Commercial Roof Hazards You Can Face During Winter

Winter is a season that brings plenty of challenges for all kinds of properties. Commercial properties face the brunt of hailstorms and snowfall during winter. It can lead to various issues that can shorten the lifespan of your roofing materials. Here are a few dangers you can face during this season.

Ice Dams

Unequal cool and warm spots on your roof would melt ice and refreeze them in various areas of the roof. When this happens, standing water can cause leaks that damage your properties. It can cause molds and wood rot on the sheathing and rafters supporting the roof materials.

Clogged Drains

Snow and melted water can bring debris and leaves on your drainage systems. Clogged systems can cause pooled water on your roof that can cause leaks later. Have a maintenance team clean up the drains to ensure it’s ready to handle moisture and excess water.

Excess Snow

Lots of snow can pile up during the most severe storms in the season. You’ll need expert commercial roofing contractors to clear the snow in the middle of the season and ensure it doesn’t turn brittle due to excessively low temperatures.

Leading Edge Safety has a great list of tips to keep your roof safe during winter.

6 Tips For Commercial Roof Maintenance This Winter

Winter is just around the corner! Now is the time to prepare your commercial roof for the winter. Let’s look at a few things you should be doing before the first snowfall to ensure your roof’s longevity.

Safety

Before you perform any maintenance related issues, roof safety should be at the top of your list. Does your building have safety rails? Are there appropriate places to tie off? Don’t forget about skylights! Skylights can be a hazard, whether they are blocked by snow, debris or just overlooked. The SkyNet™ from Leading Edge is a fast and easy way to properly secure these potential fall areas.

Drainage System

Clear roof drains allow moving water to stay off the roof, reducing the possibility of damage from harsh winter conditions. Remove debris prior to the winter season to ensure water can escape from your roof.

Inspection

Check seals for any cracking and any damaged or loose roofing materials. Have these findings repaired immediately by a professional to avoid leaking roofs, which can create mold, mildew and water damage as well as a potential icy safety hazard.

HVAC

Have your roof top HVAC unit serviced annually! This may prevent break downs during the cold snowy days of winter. Don’t forget to check the seals on the unit itself to prevent leaks and safety hazards.

Ice Dams

Have you noticed icicles hanging from your gutters? This is usually a sign of ice dams. Let’s not forget that water EXPANDS: Ice dams can cause serious damage to your downspouts. Remove them ASAP to avoid future costly repairs. (Continue reading here to learn more)

Need commercial roofing services from top-tier pros? Count on Roper Roofing & Solar to provide outstanding roofing installation, repair, and maintenance services. We’ve been servicing commercial buildings, hotels, and other properties in your area for decades. Our roofers have decades of experience and achieve results beyond your expectations. Call us today to get started.