As Storms Bert and Conall hit the UK, facility managers nationwide are bracing for the aftermath of their impact. While emergency response services are crucial during extreme weather events, relying solely on reactive maintenance can leave your business exposed to unnecessary risks and costs.
Following storms and periods of extreme weather we always experience a surge in emergency roofing calls highlighting a critical gap in many organisations’ maintenance strategies.
The Hidden Vulnerability of Reactive Management
“Most businesses don’t think about their roof until there’s a problem,” explains Phil Seaton, Operations Director at NSS. “Unfortunately, by then, what could have been a simple maintenance issue has often escalated into a full-scale emergency requiring immediate attention.” This reactive approach isn’t just inefficient—it can be devastating to your bottom line and operations.
For example:
- A minor loose tile that could have been identified and secured during routine maintenance becomes a major breach during high winds
- Blocked gutters that would have been cleared in a standard inspection lead to water ingress and internal damage
- Weakened flashing that could have been reinforced preventatively tears away completely in storm conditions
The True Cost of Emergency Response
Emergency roof repairs during or after a storm often come at a premium, and the costs extend far beyond the immediate repair bill:
- Business disruption and potential closure
- Damage to internal fixtures and equipment
- Impact on employee productivity
- Potential health and safety risks
- Insurance implications
- Reputational damage
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
A proactive maintenance strategy isn’t just about preventing emergencies—it’s about protecting your investment. NSS’s biannual maintenance approach has proven particularly effective in storm-proofing commercial properties.
The ideal maintenance schedule includes:
- Pre-winter inspection (autumn): Ensuring your roof is ready for harsh weather
- Post-winter assessment (spring): Addressing any damage from winter conditions
- Regular visual inspections: Identifying potential issues before they become emergencies
Critical Pre-Storm Checklist
For immediate storm preparation, facility managers should ensure:
- Gutters and drainage systems are clear and functioning
- Loose tiles or sheets are secured
- Flashing and seals are intact
- Roof lights and skylights are properly sealed
- Trees near the building are trimmed
- Plant and equipment on the roof is secure
When Storms Strike: NSS’s Emergency Response Protocol
Despite best preparations, severe weather can still cause damage. NSS maintains a dedicated emergency response team equipped with:
- Fleet of truck-mounted access platforms for rapid deployment
- NICEIC-approved technicians available 24/7
- Comprehensive damage assessment capabilities
- Quick-response repair solutions
Building Long-Term Resilience
The most effective approach combines both preventive maintenance and reliable emergency response capabilities. NSS’s comprehensive roofing solutions include:
- Detailed roof surveys and condition reports
- Planned preventive maintenance programs
- Emergency repair services
- Long-term maintenance strategies
- Photographic documentation and recommendations
Making the Business Case for Prevention
While emergency services will always be necessary, the investment in preventive maintenance typically delivers returns through:
- Reduced emergency repair costs
- Extended roof lifespan
- Lower insurance premiums
- Minimal business disruption
- Protected property value
Proactive siphonic system surveys
Proactive siphonic system surveys have become increasingly critical in preventing storm-related damage. A comprehensive siphonic survey can identify the precise volume capabilities of existing gutters and drainage systems, highlighting potential weak points before they’re tested by severe weather.
By understanding your system’s actual capacity versus the potential rainfall volume, necessary upgrades or modifications can be implemented well before storm season. This preventive approach is particularly valuable given that many older systems were designed to handle historical rainfall patterns that may no longer reflect current weather trends.
NSS now offers specialist siphonic surveys conducted by SDRA-certified experts, who can assess your system’s capacity and provide detailed recommendations for optimisation. This comprehensive inspection service includes a thorough evaluation of existing drainage systems, identification of potential bottlenecks, and practical solutions to enhance system performance helping you to handle whatever weather challenges lie ahead.
Taking Action
As we face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, the question isn’t if your roof will be tested by severe conditions, but when. Facility managers have two choices: wait for the next storm to expose vulnerabilities or take proactive steps to protect their assets.
Contact NSS today for a comprehensive roof assessment and to develop a storm-ready maintenance strategy that protects your business through every season.
NSS is a nationwide specialist in commercial property maintenance, offering comprehensive roofing solutions through their fleet of truck-mounted access platforms and team of qualified professionals. Part of Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), NSS sets new standards for safety, speed, and transparency in facility services.