It’s that time of year in Central Kentucky again: time for heavy rainfall, high winds, and lightning. Severe weather can impact us any time of year, but with the stormiest parts of the year upon us, it’s a good time to highlight the importance of taking care of your industrial roof. We at ABR Construction have been in the commercial roofing industry for over 40 years. We understand how crucial planning ahead for maintenance and care is when it comes to preserving your roof and preventing costly replacements down the road. Let’s take a closer look at how storms impact your commercial roof investment and what you can do today to prepare for it.

How do storms affect my commercial roof?

In Kentucky, the typical storm includes heavy rainfall, high winds, lightning, and sometimes even hail. If you’ve managed a property for any span of time, you’re likely already familiar with the hazards these elements pose to expensive structures. High wind is perhaps one of the most significant elements to watch out for when it comes to your commercial roof. If you have a built-up roof system (BUR), high winds can blow off the top layer, exposing lower levels to moisture. Other roofs, like EPDM, metal, and thermoplastic roofing, are more aerodynamic, minimizing direct damage from the wind. However, these latter roofing materials are more susceptible to hail that can chip away at the roof, again opening crucial subcomponents to water.

How do I check if my roof has storm damage?

High winds also result in scattered debris, which can easily pile up on commercial roofing. After a storm, it is good practice to safely examine your roof for any noticeable areas of potential damage. Clear away any debris if it is safe to do so as this can weigh down the roof unevenly and lead to tears in the membrane. If hail just moved through the area, check your roof for circular dents, especially if you have a sheet metal roof. Watch out for any discoloration as well, as these could indicate a deeper problem.

Always practice sound safety when inspecting your commercial roof. Even if the skies have cleared, always check your local forecast to make sure no additional storms will be moving through the area while you plan to be outdoors.

What if I find damage along my roof? 

If there is any doubt about possible storm damage, call your local roof maintenance team. Commercial roof maintenance workers have both the skills and equipment available to properly assess your roof and provide tangible solutions for getting the repair done. Being proactive and contacting a roofing contractor as soon as possible is both good roof maintenance practice and has the potential to save you thousands of dollars later on before a small problem turns into something much more difficult to handle.

Contact Us

We manage your commercial roof investment so you can get back to what matters: running your business and meeting the needs of your community. Contact us or call us at (859) 254-2866 to get in touch with a roof technician or to learn about how we can help you maintain regular commercial roof maintenance throughout the year. We are locally owned and operated out of Nicholasville, always proud to service the Danville, Richmond, Mount Sterling, Georgetown, Hazard, Pikeville, Somerset, Liberty, and London, KY areas.