Why Spring Roof Assessments Minimize Costs
March 13, 2022 Laura MacCormac
There’s no doubt about it, cost savings are highest when roof assessments are done promptly in the Spring. Why? Because damage grows over time.
Winter weather causes more damage to roofs than any other season. The freezing and melting of ice, the strong winds and the weight of snow all add up to real stress on the roof, testing each part of the system.
Damage is usually not apparent at first. When Property Managers hear about a roof leak it’s the first sign of a problem. That leak could have started months prior. It also spreads to other areas of the building, creating more headaches.
If you want to prevent reactive spending and early roof replacements, roof maintenance in Spring really is your best option. In this post we will provide the five most common roof problems that we find in Spring, all due to the stress of winter weather.
The Five Most Common Roof Issues Uncovered in Spring
1. Weaknesses at Roof Penetrations
We address this by applying a liquid membrane or we make a custom fabricated pitch pocket or gum pan.
2. Blockages at the Drains
Drains, technically roof penetration, serve an obviously essential purpose in the roof system.
You might remember, a few years ago, August 2018, we had flash floods in the GTA. Many buildings experienced substantial leaks because of the amount of rain that fell in such a short period of time.
When drains are blocked, and the free flow of water is not happening as intended, something is bound to go wrong. So much pressure from the weight of the water stresses all weaknesses until that water finds somewhere to go. Ponding water causes granule loss which weakens the membrane and leaves it unprotected from UV rays.
3. Fallen Branches and Heavy Debris
The hazard from heavy debris in a roof is made worse if drains are blocked because the debris soaks up the extra water. It becomes heavier and over time it becomes a breeding ground for all kinds of vegetation and a nice spot for a nest.
Vegetation threatens the roof membrane because the roots puncture it. Pests are also a big risk and will cause damage for sure.
Debris also poses liability risk because it could blow off the roof in heavy winds and if heavy enough, could cause damage.
4. Splits and Cracks in the Roof Membrane
Temperature fluctuates in winter causing water to freeze and thaw repeatedly. As it freezes it expands and pushes on eavestroughs, shingles, flashing, etc. It also causes the roof membrane to become rigid and splits or cracks can form, leading to roof leaks.
Membrane breaks also happen as a result of fallen branches and heavy debris on the roof as mentioned above. Having those membranes patched up before too much time goes by will save the rest of the building from water damage.
5. Ice Damming
Ice damming, the icicles that form at the edge of the roof, happens when snow melts and refreezes. it’s actually a result of heat loss and can form in many ways. The presence of ice damming can actually indicate much larger issues that are happening inside a structure including attic mold growth.
Ice damming is a huge liability. When temperatures go above zero, icicles break off and fall. Falling icicles are obviously very dangerous and can be lethal.
Ice dams also cause exterior damage. They wreck eavestroughs by pulling and warping or even bringing them down entirely. They freeze and expand causing them to split and break. They damage shingles and soffits.
Roofs Need Care
The roof protects the whole building so it’s important that it be maintained. Regular repairs prevent long-term damage that gets worse over time and damages the building’s interior. The best time to have roofs assessed is in Spring after the harsh effects of winter weather.
Make That Appointment
Is it Spring yet? If it is, call us and set up a time for an assessment. Not Spring yet? Book ahead. We’ll get you on the schedule for the perfect time. And anyway, Condo Corps appreciate ample notice. You can also fill out this form and we will get back to you with a time.