A Practical Pre- and Post-Storm Guide for Property Owners
Storm season in Missouri and Illinois isn’t a surprise. High winds, hail, heavy rain, and rapid temperature swings are part of doing business in the Midwest.
What is preventable is the damage that catches building owners off guard.
A proactive checklist — used before and after major weather events — can significantly reduce repair costs, downtime, and long-term roof deterioration.
Here’s a storm-season checklist commercial property managers can actually use.
Before the Storm: Pre-Season Preparation
Preparation is about reducing vulnerability — especially at edges, seams, and drainage points.
1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before peak storm season hits:
Inspect membrane seams
Check edge metal and coping
Evaluate flashing at penetrations
Look for loose fasteners
Assess overall attachment integrity
Small issues become major failures under high wind uplift.
2. Clear and Check Drainage Systems
Blocked drains and scuppers lead to ponding water during heavy rain.
Before storm season:
Clear debris from drains and gutters
Ensure downspouts are flowing freely
Check for low spots holding water
Standing water adds weight and stresses the roofing system.
3. Secure Rooftop Equipment
HVAC units, conduit supports, and other rooftop penetrations must be secure.
Verify:
Curbs and flashing are sealed
Equipment is properly anchored
No loose materials are left on the roof
Wind can turn unsecured objects into impact hazards.
4. Review Roof Age and Maintenance History
If your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, storm season increases risk.
Know:
Installation date
Warranty status
Prior storm repairs
Areas of recurring concern
A roof already under stress is more likely to fail during severe weather.
After the Storm: Immediate Response Checklist
Once high winds or hail pass, early evaluation prevents delayed interior damage.
1. Conduct a Visual Perimeter Check
From the ground, look for:
Displaced edge metal
Debris accumulation
Visible membrane lifting
Dented metal components
Even small edge failures can allow water intrusion.
2. Check Interior Areas for Early Warning Signs
Inspect ceilings and upper walls for:
New stains
Damp insulation
Dripping near perimeter walls
Changes in ceiling tiles
Storm damage often shows up at edges first.
3. Document Conditions Immediately
Take photos of:
Visible damage
Impact points
Debris on the roof
Water intrusion
Early documentation supports insurance claims and prevents disputes later.
4. Schedule a Professional Post-Storm Inspection
Not all damage is visible.
Professional evaluation should include:
Membrane inspection
Seam and flashing checks
Moisture scanning
Assessment of wind uplift stress
Many commercial roof failures happen weeks after the storm — not during it.
Why This Checklist Matters in the Midwest
Missouri and Illinois sit in active storm corridors. Wind, hail, and freeze–thaw cycles don’t just test a roof once — they test it repeatedly.
Proactive inspections:
Reduce emergency repairs
Extend roof lifespan
Protect warranties
Support insurance claims
Prevent operational disruption
Storm damage is inevitable. Major roof failure isn’t.
At Jewett Roofing, we work with commercial property owners across Missouri and Illinois to prepare for storm season — and respond quickly when it hits.
Because the best time to protect your roof is before the next system moves in.
