Snow Will Melt Soon. Here’s What That Does to Your Commercial Roof in the Midwest.

Winter isn’t over yet.

But let’s be honest — the snow won’t stick around much longer.

Here in Elkhart, Indiana, and across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, late February is when things start to shift. The sun feels warmer. Snow piles shrink. Ice starts dripping off edges.

And while that sounds like relief…

It’s actually one of the most important times of year for your commercial roof.

Because when snow melts, damage shows up.

When Snow Melts, Problems Get Exposed

All winter long, snow sits on your roof. It hides weak seams. It covers small cracks. It masks aging materials.

Then temperatures rise.

Snow melts during the day. Water runs across the surface. At night, temps drop again. That water freezes.

This is the freeze-thaw cycle — and it’s hard on commercial roofing systems.

Here’s what happens:

• Melting snow turns into water

• Water seeps into small cracks

• Temperatures fall

• Water freezes and expands

When water freezes, it expands. That expansion pushes against seams and flashing.

It may not cause a big problem the first time.

But after weeks of this cycle, small weaknesses become real openings.

And once steady melting begins, water starts finding its way inside.

Hidden Leaks Start to Appear

Late winter is when many property owners first notice a leak.

Maybe it’s a brown ring on a ceiling tile. Maybe it’s a slow drip during a warm afternoon. Maybe it’s a musty smell in a storage area.

At first, it seems minor.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: the water you see inside may not be directly below the roof damage. Water can travel across decking before it drops down.

So that small stain?

It could be coming from several feet away.

Meanwhile, insulation may already be soaked. Materials may already be weakening. And the longer it sits, the worse it gets.

That’s why commercial roof repair in Indiana spikes during late winter and early spring.

Ponding Water Gets Worse During Melt

Most commercial buildings in the Midwest have flat or low-slope roofs. These roofs depend on proper drainage to move water off the surface.

After a long winter, drains are often clogged with debris or leftover ice.

When snow melts quickly, water builds up faster than it drains.

That leads to ponding water — standing water that sits on the roof longer than it should.

Ponding water can:

• Break down roofing materials

• Add weight to the structure

• Increase leak risk

• Shorten the life of your roof

And when temperatures drop again overnight? That standing water freezes and expands.

It’s a cycle that stresses your roof day after day.

Flashing and Seals Begin to Fail

Flashing protects the most vulnerable areas of your commercial roof. This includes places around HVAC units, vents, skylights, and parapet walls.

These areas expand and contract more than open roof sections.

During late winter, the temperature swings can be extreme. Freezing in the morning. Warm by afternoon. Cold again at night.

That constant movement weakens seals.

Over time, flashing pulls away from surfaces. Small gaps form. Water slips in.

Once flashing fails, leaks often spread quickly.

Snow Weight Leaves Stress Behind

Even if your roof handled the snow this winter, it carried a heavy load for weeks.

That weight puts pressure on:

• Roof decking

• Insulation layers

• Structural supports

When the snow melts, the weight disappears. But the stress remains.

If your roof was already aging, winter may have pushed it closer to failure.

You might notice sagging areas. Soft spots. Uneven sections.

Sometimes, though, the damage isn’t obvious at all.

That’s why inspections matter.

Small Winter Issues Turn Into Expensive Repairs

Here’s the part no one likes to hear.

Winter damage rarely stays small.

What starts as a tiny membrane crack or loose seam can quickly turn into interior damage.

Left unchecked, you could face:

• Wet insulation

• Mold growth

• Damaged inventory

• Electrical problems

• Structural repairs

And those repairs cost far more than early action.

A simple inspection now can prevent a major expense later.

Why Late Winter Is the Smart Time to Act

It may feel early. Spring hasn’t fully arrived.

But this is actually the best window to schedule a commercial roof inspection in Elkhart and the Midwest.

Here’s why:

• Snow is melting

• Damage is becoming visible

• Spring storms are coming

Catching issues now gives you options.

In many cases, your roof may qualify for commercial roof restoration instead of full replacement.

And restoration — especially systems like Conklin roof coatings — can:

• Seal leaks

• Reinforce weak seams

• Add waterproof protection

• Extend roof life

• Improve energy efficiency

But timing matters.

Wait too long, and restoration may no longer be possible.

Don’t Let Melting Snow Turn Into a Major Expense

Snow melting feels like the end of winter.

For your commercial roofing system, it’s a stress test.

Damage built up all season is about to show itself.

Before spring storms hit…
Before leaks spread…
Before costs climb…

NOW is the time to take action.

If you own or manage a commercial building in Elkhart or anywhere across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, or Illinois, schedule a professional inspection.

Know where your roof stands.

Because once the snow melts, the real problems begin.