.

Her work consistently centers on a few core priorities:

• Put the right people in the right seats
• Build clarity around roles and expectations
• Reinforce accountability at every level
• Align people systems with company values and strategy

These priorities directly address the risks that come with expansion – blurred reporting lines, slower decision-making and uneven expectations, making Teresa especially well-suited for Benchmark's next phase.

A vision for people systems that match technical excellence

Teresa's vision is for Benchmark's people systems to be as intentional and disciplined as its technical expertise. Sustainable growth depends not only on adding capacity or expanding reach, but on having the structure, leadership and accountability to support that growth well. She sees an opportunity to strengthen that foundation and help the company continue elevating the roofing and paving consulting industry by pairing technical excellence with strong leadership practices and clear organizational accountability.

Her long-term focus includes stronger organizational alignment, better leadership support, succession readiness and sustainable growth.

From foundational systems to long-term leadership capability

One of the most important parts of Teresa’s perspective is that organizational effectiveness is not static. What a company needs at one stage of growth may not be enough for the next.

Early on, the focus may be on building foundational people systems. As the business grows, leadership development becomes more important, succession planning more urgent and cross-functional alignment more complex. Teresa understands that progression and sees her role evolving alongside Benchmark's needs – keeping people strategy closely connected to business strategy through clear choices, consistent expectations and strong leadership habits.

Education and interests

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa. Providing a strong foundation for her work in people strategy, leadership and organizational effectiveness.

Outside of work, Teresa enjoys spending time with her family and staying active. She especially enjoys boating, hiking and traveling, interests that reflect her appreciation for the outdoors and for exploring new places.

Looking ahead

Teresa joins Benchmark at an important time, and her addition strengthens our path forward by ensuring the internal organization is equipped to support future growth with the same discipline and excellence our clients have come to expect. We look forward to the leadership she will bring to Benchmark's next chapter.

Benchmark, Inc., a recognized leader in roof and pavement consulting, proudly announces the appointment of Nathan Williams as the new Chief Financial Officer.

As a certified public accountant with a strong background in financial strategy, Williams will play a crucial role in advancing Benchmark’s internal operations to better serve clients across the roofing and facility management industries.

Williams holds dual degrees in accounting and interdepartmental studies: health science from the University of Iowa. He began his career in public accounting as an auditor with RSM, where he built a solid foundation in financial compliance and reporting. He subsequently transitioned to the private sector, serving as controller at Metro Pavers. This foundational experience in the paving and construction sector provides him with valuable insight into the operational landscape of Benchmark’s consulting services.

Following his time at Metro Pavers, Williams served as the director of finance for Iowa Speedway and NASCAR. Most recently, he held the position of vice president of finance at Farmers Hen House. During his tenure there, he proved himself as a catalyst for transformative corporate growth. His notable achievements included managing the financial strategy to double the branded business, facilitating the acquisition of a drinkable yogurt company and successfully completing a comprehensive sales initiative over a three-year period.

"Nathan is exactly the kind of leader we were looking for - sharp, strategic and ready to roll up his sleeves," said Vince Ellison, president of Benchmark, Inc. “He brings real depth in financial leadership,and he's already making an impact. We're building something special at Benchmark, and adding Nathan to this team gives us even more firepower to get where we're going.”

In his new position, Williams looks forward to collaborating closely with the company's consulting and operational teams. By aligning financial strategies with departmental goals, Williams aims to support the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering independent advice, innovative services and reliable solutions to its roofing clients.

About Benchmark

Benchmark, Inc. has been a trusted leader in roof and pavement consulting for over 30 years. Dedicated to delivering independent advice, innovative services and reliable solutions, the company helps organizations make informed decisions, mitigate risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of their facility assets. With a mission to empower its clients, Benchmark consistently raises the bar for technical expertise and fosters strong, collaborative relationships built on trust.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how contractors are using planning and communication to navigate labor pressures and position for growth in 2026. 

Labor challenges are not new to roofing, but the stakes surrounding them continue to rise. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), contractors and industry partners acknowledged that workforce constraints are reshaping how projects are planned, staffed and executed. Speaking on the RoofersCoffeeShop® sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution, Vince Ellison, president of Benchmark, described labor as a long-standing issue that now carries greater operational complexity. Shifting schedules, tighter margins and increased coordination across stakeholders have raised the cost of miscommunication. 

“First of all, there's no magic bullet,” Vince said. That reality, he explained, places greater responsibility on preparation and planning. Contractors cannot rely on last year’s assumptions or informal coordination. Instead, they must anticipate workflow demands, maintain consistent communication with clients and align early with manufacturers, consultants and other project partners. 

When communication falters, the impact compounds quickly. A minor delay in materials or staffing can ripple through an entire project timeline. Conversely, proactive communication allows teams to adjust before small disruptions escalate into costly setbacks. Events such as IRE provide a concentrated opportunity to reinforce those relationships. For Benchmark, the show offers a chance to meet with long-standing partners and newer contacts alike. “When our team comes out here, we get to meet with so many contractors,” Vince said. “In one trip, we can meet with 10, 15, 20 contractors that we've been working with for the last year or maybe the last 20 years.” 

