Winter weather can adversely affect roofs, especially the flat kind typical of office buildings. The low slope means that drainage issues are more likely, increasing the risk of puddling and water damage. Now that the winter is over, have a contractor evaluate the surface to see if it was weakened. They can reveal what commercial roof repairs may be necessary to keep it going strong through the rest of the year.

Why You Should Have Your Commercial Roof Inspected in the Spring

1. Catch Leaks Early

Ice-laden tree limbs or heavy snow can cause damage to commercial roofs by scraping or weighing down the surface. However, when snow and ice aren't melting or are melting very slowly, it can be challenging to discover leaks in the roof. Instead, these become more apparent when the temperature warms up and spring showers begin. From inside the building, look for discoloration, swelling, peeling, or wet spots on the ceiling and walls. If you notice any, schedule an appointment for commercial roof repairs immediately to prevent more damage.

2. Deal With Mold

If the water damage is hidden behind drywall or in the attic, you might still notice some signs of mold growth from the moisture. For example, your employees may begin to have reactions to the spores, exacerbating the effects of spring allergies. This can reduce office productivity or result in people taking more sick days. If this becomes a problem, you will need a commercial roof inspector to look for and repair leaks before mold remediation can occur.

3. Prevent New Damage

Winter wind can cause branches, twigs, and leaves to land on roofs. If wet, they can trap moisture against the membrane, speeding up wear. The sharp edges of these plants could tear into the material as well, requiring commercial roof repairs. 

Lastly, this debris can clog gutters, even if they were cleaned before winter began. Overflowing gutters prevent the removal of water through the downspout, increasing material degradation and mold growth risk. After getting them cleared out again, commercial roofers can look at your drainage channels and make sure the effects of winter haven't caused them to sag or become misaligned so they can handle spring storms better.

If you need to schedule an inspection for your commercial roof, turn to A & M Contractors in Lincoln, NE. With over 30 years of experience, they offer everything from installation to repairs and maintenance throughout Nebraska. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and reach out to them at (402) 890-2343 for a quote.