Spring into action: The importance of seasonal roof inspections

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the crucial role seasonal roof inspections play in extending the lifespan of a roof. 

Spring is the perfect time to throw open your windows and welcome the warmer weather by cleaning out the dust and grime that has accumulated over the long winter. But spring cleaning isn't limited to the interior of a building; it is also the perfect time for a routine roof inspection. Why inspect now? Over the winter a roof must endure conditions like freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads and ice buildup. All of these conditions and more can take a toll on the roof in the long run.  

In addition to repairing any damage from the previous season, springtime is ideal for proactive maintenance that prepares a roof for the summer storm season. In an article about roof inspections, Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems noted, “An assessment is meant to help catch any issues before they arise or early enough for them to be fixed. During inspections, the contractor will look for common problems such as tears, splits, punctures and other physical damage, plus clogged drains and gutters.” If these types of issues go unmanaged, they can lead to larger issues like mold and structural weakness.  

Overall, roof inspections are a crucial part of maintaining a safe and durable system. No matter what roofing products were originally installed, proactive action must be taken to protect the building owner’s investment and get the longest lifespan out of the roof. In addition to scheduling a spring inspection, here are a few other things building owners should have monitored throughout the year:  

• Debris buildup: This can create clogs in AC units, gutters and drainage pipes. 
• Foot traffic: Too much foot traffic on a roof is not only an unnecessary safety risk, but it also can lead to damage to the roof surface. Traffic on the roof should be limited to authorized personnel performing necessary services and inspections. 
• Standing water: This means that the roof is not draining properly and needs to be addressed as soon as it is noticed to avoid further and possibly irreparable damage. 
• Snow clearing: While it may look light and fluffy, snow can put a large strain on the roof due to its weight. It’s important to keep that cleared off in the winters. 
• Tree pruning: Overhanging branches can pose a risk to a roof as when they fall, they can puncture and damage the surface. Keeping these cleared away from the roof minimizes the risk. This also lowers the number of leaves building up on the roof and clogging gutters and drains. 
• Equipment management: Maintaining a roof is not necessarily just about the system itself. It’s important to make sure that building owners are keeping up on the maintenance for any machinery or equipment on the roof as well. When there are cases of these types of units breaking, they have been known to also damage the roof (think a leaking AC unit).  

If you’re looking for more resources about the importance of spring maintenance services, make sure to check out and share Elevate’s “Roof Maintenance Brochure”.