As spring arrives and temperatures rise, the effects of winter weather on commercial roofs become more apparent. Harsh conditions like snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can create hidden damage, and as a building owner, it's critical to identify these issues early to help avoid major repair bills and disruption to building operations.
Taking a proactive approach to spring roof maintenance not only can help protect your investment but also can help ensure the building's safety and integrity. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspecting roof systems at least twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. These essential spring roofing tasks can help you prepare your roof for the season, prevent premature roof failure, and keep all systems in great shape.
Post-Winter Roof Inspection Guidelines
Roofs are especially susceptible to damage over the winter, with ice buildup, heavy snow, and the freeze/thaw cycle potentially leading to issues like shingle damage, leaks, and structural problems come spring. Strong winter winds can also lift roof materials, which may damage roof seams and membranes. This type of hidden damage can affect your bottom line, either through costly emergency repairs, interior water damage, or energy inefficiencies.
To identify these and other potential issues that could impact a commercial roof's performance, begin your spring roof maintenance plan with a thorough post-winter inspection. Common problems include ice dams, clogged or bent gutters and drainpipes, and cracked flashing. The sooner the roof is inspected after the spring thaw, the better the chances of catching minor damage before it worsens and leads to costly repairs.
During the inspection, a roofing professional will typically check for signs of leaks and structural issues, such as rips or blisters in the roof membrane, missing screws or fasteners, and damaged flashing. The process typically starts with a ground-level assessment around the building's perimeter, using binoculars to spot visible signs of damage, like sagging areas or issues with the roofing membrane. Then, they'll often conduct a closer inspection of hard-to-reach spots, such as flashing and areas prone to water pooling.
As the building owner, you should schedule this inspection and follow up on the repair recommendations promptly. Delaying necessary repairs can allow minor issues to escalate and increase the cost of remediation.
Spring Roof Maintenance Best Practices
Spring maintenance isn't just about identifying problems; it's also about taking steps to help prevent them. One of the most important tasks for building owners is ensuring that roof drains and gutters are cleared of the debris that accumulated over the winter. If drains are blocked, water from spring rainstorms can back up and pool on the roof, potentially leading to leaks or water damage that could affect building occupants or interior assets. A roofing professional can address any drainage issues to ensure proper water flow. They can also repair any compromised flashing by sealing cracks, replacing missing bolts, and tightening metal fasteners throughout the structure.
Additionally, be on the lookout for signs of animals who may have sought shelter in the building during the winter months. Nests and other signs of wildlife intrusion should be removed promptly to prevent damage to roof components.
Addressing Ponding Water Issues as Snow Melts
As snow melts in the spring, ponding or standing water can form, especially on flat or low-slope roofs. Left unchecked, this can lead to leaks or premature roof degradation on certain types of roofing systems, which can translate into unexpected maintenance costs and possible disruption to business operations. While standing water is a concern for any type of roof, metal roofs are especially vulnerable to this type of damage.
Hire a professional to inspect your building's roof for ponding water as soon as spring arrives. If any is found, it can be addressed by clearing clogged gutters, adjusting the roof's slope, removing any debris and moss from the roof, gutters, and downspouts, or improving the drainage system. Consider calling the contractor who installed your roof for a seasonal evaluation. Since they're familiar with your system, they're in a great position to help identify and resolve any issues early.
Preparing Commercial Roofing Systems for Heavy Spring Rains
In many areas, spring brings heavy rainstorms that can worsen existing roofing issues and lead to leaks. This could potentially interrupt operations or damage interior spaces and equipment. Proper drainage is imperative to protecting the roof structure, so arrange for a thorough roof inspection to check for cracks, weak points, or other vulnerabilities that could leave the building vulnerable to water infiltration.
Downspouts should direct water away from the building to prevent damage to the foundation. Since snow and ice accumulation can deform or detach sections of downspouts away from the structure, have them inspected for cracks, leaks, or loose connections, and ensure they're resealed or reattached as needed. Work with your contractor to remove any accumulated dirt and plant growth, including moss, which tends to thrive in small crevices between shingles where it retains moisture that can contribute to deterioration.
Trimming overhanging branches from nearby trees can also help minimize further debris buildup on the roof and reduce the risk of damage. Each of these spring roof maintenance strategies can help avoid expensive emergency calls and maintain your building's value.
Prevention Is Key
Identifying winter damage, such as ice dams, flashing issues, and leaks, early in the spring season is a prudent prevention strategy against major structural issues and costly repairs. With a regular spring roof maintenance and inspection plan in place, you can detect issues and follow up with the necessary steps before they become more serious, giving you peace of mind that your building is protected through the seasons.
Investing in preventive roof maintenance can go a long way toward protecting the long-term health of your roof, your property, and your reputation as a responsible building owner. Make it a habit to follow a scheduled roof maintenance plan to help spot hidden damage early, and work with a commercial contractor in your area, preferably one who's familiar with your specific roof system, to conduct commercial roof inspections and repairs as needed.
