Winter is here, meaning it’s time to turn your attention to a crucial but often overlooked aspect of commercial property maintenance – your roof. Neglecting your commercial roof during winter can lead to cascading problems: broken HVAC, safety hazards, and damaged roof membranes.
Here’s your essential guide to commercial roof winter maintenance to help you prepare for the wintry season.
How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter
You must prepare your roof for upcoming winter storms. Start with a comprehensive commercial roof inspection:
- Look for any existing damage and address it promptly.
- Trim overhanging branches that could pose a threat under heavy snow loads.
- Remove debris from drains and downspouts to prevent areas of ponding and ice from forming.
- Finally, inspect for exposed insulation and repair any vulnerable areas.
Checking these points off your to-do list sets you forward to preventing severe damage from the winter effects. Still, here are some additional tips for specific winter woes.
Snow Accumulation
Snow can visually transform your commercial property into a winter wonderland. However, too much of it can spell trouble for your roof. Too much snow can block access to vital systems, like HVAC, drainage systems, and more.
While not always necessary, some periods of heavy snow accumulation may require professional snow and ice removal, especially after heavy storms, to prevent structural strain. It might help to invest in professional snow removal services if your property is prone to heavy snowfall.
Temperature Fluctuations
It’s not winter without temperature fluctuations. The constant freezing and thawing cycles have the potential to compromise roofing materials and create vulnerabilities, especially if your roof wasn’t installed by a skilled, certified roofer.
Regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as cracks and gaps. Address these issues promptly to prevent water infiltration during thaw periods.
It also helps to use high-quality roofing materials to withstand these temperature extremes. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), and EPDM are some of the best roofing materials for cold weather.
Why Your Commercial Roof Needs Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is a necessity for the longevity and durability of your commercial roof. It also saves you more money in the long run. The cost of neglect far outweighs the investment in routine inspections and repairs. You can monitor your property, identifying and addressing issues before they escalate.
Call Showalter for Professional Roofing Maintenance!
If you have a flat roof on your commercial building, we can help! Showalter Roofing knows how winter weather affects a commercial roofing system.
Our commercial roofing contractors have the skills, experience, and tools to ensure your roof remains in good condition any time of year. Contact us today and ask about our preventative maintenance program. We made this program to save money for our customers, giving them access to priority inspection scheduling, roof analyses, and repair and replacement budgets.
As the leading commercial roofing company in the Midwest and Southeast, we’re prepared to tackle any issues that come your way. From high-quality commercial roofing repairs to commercial roof replacements, we guarantee your building will have the protection, durability, and energy efficiency it deserves.
