How to Prep Your Commercial Roof for Summer Storms

May 22

If you own or manage a commercial building in the Midwest, you already know how unpredictable summer weather can be. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pounding rain, high winds, or even hail. And if your roof isn’t ready for it? You could be looking at serious damage—and even bigger repair bills.

At American Builders, we’ve helped businesses across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois recover from storm damage that could’ve been prevented with just a little preparation.

That’s why we’re breaking down the essential steps to storm-proof your commercial roof—before the peak of summer hits.

This isn’t just about avoiding leaks. It’s about protecting your investment, people, and peace of mind.

Here’s our 6-step process we’d recommend for being prepared…

Step 1: Get a Professional Roof Inspection—Before the Storms Hit

Let’s start with the most important step: get your roof inspected by a professional before the heavy summer storms roll in. Seriously, don’t wait until after that first big downpour to find out something’s wrong. By then, water may already be getting into your building, and the damage could be much worse than you think.

Now, we’re not just talking about walking up there and looking around for a loose screw. A real commercial roof inspection means checking every layer of your roofing system—not just what’s visible on top. That includes your seams, your flashings, your drainage, and even the membrane if you’ve got a flat or low-slope roof (which most commercial buildings do around here).

At American Builders, when we inspect a commercial roof, we’re looking for the kinds of issues that don’t scream for attention yet—but could explode into a big, expensive problem during the next thunderstorm. Think small punctures, lifting seams, clogged scuppers, or flashing that’s barely hanging on. These little things can turn into soaked insulation, ceiling leaks, and shut-down operations overnight.

Here’s what we usually find during summer prep inspections:

Ponding water that isn’t draining properly
Cracks or blisters in the membrane from last year’s heat
Loose or missing flashing around rooftop units (HVAC, vents, etc.)
Debris blocking internal drains or downspouts
UV damage that’s dried out seams or coatings

And the thing is, most of these are totally fixable—if you catch them in time. That’s the key. Summer storms in Indiana and the surrounding states don’t give much warning. One strong wind gust and your roof might go from “minor issue” to “emergency call” real quick.

A professional inspection isn’t just about checking a box. It gives you a game plan. You’ll know what needs to be repaired, what can wait, and what to keep an eye on. It’s peace of mind, and it usually costs a whole lot less than dealing with the damage from putting it off.

If you haven’t had your roof professionally looked at in the last 6–12 months, now’s the time. Don’t let this summer’s first big storm be the thing that tells you there’s a problem up there.

Step 2: Clean Up Roof Debris and Clear All Drains

This one sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer—clean up the junk on your roof.

We’re talking about twigs, leaves, trash, roofing nails, loose parts from old repairs, even stuff the wind blew up there during the spring. You’d be shocked at how fast debris piles up on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. And while a little clutter might not seem like a big deal, it can seriously mess with your drainage.

Here’s the problem: when your drains get blocked, water has nowhere to go. So it just… sits. That standing water—also called “ponding”—puts a ton of weight on your roof deck. Over time, it can break down the membrane, get under seams, and eventually start soaking your insulation or leaking into the building. And once water finds a weak spot, it doesn’t stop on its own.

Midwest summer storms—especially in places like Elkhart, South Bend, Toledo, or Fort Wayne—often bring heavy downpours that dump inches of rain in minutes. If your drains and scuppers are clogged, that water is going to start backing up fast.

And it’s not just water damage you have to worry about. When organic debris like leaves and twigs sit on the roof for too long, they start to break down. That decay traps moisture, attracts insects and mold, and creates soft spots in your roof system that can eventually fail. It’s kind of like letting wet leaves pile up in your gutters at home… only now you’re risking tens of thousands of dollars in commercial roof repairs.

So here’s what you—or your roofing contractor—should do before storm season:

Sweep and remove all loose debris from the surface of the roof
Check drains, gutters, and downspouts for clogs or slow drainage
Flush internal drains if needed to ensure they’re clear
Remove trash or roofing materials that might block water flow during heavy rain
Trim nearby trees if branches hang over the roof or drop debris regularly

This kind of cleanup doesn’t take long, and it doesn’t cost much—but it can save you a whole world of trouble during the summer’s first big storm.

