Roof Inspection for Winter Damage Prevention

The NOAA released its annual weather outlook for Minnesota and it is showing strong signs for a more cold and snowy winter than usual. Looking at this from a loss control perspective, our first thoughts go to maintaining the property of our cities. Specifically, the snow and ice can do a number on roofs over a long freezing Minnesota winter. This article’s purpose is to remind you of some best practices to take when inspecting and preparing your roof for the upcoming 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 – and 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 the spring inspection would reveal potential damage that might have occurred from severe winter weather and necessary repairs, a fall inspection would reveal any preventative action that would be required before winter arrives. An inspection should be conducted after any major storm or construction activity that might cause damage to the roof.

Submitted by: Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant