Hot summers in Kansas don’t just affect people—they affect buildings, too. One part of your building that works especially hard is the roof. It takes in full sunlight, high temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rains. Over time, all that weather can lead to serious damage.
If you manage a business property in Wichita, Derby, Newton, or nearby towns, summer is a great time to check in on your roof. Even if it looks fine from the ground, damage could be building up. UV rays, heat, and stormwater all cause wear that gets worse over time.
At Solid Rock Commercial Roofing, we help property owners catch roofing problems early and keep their buildings protected. This article will help you understand:
- How summer weather affects commercial roofs
- What signs show roof damage is happening
- Why summer is the best time for a checkup
- What steps you can take to spot problems
- How Solid Rock can help you stay ahead
Let’s break it down together.
Key Takeaways:
- Summer weather can damage commercial roofs
UV rays, high heat, and daily temperature changes wear down roofing materials and weaken seams, coatings, and flashings. - Common signs of roof damage include
Blisters, cracks, peeling, rust, standing water, and indoor signs like ceiling stains, odors, or rising cooling costs. - Damage often starts small and hidden
Many roofing problems begin at edges, around rooftop units, or under pooled water and aren’t obvious until they become costly. - Mid-summer is the best time for a roof inspection
Dry conditions make inspections and repairs easier, and you can catch spring storm damage before fall weather worsens it. - Simple steps can help prevent bigger problems
Regular property walkarounds, interior checks, photo records, and keeping drains clear all support early problem detection. - Professional inspections are worth it
Solid Rock Commercial Roofing offers photo-based reporting, drone inspections, and maintenance plans that help avoid expensive repairs. - Preventive care saves money and stress
A quick summer checkup now can prevent disruptive leaks and larger repairs during busy fall months. - Local expertise makes a difference
Solid Rock understands the unique roofing challenges of Kansas properties and delivers timely, customized service.
What Summer Weather Does to Your Roof
Roofs are exposed to the elements 24/7. During summer, the heat and sunlight can be especially damaging. Here’s how:
1. Sunlight Wears Out Roofing Materials
The sun gives off UV rays that break down roofing materials slowly but surely. Over the years, these rays can cause:
- Cracks and chalking in flat roof membranes like TPO or EPDM
- Fading or peeling in roof coatings
- Weakened adhesives and sealants near vents or skylights
Let’s say a shopping center in Wichita has a TPO roof. It looked great a few years ago, but now the surface near the drains is starting to crack. These small cracks will grow if no one catches them early.
2. Heat Causes Roofs to Expand and Shrink
A Kansas roof in the summer can reach 150°F or more. When it gets that hot, roofing materials expand. At night, when the temperature cools down, they shrink again. This daily movement can stress the roof and cause:
- Seams to pull apart
- Panels to warp
- Fasteners to loosen
Imagine a Newton warehouse with a metal roof. After several summers, the roof panels near the edge start to bend slightly. This allows rainwater to sneak underneath, which causes more problems later.
3. Daily Temperature Swings Wear Things Out
This heating and cooling cycle—called thermal cycling—happens every day. Flashings, which seal up edges and areas around vents or HVAC units, are especially at risk. They can pull loose over time without anyone noticing.
Think about an office complex in Derby. The flashing around the rooftop air conditioning units has been heating and cooling daily for years. By August, tiny gaps have formed. The next rainstorm could lead to water leaking inside.
Signs Your Roof May Be Damaged
Roof damage often starts small. If you know what to watch for, you can catch it before it turns into a big, expensive repair.
A. Visible Damage on the Roof
If you can see the roof—or if you hire someone to inspect it—look for:
- Blisters or bubbles on flat roof surfaces
- Cracks or peeling in roof coatings
- Loose seams or curling edges
- Rust around fasteners or metal sections
These signs often mean the roof is starting to fail in certain areas.
B. Problem Spots Around Roof Features
Most roof leaks start around penetrations—places where something sticks out of the roof. This includes:
- Vents
- HVAC units
- Skylights
- Walls or parapets
Look closely (or have a professional check) for lifted flashing, rust stains, or gaps.
C. Standing Water on the Roof
After a rain, water should drain from the roof within a day or two. If it doesn’t, there could be a problem with the slope or the drains. Pooling water leads to:
- Faster material breakdown
- Increased roof weight
- A higher risk of leaks
A Park City business might not notice one clogged scupper after a storm. But over time, that blocked drain causes water to collect and weaken the roof beneath it.
