Winter’s Toughest Challenges: Why Emergencies Spike in December

Commercial roofs face their biggest battles in winter, especially flat and low-slope roofing systems like EPDM, TPO, and Modified Bitumen roofing systems. We typically see the start of “peak failure season” in December, and here’s why:

• Sudden Freeze-Thaw Cycles: water sneaks into tiny cracks, freezes, expands, and makes the damage worse
• Heavy Snow & Ice: excess weight strains the roof decking and can cause sagging or leaks
• High Winds: loose flashing or seams don’t stand a chance against the brutal December gusts
• Hidden Damage: minor issues overlooked in October or November show up most inconveniently, right when temperatures drop, and making repairs gets tricky.

Building a Smart Emergency Roof Repair Plan

Most roofing emergencies don’t ever start as big issues. They begin as small problems that are exaggerated by the stress of winter. Having a solid emergency plan helps you respond quickly, minimize damage, and keep operations running smoothly. Based on our experience, here’s some key things every commercial property owner should have for December and beyond:

1. Know Your Roof’s Vulnerable Points

Make sure you’re familiar with trouble areas: older membrane sections, past leak locations, HVAC penetrations, scuppers, and drains. A quick review of your last inspection report gives you a roadmap for what could possibly go wrong.

2. Create an Internal Reporting System

Your team should know exactly what to do the moment a leak or structural issue pops up. That means having a simple, easy-to-follow plan in place. When everyone knows the drill, you get faster responses, fewer headaches, and a much smoother winter season all around.

• Who do they call first? 
• What quick photos or notes should they take, so nothing gets missed? 
• Where’s the safest, most convenient spot to access the roof without playing detective in the middle of a snowstorm? 

3. Have a Trusted Roofing Partner on Speed Dial

When winter emergencies happen, time matters, and not every roofer can handle commercial winter repairs. The best protection is having a seasoned, local expert already lined up. That’s where the professionals at Waukegan Roofing come in.

Our team has decades of experience in Illinois winters under our belts, and we know how to diagnose and stabilize problems quickly, even in the toughest conditions. 

4. Plan for Temporary Fixes

In the coldest months, certain permanent repairs simply aren’t possible. Debris, ice, and frigid temperatures can limit options. Having a plan for temporary stabilization, like sealing, patching, or redirecting water, prevents further damage until long-term repairs can be completed safely.

5. Schedule Follow-Up Repairs Early

Once the weather warms up, our calendars fill up fast. Part of your emergency plan should include scheduling permanent repairs before the spring rush hits to avoid extra delays.

6. Schedule Yearly Inspections & Maintenance with Waukegan Roofing

One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of winter surprises is to schedule yearly inspections and maintenance with Waukegan Roofing. A quick annual checkup gives our team a chance to catch small issues before they turn into expensive emergencies, and it keeps your roof performing the way it should all year long. 

Think of it like a wellness visit for your building. Simple, smart, and always worth it! Plus, with our crew keeping an eye on things, you can head into every winter with a whole lot more confidence.