Commercial roof leaks can be extremely damaging. They can be expensive to repair, they can cause damage to things inside your building and they can even bring business operations to a halt. A roof leak during the winter is not an issue you want to have – the good thing is most are preventable.

A little effort invested to prevent a leak from happening can pay off significantly by preventing costly leak repairs in the future. This is why we stress to our clients about the importance of being proactive and investing in preventative maintenance. It will save you money and the hassle of roofing issues over the long term. Plus you’ll have peace of mind knowing your roof is unlikely to sprout a leak.

Here are three quick tips for preventing commercial roof leaks caused by winter weather:

Get a roof inspection prior to winter

We cannot stress this enough. Being proactive about your commercial roof is so important to prevent leaks and other issues. Getting your roof inspected by a professional before winter allows for a thorough review of your roof structure. If a potential issue or source for a leak is identified, it can be addressed before a leak can occur during the winter. This will prevent to potential damage that could occur once the weather gets cold.

Check on your roof regularly

Stressing the importance of being proactive, it’s important to keep an eye on your roof over the winter. Make sure to check your roof regularly to ensure everything is as it should be. Make sure eaves and drainage are clear of obstructions, there is not excessive ice build-up and no new damage has appeared. All it takes is one big winter storm to cause damage to your roof and create a new source for water to get inside your roof and create a leak.

Remove excessive snow and ice

Snow and ice can build up, especially if your area receives a lot of snow in a short period of time. This extra weight will place additional stress on your roof. It could also cause damage and make it more likely for a leak to occur, especially if the water cannot be properly drained. Remove the excessive snow and ice offer your roof, eaves, and downspouts. This will remove the stress off your roof and reduce the odds of a leak developing.

There is no doubt the winter season puts your commercial roof to the test. The chilling temperatures, the wind, debris, and weight of the snow and ice can create many potential roofing problems.

In this post, we’ll address some of the most common commercial roof problems caused by winter weather so you are aware of them and know what to look for this winter.

Damage from tree branches

Tree branches can cause lots of damage. It’s common for branches to fall during winter storms. The combination of strong windows and trees close to your building can be a recipe for disaster. Make sure you trim trees that are close to your building to reduce the odds of branches falling on your roof during winter storms.

Ice dams

This is common. It’s an issue that can arise on all types of commercial roofs. It is the result of ice and water build up on the roof, especially during times of the year where the temperature yo-yo’s above and below freezing. They can cause serious water damage, often leading to water leaking into your building. Good ventilation and attic insulation are the main options to help prevent ice dams from developing.

Cracked or damaged flashing

This is a common issue for sloped commercial roofs. Winter storms and wind can cause flashing to crack, bend, and move out of place. This creates a seam for water to get under the surface of your roofing materials, and potentially creating water damage issued inside your building. You can prevent this by inspecting your flashing regularly.

Condensation

Condensation happens when the cool air and warm air come in contact. In terms of your commercial roof, this often happens when you have poor insulation. This can lead to mold issues inside your building and damage to the exterior structure on the roof. Make sure your roof has proper ventilation and insulation to reduce the chance of having condensation issues.

Icicles

Icicles form in a similar way to ice dams. However, they tend to create issues in your gutters and downspouts. They can become extremely heavy and place a lot of pressure on your gutters, sometimes causing them to break. Icicles can also be an injury or damage hazard to anyone or anything that is directly below them. To prevent them from forming, make sure you clear your eaves and gutters from debris prior to winter to clear the path for water to escape.

While some of these issues are not avoidable – you can’t control the weather, taking steps to be proactive with roof maintenance and get your roof ready for winter can help minimize the impact of these common problems.

With winter on the way it’s very important to take steps now to ensure your roof is ready to handle the winter freeze. Here are 5 tips to prepare your commercial roof for winter:

Preventative maintenance

The more you can do ahead of time, the better. Preventative commercial roofing maintenance is a key factor in extending the lifespan of your roof. It also helps you identify issues that need to be address now and other issues that you need to key an eye on. A simple maintenance appointment by a professional can ensure your roof is prepared for winter and helps you avoid a costly roof repair bill in the middle of the winter.

Learn more about the importance of preventative maintenance for commercial roofs.

Eliminate pooling areas

The pooling of water is a common site on commercial roofs, especially flat roofs. This can happen for many reasons, including low spots in the roof, sinking of the roofing structure, poor drainage, and other reasons. If water is allowed to pool and is not drained properly, it can create many problems, including getting underneath the roof surface. If you notice pooling, contact a roofing professional to have the issue addressed before winter. Water will freeze and can create ice dams and other water damage issues.

Seal all seams and access points

There are many areas of your roof that can be a potential source for roof leaks. It’s very important to inspect these areas each year prior to winter. An area such as seams, vents, around chimneys, skylights, and any other part of the roof that has seams is a potential access point for water. Make sure these areas are properly sealed using the right process and materials.

Insulate the roof

When was the last time the insulation under your commercial roof was checked? Many companies overlook this important aspect of their roof. It’s a great barrier against the cold winter weather. Insulation helps to create an additional barrier against outdoor elements, preventing water from freezing on the inside of the roof. Plus, if heat can escape via your roof, it can melt the snow, creating moisture and water that will freeze, creating ice dams.

Professional pre-winter roof inspection

Your best course of action is to hire a professional for a pre-winter roof inspection. Professionals know the warning signs and things to look for. Plus, it will give you peace of mind in knowing the state of your roof before winter. You will also have time to address issues that can help you seal your commercial roof and protect it against the winter freeze.

If you are looking to have your commercial roof inspected before winter, contact us today! Request a free quote anytime.