January 23, 2025
Winter-Proof Your Commercial Roof With These 5 Tips
Winter brings a full menu of extreme elements that can cause plenty of wear and tear on your commercial roof if it isn’t ready for them. From snowfall, ice and heavy winds to fluctuating freezing and thawing temperatures, your roof could be vulnerable to long-term exterior and interior damage or potential collapse if you overlook some essential winter maintenance practices.
By being proactive, you can ensure your commercial roof is ready to endure this season and prevent safety hazards or costly emergency repairs that could impact your bottom line. Take these 5 actions to prepare your commercial roof for winter months:
1. Conduct a pre-winter roofing inspection
With the help of an inspector, thoroughly review your commercial roof for any flaws that need to be addressed before they intensify from winter conditions. This involves finding any roofing material issues, checking all sealants for corrosion or gaps, identifying signs of infestation from animals escaping the cold and clearing all rooftop debris.
2. Prevent draining system blockages
Clogged roof gutters or drain paths cause ice blockages and water pooling, adding excessive weight to your roof’s membrane that can lead to leaks and mould. Removing branches, leaves, dirt and other materials will keep your draining systems functioning efficiently so water doesn’t accumulate as rooftop snow and ice melts.
3. Check your insulation for any needed winter roofing maintenance
Poor roofing insulation can quickly become a financial burden. To keep your interior warm, you’ll end up increasing your energy consumption and paying much higher bills. The heat escaping upward will also melt the snow on your roof at a faster rate, leading to water pooling and refreezing in better insulated sections of your roof. This forms ice blocks that can cause leakage once melted.
4. Establish a snow & ice management system
To reduce structural stress on your commercial roof, have a plan for removing snow and ice buildup during winter months. You’ll want to be strategic with your approach – avoiding snowblowers or opting for expert help to avoid further damage to your roof. With your water draining systems performing optimally, consider a snow-melt system over the usage of harsh corroding materials like salt.
5. Enlist commercial roofing experts to perform your winter maintenance
When it comes to something as important as your building’s structural integrity, you’ll want to work with a trusted team that is experienced in winterizing commercial roofs. Empire Roofing Corporation will conduct an intensive free* 100-point commercial roof inspection and perform all required winter roofing maintenance to prepare it to withstand the harsh elements. We’re ready to help you save money on avoidable repair costs with customized maintenance programs for your commercial building.
Get in touch with us today to book a consultation!
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