After years of working on flat roofs across Ontario’s commercial sector, one thing I’ve learned for sure is that storms don’t play fair, especially with large buildings. When the wind hits a warehouse, or freezing rain pounds a retail plaza, it’s never a light test. The calls usually start the next morning: “Alex, we didn’t notice anything before, but now there’s water in the loading bay.”

The truth is roofs rarely fail overnight. It slowly weakens from heat, cold, UV exposure, and time, until one heavy storm finally exposes what’s been hiding beneath.

Facility managers and business owners need to act fast and have their roofs inspected after a major storm. Doing so will save you from a lot of stress and unnecessary expenses with a quick professional check.

At NorthCan Roofing, we tell clients the same thing: your roof isn’t just a surface, it’s the system that protects your operations, assets, and people. A little care right after a storm can be the difference between a small repair and a six-figure problem later.

You’d be surprised how often a flat roof looks fine from the ground but isn’t. We’ve been called to inspect countless commercial buildings, distribution centers, factories, retail plazas, where everything appeared normal until we opened up the membrane. That’s when we find saturated insulation, soft spots, and trapped moisture.

Once water gets in, it doesn’t stop. It freezes, expands, melts, and spreads through insulation and decking. By the time stains appear on ceiling tiles or a musty smell creeps into an office, it might already be too late.

Even the most expensive materials can’t survive poor maintenance. We’ve seen this across Toronto, Vaughan, and Barrie, good systems, but neglected upkeep. That’s why preventive flat roof maintenance is non-negotiable in commercial properties. A tight seal, regular inspections, and early action are what separate reliable facilities from emergency repair cases.

The strongest roof isn’t the one that looks new after a storm, it’s the one that performs without complaint through the next ten.

A few winters back, a logistics warehouse in Vaughan called after a severe ice storm. They’d spotted a small stain on the ceiling near their loading dock. We went in expecting a simple patch, but under the surface was soaked insulation and corrosion beginning around the drain area.

A sharp sheet of ice had lifted the edge flashing just enough to let meltwater creep in. Over weeks, that water spread quietly through the insulation layer. We had to cut and replace a full section of the roofing system to save the rest. If they’d waited another month, that section would’ve needed a full tear-off.

That project was a good reminder, most storm-related roof failures don’t start big. They start invisible. And that’s exactly why commercial inspections after storms are critical.

When Ontario’s weather hits hard, quick thinking can make all the difference. Here’s what we recommend to every client:

1. Do a safe visual check. Once the storm passes, look for pooling water, debris, or damage to mechanical units.
2. Inspect inside. Check ceilings in offices, warehouses, and service areas for stains, bubbling paint, or a musty smell.
3. Avoid temporary DIY fixes. Caulks and sealants trap moisture and make things worse.
4. Schedule a professional inspection. A qualified commercial roofer can locate leaks, assess the membrane, and handle repairs before damage spreads.

Calling for help early is a smart move, it helps protect your investment. The sooner an issue is caught, the easier and more affordable it is to fix.

Need a post-storm inspection? Call NorthCan Roofing for a same-day assessment anywhere in the GTA

Twice yearly roof maintenance will prevent most of the most common post-storm issues. Our maintenance visits include cleaning drains, resealing seams, checking flashing, and testing for trapped moisture.

Think of it as preventative facility care, just like servicing HVAC systems or checking fire alarms. You don’t wait for a full system failure before acting, and your roof should be no different.

Ontario’s climate challenges every flat roofing system. The mix of ice, snow, wind, and temperature swings can destroy weak seals, stress adhesives, and warp membranes.

Wind uplift is especially dangerous for commercial roofs. It can pull at edges and flashings, creating entry points for water that freeze, expand, and multiply the damage cycle.

At NorthCan Roofing, we only use commercial-grade materials rated for Canadian winters, membranes, adhesives, and sealants designed for extreme temperature changes. We source locally from trusted suppliers who understand what “Ontario-proof” really means.

Watch out for the following after a major storm:

• Soft or spongy areas underfoot during inspections
• Blisters or bubbles on the membrane surface
• Lifted or cracked flashing near HVAC units or drains
• Standing water that doesn’t clear within 48 hours
• Damp insulation or musty odours inside office or storage spaces

Even minor signs can signal trapped moisture beneath the surface. You have better chances of preserving your roofing the sooner you are able to identify problems.

At NorthCan Roofing, we’ve stood in plenty of boardrooms and warehouses after storms. The concern is always the same, “How bad is it, and how soon can we fix it?” After all, leaks mean lost revenue.

That’s why we built our company around trust and reliability. When you call, you get our local team, no call centers, no delays. We don’t guess, and we don’t cut corners. We assess, explain, and repair properly, every time.

You may not be able to avoid Ontario storms, but you can definitely avoid roof damage. If your facility just went through one, or if you want to be proactive before winter hits, reach out for Emergency Roof Repairs for a fast response.

And once things settle, consider booking a Flat Roof Maintenance visit. A small step now keeps your roof, and your business, prepared for whatever’s next.

Because when it comes to commercial roofs, being ready isn’t luck, it’s maintenance.

Your business deserves a roof that performs year-round. Schedule your post-storm inspection now and keep your operations protected, dry, and uninterrupted.