On July 27, severe weather and a powerful tornado caused significant damage across Menasha,
Appleton, and surrounding Fox Valley communities. For commercial property owners, facility
managers, and business owners, the cleanup does not end when fallen branches and debris are
removed from the property. One of the most important next steps is determining what happened
to the roof.

High winds, flying debris, hail, and heavy rain can damage a commercial roofing system in ways
that are not always visible from the ground. Even a building that appears relatively unaffected
may have punctured roofing membranes, damaged flashing, loose metal components, compromised
seams, or other problems that can eventually lead to leaks and costly interior damage.

If your commercial property was affected by the Menasha tornado or surrounding Fox Valley
storms, here are some important steps to take.

1. Put Safety First After Tornado Damage

Before inspecting your property, make sure the building and surrounding area are safe.

Stay away from downed electrical lines, unstable trees, loose building materials, standing
water near electrical equipment, and visibly compromised structures. Avoid climbing onto a
commercial roof yourself after a severe storm.

Tornado-force winds can loosen roofing materials, decking, flashing, rooftop equipment, and
other components. Damage that looks minor from below may create unsafe conditions once someone
is on the roof.

A professional commercial roofing contractor can evaluate the roofing system and identify areas
that require immediate attention.

2. Look for Signs of Commercial Roof Damage

Tornado and severe-storm damage can appear differently depending on the type of commercial
roofing system.

Common warning signs include:

• Torn, punctured, or lifted roofing membrane
• Loose or displaced flashing
• Damage around vents, HVAC units, and roof penetrations
• Bent or missing sheet metal
• Damaged roof edges or coping
• Open seams
• Ponding or unusual areas of standing water
• Clogged or damaged drains
• Water stains or leaks inside the building
• Wet ceiling tiles or insulation
• Debris impact damage
• Sections of roofing material that have shifted or detached

Some damage may be obvious. Other problems can be difficult to recognize without a thorough
roof inspection.

That is why having the roof evaluated soon after a major weather event can be so important.

3. Don’t Wait for a Roof Leak to Appear

One of the biggest mistakes commercial property owners can make after severe weather is assuming
the roof is fine because the building is not currently leaking.

A storm can compromise a roofing system without producing an immediate interior leak.

For example, wind may loosen flashing or roofing material while debris creates a small puncture
in a membrane. The opening may remain unnoticed until another round of rain allows water to
enter the roofing assembly.

By the time water becomes visible inside the building, insulation, decking, ceilings, inventory,
equipment, or interior finishes may already have been exposed to moisture.

A post-storm commercial roof inspection can help identify vulnerable areas earlier and determine
whether repairs are needed.

4. Document the Damage

Commercial property owners should document storm damage as soon as it is safe to do so.

Take photographs or video of visible damage around the property, including:

• Roofing materials found on the ground
• Damaged gutters or drainage components
• Bent or damaged sheet metal
• Fallen trees or branches
• Interior water damage
• Damaged rooftop equipment visible from a safe location
• Other areas affected by wind or flying debris

Keep records of when the damage was discovered and any steps taken to protect the building.

If you plan to make an insurance claim, documentation may also help provide a clearer record of
the condition of the property following the storm. Contact your insurance carrier directly for
guidance regarding your specific policy and claim requirements.

5. Have the Entire Commercial Roofing System Inspected

Tornado damage is not always isolated to one obvious section of a building.

Strong winds can place tremendous pressure on roof edges, corners, seams, flashing, and other
vulnerable areas. Flying debris can also affect multiple sections of a roof.

A commercial roof inspection should therefore look at the roofing system as a whole rather than
simply addressing the first visible problem.

Depending on the property and roofing system, an inspection may include evaluating the roof
membrane, flashing, seams, penetrations, drainage areas, roof edges, sheet metal, and other
components for storm-related damage.

How Quality Roofing Can Help Fox Valley Businesses After the Menasha Tornado

When severe weather affects a commercial property, getting the building protected and determining
the extent of roof damage can quickly become a priority.

Quality Roofing, Inc. provides commercial roofing and sheet metal services throughout
Wisconsin and has been serving Wisconsin customers for more than 75 years.

Our experienced team can help commercial property owners assess storm-related roofing damage
and determine the appropriate next steps for repairs.

Whether your building experienced obvious tornado damage or you simply want reassurance that
the roofing system was not compromised by severe winds, hail, rain, or flying debris, having it
professionally inspected can help you make an informed decision.

Quality Roofing works with a variety of commercial roofing systems and provides commercial roof
repair, installation, maintenance, and sheet metal services.

Serving Menasha, Appleton, Neenah and Communities Across Wisconsin

The July tornado left many businesses and property owners throughout the Fox Valley dealing
with damage and cleanup.

Quality Roofing is proud to serve commercial customers throughout Wisconsin, including
businesses in Menasha, Appleton, Neenah, the Fox Valley, and surrounding communities.

Our goal is to help property owners protect their buildings, address roofing problems promptly,
and move forward after severe weather.