One exposure of a commercial roof to cold weather (i.e., low temps, rain, ice, snow and high winds) can cause damage that makes winter heating expenses and later summer cooling expenses a lot higher each year. Your roof can even experience a reduced overall lifespan that leaves you with no choice but to perform a costly replacement years before the norm.
This commercial roofing winter preparation guide outlines how investing in maintenance today can reduce these risks.
What are the Main Causes of Roof Damage?
In winter, cold weather weakens roof materials, especially in spots that have pre-existing damage. Low temps make hard surfaces and the roof’s membrane brittle, which can cause cracks, rips and warping. Rain can then leak into the building’s walls or rooms.
The expansion of ice and the weight of snow can increase the damage and make gutters less efficient. Ice can even form a ridge along the gutters and prevent water drainage.
Lastly, high winds can pull roofing materials away entirely. Worse, the roof can destabilize and experience a partial or complete collapse.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter Weather
Many commercial business and property owners and managers don’t invest in winter roof maintenance. They believe they don’t have the time, especially around holidays, or feel that it’s an unnecessary expense.
Follow these steps can save you future headaches:
1. Hire an expert roofing company
Hire a commercial roofing company that offers cleaning, scheduled roof inspections, and repair services to clear away all debris from roof surfaces, gutters and drains and then check for the following:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Algae, lichen and mold
- Cracks and gaps
- Caulk shrinkage
- Corrosion
- Leaking
- Thinning Insulation
- Missing or insecure materials (i.e., roofing nails, screws, flashing or shingles)
- Pooling water
- Poor ventilation
- And much more…
2. Invest in recommended repairs or replacements
Never allow small problems today to increase energy costs or cause an emergency event during storms or on the coldest days of the year.
Getting a roof repair or replacement can save you in the long run, preventing damage from snow and reducing the cost of repairs.
3. Cut back vegetation
Ask your landscaper to cut back vegetation that contributes to winter roof damage. This could include:
- Nearby tree stumps can house insects like termites that chew through roofing materials.
- Tall bushes and vines can make it easier for animals to access the roof when seeking heat and warmth.
- Tree branches too close to the roof can break and fall.
4. Develop a snow removal plan
Before winter storms hit, it’s important to have a plan to remove snow from your commercial building’s roof safely. Using improper snow removal methods can cause damage to the roof, so hiring a roofing contractor with expertise in snow removal is essential.
Why Contribute to the Increased Risk of an Emergency Event?
You can’t prevent every roof emergency scenario, but you can reduce risk to your business with commercial roofing winter preparation. Before the worst cold weather arrives, learn more about roof cleaning, inspection and repair services by contacting an experienced, certified local roofer.
At U&S Companies, we are a commercial roofing company in Michigan that works with building and property owners to help prepare for winter. We’re happy to do a roofing assessment to determine the cause of a leak. Schedule your roof inspection today.
