2024 Fall Commercial Roofing Checklist

Fall is the elite season: leaves change from green to golden red, the temperature is perfect for sweaters, and most importantly, Bears fans, football season is finally back.

And while you’re getting your fall clothes out and getting your Justin Fields jerseys ready, Ridgeworth Roofing has one question for you.

Is your commercial roof ready for fall?

Fall roof preparation ensures that your roof is ready for winter—one of the most challenging times for a commercial roof. Since the fall weather is milder and conditions are safer, this time of year is the perfect time to check things out and take the necessary steps to ready your roof for the coming months.

Our fall roofing checklist features 5 easy steps to ensure your commercial roof is ready for changing seasons.

Fall Roofing Checklist

Fall is the elite season: leaves change from green to golden red, the temperature is perfect for sweaters, and most importantly, Bears fans, football season is finally back.

And while you’re getting your fall clothes out and getting your Caleb Williams jerseys ready, Ridgeworth Roofing has one question for you.

Is your commercial roof ready for fall?

Fall roof preparation ensures your roof is ready for winter, one of the most challenging times for a commercial roof. Since the fall weather is milder and conditions are safer, this time of year is the perfect time to check things out and take the necessary steps to prepare your roof for the coming months.

Our fall roofing checklist features 5 steps to ensure your commercial roof is ready for changing seasons.

Fall Roofing Checklist

Ridgeworth Roofing’s fall commercial roof checklist wants to help you get the most out of your roof. Replacing a commercial roof is time-consuming and costly, so we always suggest regular maintenance to avoid unexpected expenses.

While some of this checklist requires you to be on top of your commercial roof, safety is critical. Wear comfortable shoes and tell your team members you are on the roof.

If you’re unsure, call Ridgeworth Roofing. A roofing expert will schedule a maintenance appointment to review everything on our checklist.

1. Clean your commercial roof.

As leaves fall this autumn, be wary of the dangers that come with them for your commercial roof. Number one on our fall commercial roofing maintenance checklist is to clear your commercial roof of leaves and debris.

Leaves collect on your roof, clogging gutters and downspouts and blocking drains. If it’s safe to walk on your roof, head up there and remove any leaves and debris that may have gathered on the surface.

This will help prevent water from backing up on your roof and possibly leaking into your building. When water pools on your roof, there is a strong possibility of leaks and, worse yet, cracks in your ceiling.

Simply cleaning off any leaves and debris from your commercial roof prevents unwanted damage and downtime for your business.

If it’s unsafe for you to do it yourself, contact a professional roofing contractor to clean up the mess.

2. Look for damage from summer storms.

Item two on our fall commercial roofing checklist: watch out for damage from summer storms.

Your roof might have sustained some damage if your area experienced severe weather during the summer months. 

Keep an eye out for damage when cleaning up your commercial roof. If anything looks unusual, broken, or excessively worn, take note and contact a professional roofing contractor to take a look. 

Look out for loose or missing shingles, curling or peeling shingles, and broken flashing. These are obvious signs that a summer storm damaged your commercial roof.

Give your roofing contractor a call if your rooftop mechanicals look off. It’s far easier to fix these things before the snow and ice make climbing on your roof difficult.

3. Clean your gutters.

Similar to the issues with leaves and debris on your roof, if you leave your commercial roof gutters unattended during the fall, significant problems are likely on the horizon.

As rainwater pools up, it may not move through your gutters. Water soaks into the leaves and debris, thus adding extra weight to your roof. The more clogged your gutters are, the more standing water is pooled on your roof.

Standing water adds unnecessary weight to your commercial roof, causing leaks, cracks, and pressure that can lead to expensive (and untimely) repairs.

Another danger of clogged gutters is that pooled water develops mold, mildew, and fungus. All of those elements can lead to the deterioration of your commercial roof and can require repairs.

4. Check for interior water spots.

Maybe you forgot to clean your gutters, or a bad summer storm ripped through Chicagoland. Now is the best time to walk around your building and look for any water stains on the ceiling.

A leak is the most common and obvious sign of water damage, but there are other signs to look out for.

While investigating the interior of your building, look for peeling, flaking, or bubbling paint. You may also notice warped walls, mold, mildew growth, and stains on the ceiling.

If you notice these issues at any point in your walkthrough, call Ridgeworth Roofing immediately. A member of our expert commercial roofing team will schedule an appointment to fix everything.

5. Schedule a roof inspection.

The last item on our fall commercial roofing checklist is to schedule your quarterly and annual inspections.

Every commercial roof owner needs a yearly inspection, but quarterly inspections are also helpful. Ridgeworth Roofing will inspect your roof for any damages caused by summer storms.

Our goal is to ensure your commercial roof is healthy so that it is ready for the coming months, when access might be more difficult. 

If you haven’t yet done so, schedule your annual preventative maintenance. A pair of expert eyes on your roof can make all the difference.

Bonus Tip: Check your roof periodically.

Once you’ve cleared your roof of debris, go back and check it now and then. Those leaves can be relentless, particularly after a storm. Check in on your roof when you can—and, of course, only when it’s safe.

Frequent inspections can only elongate your commercial roof’s lifespan.

Fall Commercial Roofing Checklist FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked about commercial roofing and fall preventative measures.

Why is a fall commercial roof checklist important?

A fall commercial roof checklist helps identify and address potential issues specific to commercial roofs, such as drainage problems and structural weaknesses. Your commercial roof costs a lot of money and will cost a lot more to replace, so it’s in your best interest to prevent expensive repairs and disruptions to your business operations.

How often should I schedule maintenance for my commercial roof?

Regular inspections and maintenance help maintain the structural integrity and functionality of your commercial roof, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring the safety of your building and its occupants.

Also, depending on the materials and construction company, your warranty may be void if regular maintenance and inspections are not performed annually.

What common issues are identified in a fall commercial roof checklist for commercial buildings?

Common issues include debris accumulation on flat roofs, damaged or missing membrane sections, clogged drains and gutters, and potential leaks. Addressing these problems early prevents significant damage and costly repairs during the winter months.

Can I perform the fall commercial roof checklist myself for my commercial building?

We always recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor, as commercial roofs have many hidden dangers. In addition, commercial roof experts have the knowledge to identify and fix issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

Ready for your fall commercial roof inspection?

You can’t stop the leaves from falling, but you can control the maintenance of your commercial roof and its readiness to take on the months ahead. 
When you’re ready for your fall commercial roof inspection, call Ridgeworth Roofing, and one of our expert roofers will get everything sorted out for your next appointment.