Table of Contents
- Effects of Snow on a Flat Roof
- Roof Maintenance Techniques for Winter
- Tips for Preventing Commercial Roof Damage in Winter
- Protect Your Commercial Roof With David Maines and Associates, Inc.
Winter isn’t just a time for festivities — it also means your flat commercial roof will have to hold up against harsh weather all season. Therefore, you need to start prepping your building for freezing temperatures and snow. With regular inspections, up-to-date repairs and a severe weather plan, you can get your flat roof ready for whatever winter brings.
Once snow hits, there isn’t much you can do to protect your roof. That’s why planning and maintenance are vital for ensuring you have a strong, secure commercial roof during the colder months. Let’s go over some of the potential dangers winter poses and how to protect your commercial roof from snow damage this season.
Effects of Snow on a Flat Roof
While a white blanket of snow turns any area into a winter wonderland, there are serious damages snow can cause to your flat roof. Winter weather often results in roof damage if you don’t try to protect your building. Here are some of the potential problems you might see during winter:
1. Wind
Wind from snow storms can pull up and loosen roof sections and throw larger debris, like tree branches, onto the roof. Anything that’s unsecured can blow free, and wind might knock objects into your building, causing holes, leaks and tears.
2. Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Materials will expand and contract as temperatures dip down to freezing at night and rise back up during the day. This cycle of freezing, thawing and refreezing can lead to water ponding on a flat roof. Some of the water will drain away, but if the freeze-thaw process happens repeatedly, water can start to seep into cracks caused by expansion. Additionally, the freeze-thaw cycle can strain and damage your HVAC and electrical systems if left unchecked.
3. Ice Dams
Ice dams are caused by melting snow getting backed up and freezing around downspouts or gutters. If left alone, they can cause damage to the roof membrane and create leaks in your building. The large icicles can even break off and injure anyone passing under them or any objects beneath them. Further, heavy ice dams can pull gutters down, leading to more repairs.
4. Snow Drifts
High winds from snow storms can pile snow up in heavy drifts on your flat roof. Too much snow buildup can lead to the roof sagging and even collapsing in extreme cases. Get professional help to remove snow drifts from your roof as soon as possible to prevent water and weight damage.
5. Moisture
Besides the obvious moisture that comes with snow, ice and water, roofs can also experience condensation buildup. Warm air from your building rising to meet the cold roof can turn into excess condensation. Over time, condensation can become mildew and mold. Too much of this and your employees might have allergic reactions to the mold, or the structure could take on moisture damage.
Roof Maintenance Techniques for Winter
You want to perform any roof maintenance before winter hits. Winter can exacerbate your existing roof issues, making repairs more expensive and leading to severe problems with your roof. Let’s go over some key maintenance you should complete to protect your building from snow damage.
Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter
Prep is essential for any pre-winter roof work. Stay on top of your roof maintenance and repairs, so you can avoid getting stuck with severe damages during a snowstorm. Here are the steps you should take to get ready for winter:
- Get a professional inspection: A professional inspection is critical for maintaining your roof strength. A good roofing company will send someone to go over your roof to ensure everything is ready for winter. They’ll evaluate your building and let you know if any repairs, clearing or replacements need to be made before winter hits.
- Clean your roof: Clear debris from the roof so that nothing can create blockages or retain moisture. Get your roof professionally cleaned if it looks like there’s moss or dirt buildup. Moss and lichen can push up roof pieces and create leaks if left unchecked.
- Clear drainage: Clean out all your gutters, downspouts and even your HVAC system as needed. Any blockages will lead to ice dams and water backups, causing leaks once the snow melts.
- Get repairs done: Perform any repairs your roof inspector recommends. The strain of winter weather can make existing problems worse — avoid paying more later on and get everything fixed before the snow comes.
Identifying Damage
A good roof inspector can help you identify the damage, but there are some signs you can spot yourself. Understanding signs your roof needs repair or replacement can help you catch problems before they become more extensive. If you can safely access your flat roof, look for these signs of roof damage from snow, wind, water and wear:
- Water spots or mold: Notice discoloration on your roof? Smell any musty odors or spot mold? These are signs you have a leak somewhere or at least some existing water damage. Water puddles inside are the most obvious sign of a leak, but any dampness or moisture could mean you have water getting in somewhere.
- Missing shingles: If you have shingles, fix any missing ones immediately. Too many missing shingles can compromise the strength and waterproofing of your roof. Additionally, wind can pull up shingles around the missing section, ripping up more and increasing your roof damage.
- Sagging: A sagging roof means there’s water or weight compromising the structure. Avoid walking on the roof if it’s sagging — call a professional to get an inspection to find out what the problem is.
Tips for Preventing Commercial Roof Damage in Winter
Don’t get stuck with winter roof repair — start early to prevent damage so you’re ready for the cold. Here are some quick tips to help you get your flat roof winter ready:
- Get annual roof inspections.
- Trim any overhanging tree limbs.
- Service your building’s HVAC system annually.
- Keep your roof and drainage systems clear.
- Have a snow plan in place.
- Sign up for a regular roof maintenance plan.
Protect Your Commercial Roof With David Maines and Associates, Inc.
Keeping your flat commercial roof strong during the winter requires expert repairs and thorough inspections. Trust David Maines to provide high-quality, lasting roof repair, replacement, restoration and maintenance. We’ll handle the roof work so you can focus on what’s important — your business. If you’re interested in maintaining a lasting, durable roof through winter and beyond, contact us for flat commercial roof services and get your inspection scheduled today.
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