D. Clues Inside the Building
Sometimes, you won’t notice damage until it shows up indoors. Warning signs include:
- Stains or spots on ceiling tiles
- Peeling paint on upper walls
- Musty smells (possible mold)
- Uneven cooling or rising energy bills
These problems often come from water entering through small roof leaks.
Why Summer Is a Smart Time to Check Your Roof
It’s tempting to wait until fall to think about your roof. But summer is actually the best time for inspections and light repairs. Here’s why:
- Spring storm damage becomes visible: Hail, wind, or debris from earlier months might start to show up in the summer heat.
- Dry weather makes work easier: With fewer rain delays, inspections and small repairs can be done quickly.
- Roofing crews are more available: Many people wait until fall. If you act now, you can get help faster.
- Preventive care is cheaper: Fixing a small problem today costs much less than fixing a major leak tomorrow.
What You Can Do to Catch Problems Early
You don’t have to be a roofing expert to protect your building. Here are some things you can do this summer:
1. Walk the Property After Storms
After a heavy storm, walk around your building. Look up at the roof if you can. Use binoculars to spot:
- Debris on the roof
- Sagging areas or lifted panels
- Overflowing gutters
2. Check the Interior
Once a month, take a look inside the top floor of your building. Pay attention to:
- Wet spots or stains
- New smells (especially moldy or musty ones)
- Hot or cold areas that seem off
3. Keep Drains and Gutters Clear
Leaves, twigs, and trash can block drains. When water builds up on a flat roof, it causes more damage faster. Cleaning your drains is a simple way to prevent problems.
4. Take Notes and Photos
Whenever you (or your maintenance team) check the roof, take photos. These can help you see what’s changed over time.
How Solid Rock Commercial Roofing Can Help
At Solid Rock, we work with business owners and property managers across Wichita and nearby towns. We know how Kansas weather affects different types of commercial roofs.
We Service:
- TPO roofs
- EPDM roofs
- Modified bitumen roofs
- Metal roofing systems
Our Services Include:
- Roof inspections with photos and written reports
- Drone and thermal inspections for safer, faster results
- Scheduled maintenance plans
- Quick response for repairs
Here’s a quick example:
A charter school in Sedgwick County calls us for a summer check. We find that the EPDM membrane is pulling away from the edge in one spot. We fix it right away. Two months later, a thunderstorm rolls through. No leaks, no classroom damage—and no disruption for students or staff.
Conclusion
Summer heat can cause quiet but serious damage to your commercial roof. UV rays, high surface temperatures, and daily temperature swings all add stress. If you don’t catch the signs early, the damage can grow quickly.
Mid-summer is the best time to take action. The weather is dry, and there’s still time to fix issues before fall storms hit. A roof check now can save you money and stress later.
Call Solid Rock Commercial Roofing today at (316) 227-2628 or visit https://solidrockcorp.com/contact-us/ to schedule your no-hassle summer inspection.
We’ll help make sure your roof stays strong—so your business can, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is summer especially hard on commercial roofs?
Summer brings intense sunlight, high surface temperatures, and daily temperature swings. These conditions cause roofing materials to expand and contract, which can weaken seams, crack coatings, and damage flashing over time.
What types of roofing problems should I look for in the summer?
Look for blisters, cracks, peeling, fading, rust, loose flashing, standing water, or any signs of wear near drains and rooftop equipment. Also, check inside your building for ceiling stains, odors, or uneven temperatures.
When is the best time to inspect my roof during the summer?
Mid-summer (July to early August) is ideal. It’s typically dry, storm damage from spring is visible, and roofing contractors usually have more open scheduling than in the fall.
How often should I inspect my commercial roof?
At least twice a year—once in late spring or early summer and once in the fall. After major storms, a quick check is also recommended to spot any sudden damage.
What can I do on my own to check the roof?
You can walk the property, look for roof debris or pooling water, check gutters and drains, inspect ceiling tiles for stains, and take photos to track changes. But for a full check, it’s best to hire a professional.
Why should I choose Solid Rock Commercial Roofing?
We specialize in commercial roof systems across Wichita and surrounding areas. Our team offers expert inspections, photo-based reports, drone services, and maintenance plans customized for your property’s needs.
What if I don’t see any damage—should I still get an inspection?
Yes. Many roof issues start small and go unnoticed until they cause a leak or structural damage. A summer inspection can catch early problems and save you from more expensive repairs later.
How do I schedule a summer roof check with Solid Rock?
Call us at (316) 227-2628 or visit https://solidrockcorp.com/contact-us/ to set up a no-obligation inspection appointment.
This article has been a collaboration between Solid Rock Corporation and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on June 27, it combines AI-generated draft material with Solid Rock’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
