After 80 km/h Winds in Edmonton… What Just Happened to Your Roof?

 Over the past few days, Edmonton and surrounding areas have seen wind gusts pushing 80 km/h. 

For most people, it’s just an inconvenience.

For your building… it’s a stress test.

Wind Doesn’t Create Problems—It Finds Them

Roofs rarely fail all at once.

Instead, they develop:

• Small membrane weaknesses
• Loose flashing
• Minor seam separations
• Areas where water has already started to work its way in

You won’t see these from the ground.
And most of the time… you won’t even notice them right away.

But wind will.

It lifts, pulls, and pressures every vulnerable point.
If something was close to failing… this kind of weather accelerates it.

The Risk Most Buildings Miss

Here’s where things get expensive:

Nothing shows up immediately.

Then:

• A leak appears weeks later
• Interior damage starts
• Insurance conversations begin
• Emergency repairs cost far more than planned maintenance

By that point, you're reacting, not managing.

Why Traditional Roof Checks Fall Short

After a wind event, getting eyes on the roof matters.

But traditional methods come with trade-offs:

• Walking the roof can cause additional wear or damage
• Safety requirements slow things down
• Access (especially on multi-unit or complex buildings) becomes a challenge
• And most inspections are reactive, only done after a problem shows up

A Faster, Non-Intrusive Way to Check

Aerial roof scanning changes the timing and the quality of that decision.

Using high-resolution visual imaging (and thermal where conditions allow), you can:

• Identify displaced or stressed materials
• Spot potential entry points for water
• Capture a full roof overview without stepping on it
• Document current condition for boards, insurance, or maintenance planning

All without:

• Foot traffic on the roof
• Scaffolding or lift equipment
• Disrupting tenants

This Isn’t About “Inspection”—It’s About Awareness

Right now, after a multi-day wind event, the question isn’t:

“Do we have damage?”

It’s:

“Do we know for sure we don’t?”

Because if something did shift, loosen, or open up…
catching it early is the difference between a small repair and a major expense.

A Practical Approach

For building owners, property managers, and condo boards:

• Use wind events as a trigger point
• Capture a baseline of your roof condition
• Document any anomalies early
• Plan maintenance instead of reacting to failures

Final Thought

You don’t need to scan your roof every week.

But after weather like this?
It’s one of the most cost-effective times to take a look.

Because the wind already did the hard part, it showed you where to look.

If you’re unsure what condition your building is in after the recent winds, we can help provide a clear, non-intrusive visual overview so you can make informed decisions.

Let's have a chat!