As the industry looks toward 2026, Vince anticipates growth but stresses adaptability. “In 2026 we believe there is going to be growth. I would say the lesson that we learned in 2025 was to anticipate change, but don't let that stop you,” he said. For contractors, growth will depend less on quick solutions and more on disciplined planning, steady communication and the ability to adjust as conditions evolve. 

Learn more about planning for growth amid change at IRE 2026 and how contractors are strengthening communication and preparation to navigate labor pressures in the year ahead!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How consultants are navigating evolving fire codes, wind requirements and commissioning practices to strengthen building performance. 

As building codes evolve and environmental risks intensify, roofing consultants are sharpening their focus on how entire building systems perform, not just individual components. That shift was evident at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) show, where conversations centered around these topics.  

For Brad Conlin, senior roof consultant at Benchmark, the value of the event starts with the people it brings together. “The number one reason to come to this show is that it's a conglomeration of professionals from the roofing and building enclosure industries in one spot,” Brad said. That concentration of expertise creates a consistent exchange of ideas and experience. He added, “I don't think I ever leave here without learning something new.” 

Those insights are becoming increasingly critical as consultants respond to a changing risk landscape. Fire protection, in particular, has emerged as a central topic, with more attention being paid to fire ratings and how buildings perform in wildfire-prone environments. Brad noted that discussions are expanding beyond individual assemblies to include the broader wildlife urban interface, where the spread of fire between structures must be addressed at a system level. He said, “It really is an entire building envelope issue to make sure you not only know you're containing the combustion of fires, but also the propagation of fires and the spread of fires.” 

At the same time, evolving codes are reshaping design priorities. Brad pointed to the adoption of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), which introduces updated wind requirements, including considerations tied to tornado activity. As jurisdictions begin to implement those standards, consultants are working to ensure that designs remain both compliant and performance driven. 

Alongside these developments, building commissioning is gaining momentum as a critical part of the process. While historically outside the core scope of roofing, Brad said consultants are increasingly aligning their work with broader envelope testing and verification efforts. “I learned a little bit about that this week,” he said, highlighting the need for coordination across systems. 

Together, these trends reflect a more integrated approach to building performance, where consultants play a key role in connecting code compliance, risk mitigation and long-term durability. 

Watch Brad's full interview to hear him discuss fire risk, wind performance, and commissioning requirements in today’s evolving code environment!

By Benchmark.

Benchmark named a 2025 Top Workplace in Iowa, an achievement we celebrate as a company, and as a community of professionals committed to excellence.

We are thrilled to announce that The Des Moines Register has awarded Benchmark a 2025 Top Workplaces honor (#37 for company size: 35-149). This prestigious recognition is a direct result of our team’s dedication and the vibrant culture we have cultivated together. It’s an achievement we celebrate not just as a company, but as a community of professionals committed to excellence.

This award is especially meaningful because it is based entirely on employee feedback. It reflects the authentic experiences and perspectives of the people who make Benchmark what it is today. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and what it says about our commitment to creating a supportive, engaging and rewarding work environment.

Our amazing team

This achievement belongs to every single member of the Benchmark team. Our leadership is honored to guide such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.

Vince Ellison, President of Benchmark, shared his thoughts on the award: “What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it comes from our people — the talented, committed team driving our work forward every day. This award reflects the relationships we’ve built, the accountability we hold ourselves to and the pride we take in our work. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this team and excited about what we’ll continue to build together.”

This employee-centric philosophy is at the core of our operations. We believe that investing in our people is the most effective way to drive success for our clients and our organization.

Lori Madrick, HR Director, also commented on the significance of this recognition: "Earning the Top Workplace award is a proud moment for all of us. It highlights the passion and commitment our people bring to their work each day. Our positive culture doesn't just make for a better workplace; it translates directly into the exceptional service and innovative solutions we deliver to our clients. I am so proud to be part of a team that genuinely supports one another and celebrates shared success."

Our commitment

We understand that our success is built on the foundation of a strong, healthy culture. This award is not a finish line but a milestone on our continuous journey of improvement. It inspires us to keep listening to our employees and investing in initiatives that support their personal and professional growth.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where our team feels empowered, heard and valued. From professional development opportunities to fostering a healthy work-life balance, our goal is to make Benchmark an exceptional place to build a career.

What makes a top workplace?

The Top Workplaces award is not determined by a panel of judges, but by the people who know a company best: its employees. The process is managed by Energage, LLC, an employee engagement technology partner. They conduct a confidential survey that goes directly to our team members.

This survey measures 15 key culture drivers that are essential for organizational success. These drivers include:

• Alignment: Understanding where the company is going and how we will get there.
• Execution: Believing that the company operates efficiently and in line with its goals.
• Connection: Feeling appreciated, valued and that your work has meaning.