How to Identify a Problem with Your Commercial Roof

With routine maintenance and regular inspections, commercial roofs have a lifespan of 25 years or more. But if you’re unaware of potential problems, minor problems can lead to high repair costs and undesired downtime for your commercial roof.

Between seasons is always a good time for commercial building owners to do a quick inspection to identify potential problems, as new weather conditions cause different types of issues.

The expert team at Ridgeworth Roofing has worked with commercial building owners and their roofs for over 50 years. Using our decades of experience and knowledge, we compiled a list of 5 ways to identify problems with your commercial roof before they become dangerous.

Why Chicago’s Weather Puts Extra Stress on Your Roof

Chicago’s climate poses distinct challenges for commercial roofs. 

From severe winters with heavy snow and ice to scorching summer heat and strong winds, these sometimes unpredictable events leave roofing materials vulnerable and stressed.

During the winter, one of Chicago’s biggest threats to commercial roofs is the freeze-thaw cycle. 

As temperatures fluctuate between freezing and thawing, any water trapped in small cracks or seams expands when frozen, causing the cracks to widen. 

Over time, this process weakens roofing materials, leading to leaks, membrane separation, and structural deterioration.

This cycle significantly damages flat commercial roofs.

Unlike sloped residential roofs, flat roofs are more susceptible to water pooling. If water cannot drain properly before freezing temperatures hit, it turns to ice and worsens structural stress.

Strong winds coming off Lake Michigan are another concern for commercial roofs. 

High winds from thunderstorms or winter storms loosen roofing materials, lift flashings, or even rip sections of the roof membrane.

Wind damage often occurs at the roof’s edges and corners, where pressure is the highest. 

Minor wind-related issues can escalate if unchecked, leading to water intrusion or insulation damage.

After any major weather event, it’s a good idea to reach out to the experts at Ridgeworth Roofing for a commercial roof inspection to check everything out.

5 Ways to Identify a Problem with Your Commercial Roof

As the commercial building owner, you must monitor potential hazards on your roof between scheduled inspections. 

Some require someone climbing on top of your roof, so ensure you follow all safety precautions, as water and ice can sometimes lead to injuries.

The best way to avoid severe harm to your roof is to be aware of minor problems before they become much more dangerous.

1. Visible Damage

After any storm, it is essential to check your commercial roof for visible damages. This includes inspecting flashings or architectural sheet metal and ensuring everything is tight. 

You may also need to look around the inside of your building for signs of cracks, holes, or punctures. Sometimes these occur due to hailstorms. Even the smallest of these frequently lead to repairs and unwanted consequences if ignored.

The best way to identify visible damage is to take extra precautions after any weather-related event, including inspecting the ceilings and surrounding areas of your commercial roof.

2. Collected Water

The first thing to check is to see if there are puddles on your commercial roof or ice dams (after a snowfall). If so, there are a couple of potential problems in play. 

Your roof drains, gutters, and downspouts may not be clear of debris, or there may be other issues with your drainage.

Be careful in the winter, though, as trapped water can freeze, causing slippery ice that makes it more likely that your commercial roof will fall off.

When inside your building, check for water stains or leaks in the ceiling or walls. This type of water damage is often a sign that the roof has a leak or is not sealed correctly.

While inspecting your commercial roof after every rainfall is unnecessary, it’s not a bad idea to look around after thunderstorms, windstorms, and snowfalls (after the snow has melted).

If you notice water on your roof, we recommend contacting trained roofing professionals with the necessary tools to walk around your roof.

3. Sagging/Uneven Surfaces

Another visible sign of commercial roof damage is sagging or uneven surfaces. These are clear signs that structural issues might exist, which could lead to significant repairs or, in a worst-case scenario, a complete roof collapse.

One reason your roof may be sagging or uneven is the weight of accumulated water over time. Water and ice are heavy and stress the surface of your roof over time.

If you notice dips, waviness, or humps on your roof, those are all clear signs of a sagging or uneven roof. We recommend contacting a roofing professional immediately, as structural problems quickly escalate.

4. Debris Accumulation

Also, look for anything that can block or clog gutters and downspouts—twigs, leaves, plastic grocery bags, and playground balls. Again, we are trying to minimize the amount of water on top of your roof while maximizing drainage, and each of these items adds potential roadblocks to removing water.

Another danger with debris on your roof is that if left untouched for long periods, it will deteriorate some of the materials that make up your commercial roof.

If water cannot get off the roof, it stays there. Ponding water on a roof can be just as big—if not bigger—a warning sign than an internal leak or visible damage to materials. And ponding is often the result of a blocked roof drain.

By either removing the debris yourself or hiring a professional, you’re elongating the lifespan of your commercial roof.

5. Age

Depending on your location, the types of materials used, and overall maintenance, you can expect your commercial roof to last around 20-25 years. Commercial roofing materials wear down and weaken as time passes, so it’s in your best interest to keep an eye on how old your roof is.

If your commercial roof is reaching 20-25 years old, it is time to start considering a replacement.

Misleading Symptoms

Another thing to consider is that some symptoms are misleading. You should always have a professional roofing contractor evaluate the situation. 

Roof issues do not always cause roof leaks. For example, an open rooftop mechanical door can allow water to enter. 

Whatever the case, it’s best to pay attention to any changes over time and work closely with an expert who can address those issues promptly.

Scheduling a Roof Inspection

Because Chicago experiences both extreme cold and heat, the best times to inspect your commercial roof are after winter and summer. 

These seasonal transitions bring drastic temperature shifts, storms, and weather conditions that wreak havoc on commercial roofs.

In the spring, we check for freeze-thaw damage, ice dam remnants, and weakened seams from snow and ice. During fall Inspections, we look for heat-related wear, UV damage, and ensure drains are clear before heavy snowfall begins.

By scheduling regular inspections after Chicago’s toughest seasons, you can catch minor issues before they become costly repairs. 

Ridgeworth Roofing specializes in these seasonal check-ups, protecting your commercial roof from whatever Chicago’s weather brings next.

Unsure About Commercial Roof Damage? Call Ridgeworth Roofing Today.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – protect your commercial roof this year with the help of Ridgeworth Roofing. 

Our team of skilled professionals has years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, including installation, maintenance, and inspections. Contact Ridgeworth Roofing today to schedule a free consultation.