After forty-plus years in commercial roofing, I’ve learned one simple truth: roofs are like coffee filters. They seem unimportant—until they fail under pressure.

A lot of building owners assume if their roof isn’t currently leaking, everything must be fine. That’s kind of like assuming a parachute works just because it hasn’t been deployed yet. The time to check it is before you jump. Likewise, the time to prepare a commercial roof for a storm is before those angry clouds start rolling in.

Commercial Roofs Don’t Like Surprises

Storms have a sneaky way of finding the one weak spot you didn’t know existed. It might be a barely-loose fastener, a corner of membrane curling like it’s trying to leave town, or a clogged drain that’s been collecting leaves, feathers, and yesterday’s sandwich wrapper.

All those little issues don’t look like much—until they’re holding back gallons of water, getting yanked by 60 mph gusts, or acting like a water slide into the insulation.

The Pre-Storm Checklist That Beats Regret

Storm-readiness isn’t rocket science. But it does require a little attention to detail. Here are a few items that should always be on the radar before a system blows through:

• Inspect seams and flashing. If they’re coming apart now, they’ll come apart faster in wind and rain.
• Check all drains and scuppers. If they’re clogged today, they’ll be bathtubs tomorrow.
• Look at the perimeter metal. That pretty edge trim? If it lifts, the wind will happily help itself to the rest of the roof.
• Secure rooftop equipment. Loose conduit lines or an HVAC unit that’s not fully anchored can go from “not my problem” to “$20,000 deductible” real fast.

And while you’re up there, bring a camera or smartphone. If you ever have to file an insurance claim later, that “before” photo can be a lifesaver.

Know What’s Underneath That Membrane

One of the most underrated factors in storm readiness is what’s below the surface. A commercial roof may look clean and solid, but if the insulation underneath is already damp, degraded, or unadhered, it’s a sitting duck for storm damage.

The only thing worse than pulling back membrane and finding a mushy mess is finding a mushy mess that’s been there for months.

A good moisture survey or core sample now can help avoid surprises later. Think of it like a physical check-up for your roof. You might not love the process, but it sure beats a late-night visit to the emergency room—with buckets.

Wind Doesn’t Play Fair

Flat roofs are particularly prone to wind uplift. That’s when the wind doesn’t just blow across the roof—it gets underneath and tries to peel it off like a sardine can lid. This is especially true at edges and corners.

Even if the main field of the roof is secure, poor detailing at terminations or transitions can start a chain reaction. One popped seam leads to another, and before long, part of the roof is airborne.

I’ve seen whole membrane sections folded over like a bad haircut. It’s not pretty—and it’s always avoidable with proper anchoring and inspection.

Post-Storm Reality Check

After the storm passes and everyone’s safe, it’s tempting to take a deep breath and move on. But that’s exactly when the real damage might be sneaking in.

Even if nothing is leaking, that doesn’t mean nothing was damaged. Hail, debris impact, or seam stress can all cause issues that take weeks or months to become visible.

So give the roof a once-over, preferably with someone who knows what they’re looking at. Catching a small tear early is far better than discovering it after it’s become a skylight.

Documentation Is the Unsung Hero

Photos, reports, maintenance records—they all seem unnecessary until they’re not. When insurance gets involved, adjusters love clarity. Being able to show pre-storm condition, past repairs, and inspection logs makes life a lot easier.

If your records are mostly in someone’s head or a stack of faded receipts in a drawer, now’s the time to get organized. Trust me—it’ll save time and stress down the road.

The Takeaway: Hope Isn’t a Plan

Storms are going to happen. Some years worse than others. But crossing fingers isn’t a preparation strategy, and duct tape doesn’t count as preventative maintenance.

A commercial roof that’s storm-ready has already been checked, cleaned, secured, and documented. It’s not just surviving storms—it’s standing up to them.

So next time a big system is headed toward central Wisconsin, ask the big question: is the roof ready? Or is it just hoping?

If the answer is the latter… might be time to schedule a real inspection—before the sky starts throwing curveballs.