We’ve seen it firsthand: a $250 drain clean-out that prevented what would’ve been a $15,000 interior repair after a storm. It’s the little stuff that makes the biggest difference when it comes to storm prep.

Step 3: Reinforce Flashings, Seams, and Vulnerable Areas

Let’s talk about the weak spots. Every commercial roof has them.

Even if your roof looks solid from a distance, there are certain areas that take more of a beating—and they’re usually the first places to fail when a summer storm rolls through. We’re talking about your flashing, seams, corners, and anywhere something sticks out of the roof, like HVAC units, vents, pipes, or skylights.

These spots are where water loves to sneak in.

If there’s any peeling, cracking, rust, or separation around those details—even the tiniest gap—that’s where wind-driven rain is going to hit hard. Once that moisture gets underneath your roofing membrane, it can spread fast, especially during back-to-back storms when there’s no time to dry out.

Here’s where Midwest summers make things even trickier:
You’ve got extreme heat, then sudden temperature drops during a storm. That constant expanding and contracting of roofing materials causes flashings and seams to pull apart over time. You might not notice it when it’s dry… but one good storm can rip open a leak that floods your ceiling.

That’s why summer storm prep needs to include checking and reinforcing all those vulnerable details. At American Builders, we always make sure to:

Inspect all perimeter flashing (edges of the roof)
Check penetration points—like HVAC curbs, pipes, skylights, and vents
Look for seam separation or lifting along the membrane
Add extra sealant or fasteners where needed
Re-secure anything that’s loose or starting to move

If your building has a ballasted roof or any older materials, this step is even more critical. Strong summer winds—especially in places like Northern Indiana or Central Ohio—can lift and shift those materials if they aren’t properly anchored.

One more thing: It’s common for us to find quick “patch jobs” from previous repairs that weren’t meant to last. Those temporary fixes might have held up for a while, but summer storms don’t care about old duct tape and caulking. If we find something like that, we always recommend replacing it with a permanent solution before it becomes a major headache.

It’s not about overdoing it—it’s about getting ahead of the damage. Think of it like weatherproofing your building’s armor. Reinforce now, stay dry later.

Step 4: Check Your Roof Warranty and Insurance Coverage

Alright, let’s be honest—no one wants to dig through paperwork. But when a storm hits and your roof takes a beating, those documents can mean the difference between a quick repair and an expensive mess you’re stuck paying for out of pocket.

If you’re a facility manager, building owner, or property manager in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, or Illinois, this step is crucial.

Here’s what you need to do before the summer storms start rolling in:

Check Your Roof Warranty

Most commercial roofs come with some kind of manufacturer’s warranty—usually covering the membrane, seams, or other materials. But here’s what a lot of people don’t realize:
That warranty can become void if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance.

Yep. If your roof hasn’t been inspected or maintained in a while, the manufacturer might refuse to cover storm-related damage—even if their materials were the issue. It happens more than you’d think.

We’ve seen cases where owners assumed they were covered, but because no one had documented inspections or simple upkeep, they were left paying tens of thousands in repairs after a storm. That’s the last kind of surprise you want when you’re dealing with leaks and downtime.

So here’s your move:

Pull out your roofing warranty
Look at what’s covered (and for how long)
Check the fine print for maintenance requirements
Make sure any repairs you’ve done were completed by certified contractors
Schedule an inspection (and get it in writing) so you’re up to date

If you don’t know where your warranty paperwork is, now’s a good time to track it down or contact your roofing contractor. We’re always happy to help clients review theirs and make sure everything checks out.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Next up is your building’s insurance coverage. A lot of commercial property policies cover storm damage, but there’s a big difference between “covered” and “easy to claim.”

Here’s what we recommend:

Confirm that your policy includes coverage for wind, hail, and water intrusion
Check your deductible amounts (especially for wind/hail claims—they’re often higher)
Find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost or just actual cash value
Keep detailed records of your roof’s condition before the storm season starts—photos, inspection reports, etc.

