As winter fades and spring approaches, property managers and building owners across Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama face a familiar challenge—making sure their commercial roofs are ready for the season ahead. Spring weather can be unpredictable, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and sudden temperature swings that put any roof to the test. If your roof isn’t properly maintained, minor issues from winter can quickly escalate into costly problems.
Maxwell Roofing has spent nearly 70 years helping businesses in the region protect their buildings. We’ve seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to preparing a commercial roof for spring. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Preparing Your Roof for Spring Is Important
Springtime may bring sunshine and warmer temperatures, but it also introduces serious risks for commercial roofs. Leaves and debris from fall and winter can clog your drains, leading to water backups and potential leaks.
Another common issue is membrane damage. Heavy winter storms and foot traffic from maintenance crews can cause punctures or cuts in single-ply roofing systems. Those temperature swings we mentioned? They can also damage the flashing around roof penetrations as materials expand and contract.
Spring storms only add to the problem. The season often brings high winds, hail damage, or even tornadoes, all of which can cause significant issues. A well-maintained roof is much better equipped to handle these challenges.
4 Keys to Getting Your Commercial Roof Ready for Spring
1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. A commercial roof inspection will uncover damage that may not be visible to the untrained eye. At Maxwell Roofing, we use a variety of tools and techniques—including specialized tools like infrared cameras and drones—to detect leaks, weak spots, and other potential issues before they lead to costly repairs. We walk our customers through any potential issues and highlight our recommendations for any necessary maintenance before spring storms hit.
2. Clean and Maintain Your Commercial Roof
As the weather gets warmer, cleaning your gutters and clearing your roof is essential. An experienced commercial roofing company can remove any leaves, twigs, or large pieces of debris that could block drainage. We can also inspect the roof membrane closely to catch small issues like minor tears or loose seams before they escalate in severity.
3. Plan and Budget for Roof Maintenance
A well-maintained roof is an investment that pays off in the long run. If you’re not already budgeting for roof maintenance, now is the time to start. Look at past repair costs and increase your budget by about 10% each year to account for inflation and wear.
If you haven’t invested in proactive maintenance before, consider partnering with a roofing company to develop a long-term plan. At Maxwell Roofing, we help businesses create customized maintenance budgets that prevent unexpected expenses and extend the life of their roofs.
4. Document Everything
Keeping detailed records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance is essential. A well-documented history of preventative work and repairs can be especially valuable after a storm. If your roof sustains damage, having proof of proper maintenance shows that you took the necessary steps to keep it in good condition beforehand. This can help streamline the repair process and ensure that any necessary work is handled efficiently.
Get Your Roof Ready with Maxwell Roofing
Spring is just around the corner, but there’s still time to get ahead of potential roofing problems. Our team at Maxwell Roofing can inspect your roof, make necessary repairs, and help you develop a proactive maintenance plan tailored to your building’s needs.
Don’t wait until the first big storm to find out if your roof is ready—connect with us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your building is protected this spring.