What to Watch For After the Ice/Snow Storm: Commercial Roofs & Multifamily Shingle Roofs

After a major ice and snow event, the most common roofing problems don’t always show up during the storm — they show up when temperatures rise and everything starts melting.

As snowpack softens and ice dams break loose, water starts moving in ways it normally doesn’t. That’s when leaks, hidden damage, and drainage issues can reveal themselves.

Below are the key things property owners and managers should watch for on commercial roofing systems and multifamily shingle roofs in the days and weeks after the storm.

Commercial Roofing: Post-Storm Warning Signs to Check Now

Commercial roofs (TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal, and coated systems) are especially vulnerable after a freeze-thaw cycle because water can get trapped and then expand.

1) Ponding Water (Standing Water)

When snow melts quickly, it can overwhelm roof drains. If water remains on the roof longer than 48 hours, it can:

• break down seams

• accelerate membrane wear

• find entry points at penetrations

What to look for: water stains, “puddles” visible from roof access points, or interior ceiling tiles beginning to discolor.

2) Clogged Drains, Scuppers & Gutters

Storm debris + ice = blocked drainage.

Even a small blockage can cause water to back up and enter the building around:

• parapet walls

• rooftop curbs

• HVAC penetrations

• flashing transitions

Tip: if you have safe access, visually confirm drains and scuppers are clear — but don’t chip ice aggressively (it can damage membranes).

3) Membrane Seams Pulling or Splitting

Ice can “grab” roofing membranes and flashings, especially near:

• seams

• corners

• terminations

• penetrations

As it melts, it can pull at seams and cause openings you won’t notice until water gets underneath.

What to look for: lifted seams, wrinkles, or gaps along seams and edges.

4) Damage Around Roof Penetrations

Commercial roofs have lots of penetration points:

• vents

• exhaust fans

• HVAC stands

• skylights

• pipe boots

These areas are often the first to leak after a melt event.

Warning signs inside: drips near mechanical rooms, staining around duct chases, wet insulation smell, or sudden humidity issues.

5) Parapet Wall Leaks

When snow/ice builds up against parapet walls, melting water can enter behind:

• coping caps

• counter-flashing

• wall transitions

These leaks can travel and show up far from the actual entry point.

Multifamily Shingle Roofs: What Melting Ice Can Expose

Multifamily shingle roofs often take damage during freeze-thaw because water can back up under shingles, and heavy snow loads can stress roof planes and valleys.

1) Ice Dam Damage Along Eaves

Ice dams force water back under shingles, soaking:

• underlayment

• decking

• fascia/soffit areas

Even if the ice dam is gone now, the damage may already be done.

What to look for:

• water staining on exterior soffits

• peeling paint on eaves

• wet attic insulation near the perimeter

• interior ceiling stains on top-floor units

2) Shingles Lifted, Cracked, or Missing Granules

Ice can lift shingle tabs and wind can finish the job.

Signs to watch for:

• shingles no longer laying flat

• creased tabs

• exposed nails

• granules collecting at downspout exits

Granule loss matters because it reduces shingle lifespan and UV protection.

3) Valley & Transition Leaks

Valleys carry the highest volume of meltwater. If a valley has ice buildup and then rapid melt, it can overwhelm flashing and underlayment.

Also check transitions around:

• dormers

• walls

• chimneys

• pipe flashings

4) Gutters Pulling Away or Sagging

Ice and snow are heavy. It’s common to see:

• gutters separating from fascia

• downspouts bending

• fasteners popping loose

If gutters are damaged, meltwater can dump directly against siding or foundation areas.

5) Hidden Attic Moisture & Mold Risk

After storms like this, it’s common for moisture to build up in attic spaces due to:

• roof leaks

• blocked vents

• heavy condensation from temperature swings

This can create mold risk even without a “visible leak.”

What You Should Do Next (Before Small Issues Become Big Repairs)

Here are the best next steps for commercial and multifamily properties:

✔ Schedule a Post-Storm Roof Inspection

A professional inspection can catch:

• punctures

• seam separation

• flashing failures

• wet insulation

• drainage issues

Early detection often means a simple repair instead of a costly replacement.

✔ Document Any Damage Immediately

Take photos of:

• interior staining

• ceiling tile damage

• exterior shingle displacement

• gutter issues

• rooftop ponding

This helps with insurance claims and repair planning.

✔ Don’t Wait for a “Major Leak”

Many post-storm leaks start as slow moisture intrusion that:

• saturates insulation

• causes rot

• weakens decking

• damages interior finishes

By the time water is dripping, the damage is usually already extensive.

Need a Post-Storm Roof Inspection?

If your property experienced heavy ice/snow buildup and you’re now seeing signs of leaks, staining, or drainage problems, it’s smart to have your roof checked before the next rain.

We provide post-storm inspections and repairs for:

• commercial flat roofs

• multifamily shingle systems

• roof drainage and flashing issues

• emergency leak response

📞 Contact us today to schedule an inspection.