Chicago winters are no joke — between heavy snow loads, ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, and bitter winds, your commercial or industrial roof takes a beating from December through February. When spring arrives, it's critical to assess your roof for hidden damage before it leads to costly leaks or system failure.
Whether you manage one facility or a portfolio of properties, here are the most common signs of roof damage you should look out for as winter ends.
1. Ponding Water on Flat Roofs
If you notice standing water that remains more than 48 hours after snow melt or rain, you may have a drainage issue or low spots in the roof membrane. Left untreated, ponding water can degrade roofing materials and lead to membrane failure.
✅ Check areas near drains, scuppers, and around rooftop units.
2. Cracked or Blistered Membrane
The freeze-thaw cycle causes roofing materials to expand and contract. Over time, this can result in cracks, blisters, or punctures in TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen systems — especially at seams or penetrations.
🔍 Look for visible deformities in the surface membrane.
3. Damaged or Loose Flashing
Flashing protects the most vulnerable parts of your roof — around edges, walls, and penetrations. Snow and ice can dislodge flashing or pull it away from the roof system, opening the door to water intrusion.
⚠️ Loose flashing is one of the most common causes of spring leaks.
4. Water Stains on Ceilings or Interior Walls
By the time you see a water stain inside your building, damage to the roof membrane or insulation is already in progress. Check interior ceiling tiles, drywall, or upper wall areas for discoloration, bubbling, or mold.
🛠 Interior signs often indicate the problem is deeper than surface-level.
5. Clogged Roof Drains and Gutters
Debris like branches, roofing granules, or ice can clog your drainage system during winter. If water can’t properly exit the roof, it can back up and cause leaks or damage the membrane.
🌧 Clean drains and downspouts are essential heading into spring.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a Post-Winter Roof Inspection
Even if your roof looks okay, many forms of winter damage aren’t visible to the untrained eye. A professional roofing contractor can spot hidden issues, document the condition, and recommend next steps.
At TECHO Roofing, we help property owners and managers in the Chicago and Chicagoland area inspect, maintain, and repair their commercial and industrial roofs before small issues become big problems.
✅ Need a Post-Winter Roof Inspection?
Let TECHO Roofing & Construction help you stay ahead of spring rains and summer storms. As a certified MBE roofing contractor, we work with property owners and general contractors across Chicago to keep roofs protected and budgets under control.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your inspection and receive a detailed condition report.
