As the seasons change and winter’s harsh weather gives way to warmer spring days, it’s the perfect time to perform a thorough inspection of your commercial roof. A spring inspection helps identify any damage caused by winter storms, heavy snow, or ice buildup, ensuring that your roof is ready to handle the upcoming summer heat and potential rainstorms. Here’s a guide on what to look for during your spring commercial roof inspection to maintain the longevity and integrity of your building’s roof.

Check for Leaks and Water Damage: Winter weather, especially heavy snow and ice, can cause significant damage to commercial roofs, including leaks. Over time, trapped moisture can seep into roofing materials, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. During your spring inspection, your contractor will look for several things. Water stains on the ceiling or walls inside the building, particularly around the edges and corners, may indicate an active leak. Discoloration or dark spots on the roofing material may signal areas where water has pooled or penetrated. Inside the building, if there is a damp or musty smell, it could point to a leak or excessive moisture.
Inspect for Cracked, Missing, or Loose Shingles/Tiles: Roof shingles or tiles are some of the most vulnerable parts of a commercial roof, particularly after the harsh winter season. Freeze-and-thaw cycles can cause cracking, warping, or even detachment. During the spring inspection, watch for cracked or split shingles that may have weakened or been broken due to winter weather. Loose or broken tiles can allow water to infiltrate, while granule loss (Asphalt Shingles may indicate that the shingles are deteriorating.
Examine the Roof Membrane: For flat roofs, commonly found on commercial buildings, the roof membrane is the primary barrier between the building and the outside elements. Damage to the membrane can lead to leaks and water pooling.Therefore, an inspector should assess the roof membrane for any tears, punctures, or holes, which could have occurred from debris or the freezing and thawing process. Blisters or bubbles on the membrane may indicate trapped moisture or air that can weaken the membrane’s integrity, while loose or peeling roof edges may lead to water infiltration along the seams.
Inspect Flashing and Seals: Flashing is a crucial part of your commercial roof, helping to seal around protrusions like chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing that is damaged or improperly sealed can allow water to penetrate and cause significant damage.A spring roof inspection should inspect flashing around roof penetrations for signs of cracking, rusting, or detachment. Inspectors should check seals around vents, pipes, and skylights for any gaps, cracks, or deterioration, as water can easily enter through these vulnerable areas. In addition, flashing made from metal can corrode over time, so an inspection should look for signs of rust or corrosion along the edges.
Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts play a critical role in channeling rainwater away from the roof and building foundation. Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to water buildup on the roof, causing leaks and potential structural damage.Gutters should be cleared of leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage the roof. Likewise, sagging or detached gutters may have been caused by ice dams or heavy snow. Check the downspouts to ensure that water can flow freely. If water is not being directed away from the building, it can pool on the roof, leading to damage.
Signs of Ponding Water: Ponding water occurs when rainwater pools on flat roofs rather than draining off properly. Prolonged ponding water can lead to roof membrane damage and accelerate the deterioration of roofing materials.During the spring inspection, check for any areas on the roof where water remains stagnant after rainfall. Standing water can weaken roofing materials and increase the risk of leaks. Prolonged ponding water can cause the roof to weaken, leading to sagging or warping. This should be addressed immediately to prevent long-term damage.

A thorough spring inspection of your commercial roof is essential for maintaining the longevity of your building and avoiding costly repairs down the road.

Call Unicoat Industrial Roofing to schedule a spring inspection for your commercial roof, and to learn more about how roof coatings can effectively fix the issues that may have manifested over the winter.