Having “before and after” documentation makes it way easier to get a claim approved if you need to file one. Insurance companies want proof that your roof was in good shape before the damage happened—and a clean inspection report from American Builders can give you exactly that.

It’s one of those things where a little effort now saves a ton of stress later. You don’t want to be flipping through insurance fine print by flashlight during a power outage. Trust us.

Step 5: Create a Storm Response Plan for Your Building

So you’ve inspected the roof, cleared the drains, reinforced the weak spots, and double-checked your warranty and insurance. That’s solid work. But here’s the thing a lot of building owners and property managers don’t think about until it’s too late:

What’s the plan if a storm hits tonight?

When we say “storm response plan,” we’re not talking about anything super complicated. It just means knowing what to do and who to call if your commercial roof takes damage during a summer storm — and making sure your team knows, too.

We’ve seen firsthand how chaotic things get when a building floods or a roof membrane rips off mid-storm. People are scrambling, equipment is getting wet, and nobody knows who’s in charge of what. That’s not the time to start figuring out a game plan.

Here’s what your storm response plan should include:

Know Who Your Roofing Partner Is

The last thing you want is to start Googling “commercial roofer near me” in the middle of a disaster. Have a go-to commercial roofing contractor lined up in advance. Someone you trust. Someone who understands your roof system and service history.

If you work with American Builders, we’ll already have notes on your property, so when you call, we’re not starting from scratch. That means faster response, less confusion, and quicker fixes.

Set a Chain of Command

Who’s responsible for contacting the roofer? Who shuts off electricity if there’s a leak? Who communicates with tenants or other building users?
Even in small companies, confusion causes delays. Assign roles and write them down. It’s simple but powerful.

Have Emergency Contacts Ready

Keep a printed and digital list of emergency numbers handy, including:

Your roofing contractor
Property manager or owner
Insurance agent
Emergency restoration companies
Building maintenance team

Storms can knock out power or internet, so having a hard copy on hand makes a big difference.

Train Your Team on What to Look For

Most people don’t know what roof damage actually looks like — they just see water and panic. Show your maintenance crew or office staff the basics:

Water stains on ceilings
Strange smells (could mean mold or soaked insulation)
Bubbling paint or peeling drywall
Loud flapping sounds from the roof
Water pooling in odd places

If someone notices damage early, you can jump on it before it spreads.

Document Everything

After a storm, take photos of any visible damage. Write down what happened, what time it started, and any signs of failure. This kind of documentation is golden for insurance claims and repair timelines. It shows you were on top of the situation — not just reacting to it.

A little planning goes a long way. Having a storm response plan doesn’t just protect your building — it helps you stay calm, focused, and ready when others are scrambling.

Wrap-Up: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late — Get Storm-Ready Now

Here’s the bottom line:
Midwest summer storms are coming, whether your roof is ready or not.

And in places like Elkhart, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Toledo, Kalamazoo, and Chicago, we all know these storms don’t mess around. One strong gust, one clogged drain, or one tiny tear in your membrane — and suddenly you’re dealing with soaked drywall, damaged equipment, and a roof repair bill that eats into your budget.

But the good news? Almost all of that can be prevented with a little planning.

If you follow the steps in this checklist —

Get a professional inspection
Clean the roof and drains
Reinforce your flashings and seams
Review your warranty and insurance
Set up a clear storm response plan

—you’ll be way ahead of the game. You’ll be protecting your building, your business, and your bottom line.

At American Builders, we’ve been helping commercial property owners and managers across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois keep their roofs storm-ready for years. We don’t believe in scare tactics — we believe in smart planning and doing things right the first time.

If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk. We’ll come out, check your roof, give you an honest assessment, and help you create a custom storm-readiness plan based on your building’s needs.

No pressure. No gimmicks. Just smart, proactive roofing.

Schedule Your Summer Roof Inspection Today

Give us a call or fill out our quick online form, and we’ll get you on the schedule before the next big storm hits.

We proudly serve Elkhart and all of Indiana, as well as Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.

Ethan Himka