For many McDonald’s Owner/Operators, the rooftop is out of sight and, often, out of mind until it becomes a liability. During an RGR (Running Great Restaurants) inspection, inspectors don’t just look at your kitchen or front-of-house operations. They also look above, at critical rooftop elements that impact safety, operations, and long-term brand standards.
An RGR rooftop inspection typically focuses on several key assets: grease vents, walk pads, and fixed ladders. Each of these components plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and functional building. Inspectors assess whether grease is being properly contained, whether vents are clogged or leaking, and whether walk pads and ladders and grab bars for access to the roof are in good working condition. While these may seem like minor technical details, overlooking them can pose serious problems for your business.
Unmanaged rooftop grease is the most misunderstood issue we see in the field. Many Owner/Operators don’t realize there are multiple ways grease can end up on the roof and most of them are easy to miss. It can be due to worn-out or missing vent gaskets, neglected grease traps or pillows, or even poor cleanup practices by third-party hood cleaners. Regardless of the source, once grease is on the roof, it becomes a major safety hazard for staff and contractors, can lead to structural damage, and creates conditions that are likely to result in failed inspections.
These risks aren’t just theoretical. A greasy, damaged, or unsafe rooftop can have real operational and safety consequences. Staff or contractors can slip and fall, triggering liability claims. Roof damage often leads to leaks, which can interrupt service and impact the customer experience. In more severe cases, unresolved rooftop issues have been known to impact an operator’s ability to expand within their McDonald’s system. Safety concerns, compliance failures, and repeat inspection flags can stall growth and lead to costly remediation.
At RoofingSource, we partner with McDonald’s Owner/Operators to proactively address the rooftop challenges that RGR inspections often uncover. Our RoofCare program, built specifically for McDonald’s Owner/Operators, is more than just a maintenance plan, it’s a comprehensive leak repair and asset management system. Essential to streamlining both proactive and reactive repairs, RoofCare creates a consistent, repeatable process for managing roof issues across every McDonald’s location.
Participating locations receive scheduled service visits three to four times a year. During each visit, our Field Advisors conduct a full rooftop inspection, service grease containment systems, and track the condition of critical assets. The result is a well-documented, well-maintained roof that stays ahead of inspection requirements and helps you avoid the costly consequences of deferred maintenance.
Many operators attempt to prepare for RGR inspections by power-washing the roof or clearing visible debris right before their scheduled review. While those efforts help, they’re often too little, too late. What matters more is consistent, ongoing rooftop maintenance that prevents grease buildup and ensures all components are in working order year-round. RoofCare, GreaseCare, and Roof Restoration services from RoofingSource provide that peace of mind.
McDonald’s rooftops aren’t just a technical concern, they’re a frontline issue for safety, compliance, and brand integrity. Whether you’re trying to pass an inspection or plan your next store opening, keeping your rooftop clean, safe, and up to standard is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Need expert eyes on your roof? Contact RoofingSource below or call (833) 247-7663 today to schedule a roof assessment.
Written by
John Barnes
Client Advisor
john.barnes@roofingsource.com
