Most building owners and facility managers forget about rooftop equipment, though these components are essential to controlling a building’s heating and cooling, electrical, and other vital systems. Ductwork, walkways and conduits are other parts people tend to overlook when out of sight. Commercial units are often capable of withstanding varying weather conditions and wear, but as climate change ramps up major storms, even the most durable units are susceptible to damage. Securing rooftop equipment is essential to their protection during extreme weather.
Common Weather Threats to Rooftop Equipment
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 27 climate-induced weather disasters caused more than $1 billion in losses in 2024. These events included 17 major storms, five tropical cyclones and two winter storms. With rooftop units exposed to the elements, the most common weather events could result in extensive and costly repairs. Some of the most impactful conditions to rooftop equipment entail:
- Fluctuating hot and cold temperatures.
- Heavy precipitation, including rain, snow, ice and hail.
- Wind uplift and flying debris.
- Lightning strikes.
- Excessive humidity and moisture.
Physical and operational damage to units could entail structural stress, ultraviolet degradation, corrosion, cracks and dents, disrupted airflow, loosened parts, and poor performance.
Assessing Your Rooftop for Key Vulnerabilities
Inspecting your rooftop unit for key vulnerabilities is critical, especially if a storm is approaching. A comprehensive checklist ensures you cover the most essential parts at risk before and after extreme weather, including the following:
- Loose or rusty nuts, screws, and bolts
- Cracked, sagging and weakened supports
- Worn rubber pads and springs
- Corroded unit casings
- Oil or refrigerant leaks
- Melted, burned or loose electrical components
- Stretching or peeling roof membranes
- Debris accumulation and clogged drains
- Poor surface drainage
Document your findings and make improvements immediately. Routine inspections and maintenance further extend the equipment’s lifespan, prevent building damage, and improve structural safety.
Best Practices for Securing Rooftop Equipment
Natural disasters can occur unexpectedly, so you should not wait to secure your building’s rooftop equipment. Chuck Miccolis of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says you must first seal the roof edge flashing, perimeter and corners zones, since these areas experience the most significant uplift during severe winds. Sealing the curbs that support the rooftop unit will also prevent the equipment from falling over or sliding across the surface.
Many commercial rooftops have solar panels installed to lower buildings’ energy consumption. High-low self-piercing screws are ideal for securing panels because they lock in as soon as you insert them, holding the solar power rooftop system in place. Hail guards or intake filter screens provide additional protection to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems while allowing for consistent airflow. Likewise, removing debris from gutter systems, drains and downspouts is crucial for proper water flow.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning
Hurricane Ida caused $75 million in infrastructural damage after striking the United States in 2021. Proactively safeguarding rooftop equipment can help you avoid costly repairs during storm seasons. An emergency plan for rooftop equipment enables better preparedness and rapid response to minimize equipment failures and boost personnel safety.
Step-by-step protocols should consider different risk hazards and scenarios that could impact units in your region, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, windstorms, precipitation, and electrical fires. You should also outline recovery procedures to return to normal operations as swiftly as possible.
Create a checklist before and after a storm hits, and remember to take pictures of the damage to submit to your insurance policy. Always ensure the area is safe for someone to inspect after the weather event passes, meaning the area must be clear of debris and live wires. Secure any damaged equipment with a tarp covering until someone can repair it properly.
Foster relationships with service providers for a smoother recovery. Negotiate competitive rates and sign contracts with trusted vendors for roofing assistance, debris removal, and restorations.
You should also review your insurance policy to understand what it covers if you file a claim. Often, roofing contractors will help you navigate the claims process. Be sure to maintain detailed records of maintenance and repair costs to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
Long-Term Strategies for Resilient Roof Operations
Securing rooftop equipment for resilience against extreme weather requires a long-term strategy. A proactive maintenance plan reviews these units several times a year to extend equipment service life and catch potential problems as they arise. Predictive maintenance tools use machine learning algorithms to collect and analyze real-time data, enabling easier detection of malfunctions.
Drones, smart sensors and roof management systems are also efficient at tracking moisture levels and temperature fluctuations, assessing hard-to-reach areas, and scheduling maintenance. To uphold warranty terms and provide a clear history of the building’s rooftop conditions, you should maintain detailed documentation of all system inspections and repairs. Reserving a budget for unexpected failures and large-scale damage is equally important.
If you perform rooftop retrofits, select materials that can withstand the changing climate and weather impacts, including smaller parts that can prevent equipment uplift. Options might comprise metal, rubber, and reflective materials to limit UV exposure and degradation.
Stabilized Rooftop Equipment for Building Efficiency
Securing rooftop equipment ensures continuous building efficiency even when the worst storm hits. Remain proactive with a comprehensive plan for inspecting, preparing and recovering essential units in extreme weather conditions.
