You did a quick visual check to confirm that all was well after the cold weather moved on, so your commercial roof should be just fine, right?
Not so fast.
“April Showers” – along with rooftop snow melt – can expose problems you didn’t notice before. If you did not get an end of winter inspection, you could be in for a surprise when the spring rains arrive. Here are some chores to take care of when April Showers arrive.
Check for minor roof damage: Spring rains may wash away some fall-winter dirt build up and expose problem areas on your commercial roof. Commercial roofs are complex structures and even a small nick or damaged spot can turn into a serious matter, so attending to any “minor” issues you spot as soon as possible is a must.
It’s time to go on leak patrol: Spring means more rain and more humidity. These two factors can combine to create leaks or moisture inside your facility. On the inside of the building, look for discolored areas of the ceiling and dirt or water streaks on walls. If you can see the underside of the roof deck, check for rust. All can be indicators that your roof’s watertight integrity has been compromised.
Review employee roof rules: Timing a quick refresher with the new season ensures everyone “gets” it, as the warm weather enables better access to the roof. Unless they have a specific role to perform, they shouldn’t be on it. Also – all employees should be aware of the interior signs of leaks. This is a good time to review your roof leak action plan and make sure your procedures and details are up to date.
Schedule an inspection: If you have a commercial facility, it’s a good idea to have at least two assessments per year to check for damage and hunt down any pending issues before they can damage your facility or disrupt your workflow. If it has been more than six months since your last roof inspection, the arrival of spring should prompt a visit from a professional to check your roof’s integrity and handle any issues caused by winter storms or cold temperatures.
Use the changing season and arrival of spring as an opportunity to protect your roof for the remainder of the year. Taking care of some simple housekeeping tasks now will ensure your roof is ready to deal with summer. Contact us to learn more about preparing your roof for warm weather, or to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your roof has been checked and approved by a pro.