Why Early Summer Roof Inspections Are Critical for Commercial Buildings

May 18

It’s late May, and early summer is officially here in Elkhart and across the Midwest. The weather’s warming up, business is picking up, and everything feels fresh again after a long winter. But under all that sunshine, there could be trouble hiding overhead—on your commercial roof.

At American Builders, we’ve worked with businesses across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. And every year around this time, we start seeing a pattern: winter roof damage that went unnoticed until the first big summer storm hits.

That’s why now—right as early summer begins—is the perfect time to schedule a commercial roof inspection.

A quick checkup today could save you from major repairs, safety issues, or even a full roof replacement later on.

1. Winter Took a Toll—Even if You Can’t See It

Winter in the Midwest isn’t just cold—it’s rough on roofs. Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures can quietly cause damage over several months. By the time early summer rolls around, that damage might already be causing problems, even if it hasn’t shown up yet inside your building.

Here’s what we see most often on Midwest commercial roofs after winter:

Cracked or brittle membranes from freeze-thaw cycles
Ponding water from clogged or damaged drains
Blistering or bubbling in the roofing system
Loose seams or flashing around HVAC units or skylights
Hidden leaks that only show up once rain hits hard in summer storms

The problem is, many of these issues aren’t obvious from the ground. And by the time you notice water spots on ceiling tiles or smell mold in a back office, the damage has already spread.

That’s why a professional inspection in early summer is so valuable. It gives you a clear look at what winter left behind—before it gets worse.

At American Builders, we know exactly what to look for. Our team walks your entire roof, checks every seam, drain, and detail, and gives you a full report on what needs attention. We’ll let you know what’s fine, what’s vulnerable, and what should be fixed now to avoid bigger problems later.

2. Summer Heat Can Make Small Problems Much Worse

Winter causes damage, but summer brings the stress that exposes it.

When temperatures rise in early summer, your commercial roof expands and contracts every day. That daily movement—called thermal cycling—puts pressure on seams, fasteners, membranes, and flashing. If your roof already has weak spots from winter, heat will make them worse.

Here’s how:

Small cracks become big splits as materials stretch and pull apart
Moisture trapped under the surface heats up, causing blisters or bubbles
Old sealants fail faster, especially around vents or rooftop units
Roof coatings start to degrade, especially if UV protection is worn thin

The hotter it gets, the faster these problems grow. And by the time July or August rolls around, what started as a minor crack could be a major leak—one that shuts down part of your business or damages equipment inside.

That’s why early summer inspections matter so much. It’s your last best chance to catch winter damage before summer heat turns it into a costly emergency.

At American Builders, we don’t just point out issues—we help you prioritize. Some problems can wait. Others need to be handled now. Our goal is to give you a plan that fits your budget, keeps your roof performing through the summer, and protects your building all year long.

3. Midwest Storms and Humidity Hit Hard in Early Summer

If you’ve spent any time in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, or Illinois, you know summer storms aren’t gentle. Thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and heavy downpours are common—and they hit fast. And with humidity levels climbing in early summer, even a small roof issue can lead to big problems inside your building.

Here’s why Midwest weather is so risky for commercial roofs this time of year:

Flash storms drop inches of rain in minutes, quickly finding weak spots
Strong winds lift loose edges of membranes or flashing
Hail can puncture old or brittle materials, especially around seams
Moisture gets trapped under roofing layers, fueling mold and rot

Once the heat and moisture settle in, mold and mildew can start growing behind your walls or in your insulation. That’s not just a roofing issue—it’s a health and safety problem for your team and your customers.

With a professional early summer inspection, you can make sure your roof is sealed, drains are clear, and your building is ready for whatever the weather throws your way. American Builders checks every detail so your roof can stand up to high winds, heavy rain, and all that sticky Midwest humidity.

Don’t wait for a storm to find your weak spot. Let us find it first—and fix it before it costs you more.

4. Early Summer Inspections Help You Avoid Emergency Repairs

Emergency roof repairs are always more expensive—and more stressful—than planned maintenance. They usually happen at the worst possible time: during a storm, on a holiday weekend, or right when your business is busiest.

Here’s what we see too often in the field:

A business puts off an inspection…
A July storm rolls through…
Water starts pouring through the ceiling…
Now you’ve got soaked inventory, shut-down equipment, and an urgent repair bill.

Emergency roofing work often costs more because it’s reactive instead of proactive. You may need:

After-hours labor or weekend crews
Temporary fixes before full repair
Special equipment to work in stormy conditions
Clean-up, drying, and interior restoration

And if you're dealing with downtime or lost revenue? The real cost goes even higher.

Early summer inspections prevent this. They catch problems before they turn into crises. At American Builders, we can often spot and fix a small issue—like a loose seam or clogged drain—for a fraction of what an emergency repair would cost just a few weeks later.

Think of it like changing the oil in your car: small steps now keep everything running smoothly later. Don’t wait for disaster. Let’s catch those trouble spots before summer kicks into high gear.

5. Early Summer Inspections Extend the Life of Your Roof

Your commercial roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your building. And like anything valuable, it needs regular care to last. Early summer is the perfect time to check in, make small fixes, and keep that roof working hard for as long as possible.

Think of it this way:

Catching and sealing a minor tear today might cost a few hundred dollars
Ignoring it could mean a full roof section replacement down the line—for tens of thousands

Most commercial roofs are designed to last 20 to 30 years—but only if they’re maintained. Without inspections and small repairs along the way, even the best roofing system can fail early.

Here’s how inspections in early summer help extend roof life:

Fix minor winter damage before summer heat makes it worse
Keep drainage working properly so water doesn’t pool and break down materials
Protect seams and flashing from failing due to thermal movement
Identify worn-out areas that can be re-coated or reinforced

At American Builders, we don’t believe in pushing full replacements unless they’re truly needed. We’d much rather help you get every possible year out of the roof you already have.

A quick inspection now could mean avoiding a major repair later—and stretching the value of your roof investment long into the future.

What to Expect From a Professional Early Summer Roof Inspection

Not all inspections are created equal. A good commercial roof inspection isn’t just a quick glance—it’s a full review of your entire roofing system, inside and out. At American Builders, we take early summer inspections seriously because we know what’s at stake for your business.

Here’s what you can expect when we inspect your roof:

Full Walkthrough of the Roof Surface

We check for cracks, blisters, punctures, worn areas, and signs of aging. We also look at how the membrane is holding up after winter and how it’s responding to early summer heat.

Drainage & Gutter Check

Standing water is a huge red flag. We make sure all drains, scuppers, and gutters are clear and flowing freely—especially important before summer storms roll in.

Inspection of Seams, Flashings, and Edges

These are the most common failure points on commercial roofs. We check every detail around HVAC units, skylights, walls, and roof edges.

Moisture & Leak Spotting

We look for signs of trapped moisture, mold, or small leaks—often visible only through careful inspection of certain areas.

Actionable Report

You’ll get a detailed report with photos, notes, and clear recommendations. Some items might need quick attention. Others can go on a watchlist. Either way, you’ll know exactly where your roof stands.

Honest Advice

We don’t sell what you don’t need. If your roof is in great shape, we’ll tell you. If it needs help, we’ll explain what, why, and how to fix it with minimal disruption to your business.

Wrapping-It-Up: Protect Your Building Before Peak Summer Hits

Early summer is the perfect window to inspect your commercial roof. Winter may have caused hidden damage, and the stress of summer storms and heat is just getting started.

If you wait until July, you risk:

Paying more for emergency repairs
Disrupting your business operations
Shortening the life of your roof
Spending way more than necessary

Let American Builders help you avoid all that.

We serve commercial buildings across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois—and we know how to keep roofs strong through every Midwest season. A fast, affordable inspection today can protect your roof, your business, and your bottom line for years to come.

Ready to schedule your inspection?
Call American Builders today or fill out our quick contact form. Let’s make sure your roof is ready for everything this summer has in store.

Ethan Himka