What roof and drainage concerns should you check before winter?
Look for visible signs of water problems from accessible ground-level areas and inside the building. Document what you see and arrange appropriate professional review.
1. Follow the evidence
Record stains, damp ceiling areas, overflowing gutters, and water collecting near entrances. Include the location and weather conditions when the issue appears.
2. Check the route
From the ground, observe where downspouts discharge and whether surface water appears to flow toward the building. Avoid roof access or ladder work during this review.
3. Build a useful record
Take dated photos of the same areas after rain. A clear pattern can help a qualified roofing or drainage professional investigate the source.
4. Coordinate the response
Separate active water entry from longer-term improvements. Share the record with the responsible provider and track the agreed repair scope.
Bring this to your next facility meeting
Leak location; date first noticed; rain conditions; photos; affected rooms; previous repair records.
For each open item, record the person responsible, the next action, and the date for review.
These field notes support facility planning. Equipment servicing, diagnosis, and repairs should be handled by appropriately qualified providers.
Need help organizing the next step?
Share your facility concern with GFI so we can discuss the scope and appropriate support.
Discuss a facility needGet the complete winter readiness workbook
Seven brief module guides, fillable questionnaires, and a consolidated action plan. Use the complete workbook alongside this Facility Watch series.
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