How Seasonal Weather Affects Your Commercial Roof
If you own a business in Elkhart, Indiana, or Northern Indiana, you know the weather here is all over the place.
One day it’s snowing, the next it’s sunny, and before you know it—hail.
Each season brings unique challenges for your commercial roof.
And if you don’t stay ahead of them, minor issues can turn into costly problems.
Let’s break it down, season by season.
Winter: Snow, Ice, and Freeze-Thaw Damage
Winter in Northern Indiana isn’t just cold—it’s brutal.
Heavy snow, ice, and constant temperature swings can wreak havoc on your roof.
Common Winter Problems:
Snow Load: Too much snow = too much weight. If your roof isn’t built for it, it can sag or even collapse.
Ice Dams: Snow melts during the day, refreezes at night, and clogs up your drainage. The trapped water seeps into your roof, causing leaks.
Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Water sneaks into small cracks, freezes, expands, and makes those cracks bigger.
How to Protect Your Roof:
Schedule a roof inspection to catch issues before the first snowfall.
Clear snow and ice regularly—don’t let it pile up.
Keep gutters and drains clean so melted snow can flow off your roof.
Spring: Heavy Rain, Hail, and Rapid Temperature Changes
Spring weather in Indiana is unpredictable.
One minute it’s raining, the next it’s sunny, and then—hailstorm.
Spring Roof Problems:
Pooling Water: Poor drainage means water collects on flat roofs, leading to leaks and material breakdown.
Hail Damage: Hail can crack, puncture, or dent your roofing materials.
Rapid Temperature Changes: One warm day, one cold night… and now your roofing materials are expanding and contracting like crazy.
How to Protect Your Roof:
Inspect your roof after every major storm to catch small issues before they grow.
Check gutters and downspouts for blockages so rainwater can flow freely.
Repair or patch up small cracks and punctures ASAP—they’ll only get worse.
Summer: Intense Heat & UV Damage
Summer in Elkhart gets HOT.
And your roof feels it even more than you do.
Summer Roof Problems:
UV Damage: The sun weakens and cracks your roofing materials over time.
Heat Expansion: High temperatures make roofing materials expand, causing buckling or blistering.
Higher Energy Costs: A damaged roof means poor insulation, making your HVAC system work harder (and your bills go up).
How to Protect Your Roof:
Consider a reflective roof coating to keep UV damage and heat buildup under control.
Schedule a summer roof check-up to catch wear and tear from winter and spring.
Watch your energy bills—a sudden increase could mean insulation issues.
Fall: Leaves, Debris & Clogged Gutters
Fall in Indiana is beautiful—but messy.
All those colorful leaves? They clog up your drainage system fast.
Key Issues:
Clogged Gutters: Leaves, twigs, and debris pile up, stopping proper drainage and causing water damage.
Moisture Damage: Sitting water can seep into your roof, weakening it over time.
Increased Roof Wear: Organic debris traps moisture, speeding up roof deterioration.
How to Protect Your Roof:
Check for roof damage before winter hits.
Trim overhanging branches to reduce the amount of debris falling on your roof.
Protect Your Roof Year-Round with Professional Maintenance
Elkhart weather isn’t gentle on commercial roofs. The best way to avoid costly repairs? Stay ahead of the damage.
At American Builders, we specialize in seasonal roof maintenance tailored for Northern Indiana businesses.
Call us today to schedule a seasonal inspection. We’ll make sure your roof is ready for whatever the seasons throw at it.
