Roof Inspection for Winter Damage Prevention

Over this past week in the Twin Cities area, there was a four-day total snowfall of 15 inches including one day with 8.8 inches alone. This means residents experienced a top-20 snowfall event in Minnesota history, which brings many concerns along with it. Looking at this from a loss control perspective, our first thoughts go to maintaining the property of our cities. Snow and ice can do a number on roofs over a long Minnesota winter. This article will remind you of best practices for inspecting and preparing your roof for snow and ice.

What to Check

Visible damage and debris – The first step to inspecting a roof is looking for obvious signs of damage, including visible structural deformations, dirt and debris, standing water, and blocked or broken gutters and downspouts. Any obvious damage should be repaired immediately.

Exterior structural components – All external structural components of the roof, including chimneys, vents, fascia, drip edges, and decking should be inspected for damage, missing components, rust, and rot. Leaks tend to form around chimneys, vents, and skylights; if they're not noticed in a timely manner, damage can occur to the underlayment, sheathing, and joists, leading to potentially expensive repair and replacement costs.

Interior roofing components – When roofs are not inspected regularly, interior structural damage can occur. Often, due to lack of regular maintenance, interior damage is the first to be noticed. On sloped roofs, the location of the damage may not directly point to the location of the leak. Water follows the path of least resistance, which means the source of the leak is often not above the visible damage. If a leak has been left to linger, rafter and roof trusses should be checked for evidence of mold, mildew and rot, which could indicate extensive structural damage.

At a minimum, a comprehensive maintenance program for roofing systems should include these basic steps:

• Keep roofs clean and free of debris.
• Keep drainage systems clear and functional.
• Train maintenance personnel on the requirements of working with the roof system.
• Restrict roof access to authorized personnel.
• Limit penetration of the roof system.
• Use professional roofing contractors who stand behind their work.

When to Check

While a spring inspection would reveal potential damage that might have occurred from severe winter weather, a fall inspection would reveal any preventative action required before winter arrives. An inspection should be conducted after any major storm or construction activity that might cause damage to the roof, including these recent heavy snowfalls. Always take extra precautions and have someone with you when inspecting roofs in the winter.

Additional resources: 

LMC Pipeline Blog - Snow Loading and Roof Collapse Preparation 

Submitted by: Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant