Protect Your Building Enclosure During Spring Storm Season

As you head into spring storm season (e.g. high wind events and damaging hail), damage to the roofs of your buildings can occur.

As a best practice, it is recommended that roofs be inspected:

• Every spring and fall
• After a major storm event

If damage is found or suspected, document your findings for your insurance carrier in a timely manner. Contact a roofing consultant firm such as Shive-Hattery to assist you with weather-related damage assessments and/or facility condition reports.

Early detection of these conditions can potentially result in significant cost savings for unscheduled building maintenance. The longer an issue takes to detect, the more damage it could cause.

Signs You Need an Roof Inspection

1. Has there been severe weather reported in your area?
2. Have you noticed an increase in leak calls or wind damage reports to your maintenance department?
3. Have you visually reviewed the condition of your facility?
4. Are there indications of hail impact at your facility?
   1. Spatter marks in oxidation on walls and roofs?
   2. Dents in metals?
   3. Broken Glass?
   4. Damage to trim panels and composites?
   5. Stray building or equipment components found at ground level?
5. Have you reviewed roof mounted exhaust vents and mechanical equipment for damage?
6. Have employees remarked that their vehicles were damaged in parking lots?
7. Have you noticed an influx of contractors working in the area?
8. Has there been additional or excessive windblown debris presence?

TIP: Review your insurance company’s stipulations regarding claims as carriers limit the timeframe for claim submission. Undetected or unaddressed water intrusion issues potentially lead to costly interior damage, environmental concerns, air quality issues and facility downtime during repairs. Resolving a small issue in a timely fashion is more cost-effective than one that has been delayed.

Addressing potential storm damage now can result in future savings for facility management and extend the life cycle of your buildings.

Learn more about our roof consulting services.