When spring comes around, we often associate it with a renewed commitment to action.
Spring cleaning around the house. Preparing the gardens and lawns for new growth. Getting outside in warmer weather, maybe starting a new exercise routine.
Spring is also a great time for taking care of your business’s roof.
Winter snow, ice, and wind can wreak havoc. Spring is the time of year to check for signs of new damage or wear and tear, ensure drainage systems are clear and ready for rain, and more.
For commercial roofing in Buffalo, March tends to be a busy month as teams get back to full speed after the deep of winter clears out. Make sure to get your spring inspection on the books well ahead of time – and if you haven’t yet, now is the best time to make a call.
Where can you start? Here’s five things commercial roofing partners are looking for in the spring:
- Assessing winter damage
- Clearing debris and cleaning drainage systems
- Checking weak spots for early signs of damage
- Reinforcing before spring storms
- Getting a professional assessment of future roof maintenance needs
What does your business need to focus on in the coming spring months? Let’s get into it.
Assessing Winter Damage
Depending on the year, winter weather in Buffalo might run any time from October to March. Your commercial roof may have sustained significant wear and tear based on how much snow and ice it had to handle.
Cracks, leaks, and pooling water are all signs that would show how ice accumulation, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures have impacted your roof. Membrane damage also comes into play with rapid cycles of freezing and thawing.
A thorough post-winter inspection is essential to identify any problem areas before they escalate. Catching damage early helps prevent costly repairs, ensuring that your roof remains structurally sound as we transition into spring.
Clearing Debris and Ensuring Proper Drainage
Last spring in Buffalo brought much more rain than average. Before those heavy rains come in spring, ensure your drainage systems are clear and functioning properly.
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate over the winter, causing blockages in gutters, downspouts, and roof drains. These obstructions can lead to standing water, which increases the risk of leaks and structural damage.
The slope and upkeep of your roof both affect how well it drains and handles heavy rain:
- Flat and low-slope roofs are more prone to water pooling and accumulating in certain spots.
- Roofs without the proper coating or waterproofing will be more prone to leaks.
- For any roof, the whole drainage system – whether perimeter draining like gutters, or an internal system of drains and/or scuppers – needs to be inspected regularly and cleared of debris.
Regularly removing debris and checking for proper water flow helps protect your roof and building from water-related issues. A proactive approach to drainage maintenance can save you from costly emergency repairs down the line.
Checking for Early Signs of Damage
As the harsh winter colds and winds end, spring is the ideal time to inspect your roof for weak spots.
Pay close attention to roof seams, flashing, and sealants, as these areas are prone to wear and tear. Minor cracks or loose components can quickly become major issues if left unchecked.
Signs of ponding water should be addressed immediately, as standing water can deteriorate roofing materials over time. If you can’t get on the roof in the winter or early spring, there are still several signs you can look for inside that might indicate ponding water:
- Interior leaks or water stains
- Damp or musty odors
- Mold and mildew
- Sagging or uneven roof lines
- Dripping or overflowing gutters
By catching and repairing these vulnerabilities early, you can extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid expensive repairs.
Reinforcing Your Roof for Spring Storms
This spring weather can be unpredictable, bringing high winds and heavy rain that test the durability of your roof.
Reinforcing key areas such as roof edges, flashing, and fasteners ensures your system is prepared for the season’s challenges. For example, roof edges are particularly vulnerable to wind uplift and heavy rain. Checking that the edge membranes or coping are securely attached can prevent water from finding its way beneath the roofing material – and into your building.
Protective coatings and waterproofing measures may be beneficial, particularly for roofs that experienced winter damage. These are fairly straightforward, cost-effective preventative measures a commercial roofing repair partner can help you with.
Taking a proactive stance and strengthening your roofing system now can minimize the risk of leaks, uplift, and other weather-related damage. The best part of taking this approach? Saving costly repairs down the line.
Scheduling a Professional Inspection & Preventative Maintenance Plan
Many of the potential issues we’ve outlined here can be addressed before they impact your roof through proactive inspection and maintenance.
Preventative maintenance extends the lifespan of a commercial roof by ensuring wear and tear are managed proactively. What happens without regular upkeep? Small pools of water can grow larger and cause deeper water damage, weak flashing can result in damage from severe wind, and clogged gutters can cause a whole host of issues when water isn’t drained properly.
Investing in routine maintenance provides long-term savings and financial predictability. With a reliable roofing partner like Grove Roofing, you get develop a customized maintenance plan that aligns with your building’s specific needs, preventing disruptions and protecting your bottom line. Our TopWatch Maintenance Program is designed to extend the life of your commercial roof by up to 30%.
Spring Into Action Ensuring Your Roof is Protected
Through all the seasons of the year, a well-maintained roof offers long-term reliability and saves your business time and money from unexpected disruptions.
With proactive inspections, debris removal, and timely maintenance, you can ensure your roof is prepared for the seasons ahead. That’s part of how we offer Roofing Done Right.
Grove Roofing is committed to providing expert inspections, maintenance, and storm-readiness solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience Roofing Done Right.