Prep Your Commercial Roofing the Right Way Before Winter


Your roof goes through different weather conditions yearly. Keeping it in tip-top shape is necessary to keep your establishment safe and provide optimum comfort for the people inside your building. A roof's membrane can expand in hot temperatures and shrink in the cold. These fluctuations in your roof's membrane are crucial to maintaining yours properly.   

  

Even the regular temperature changes between daytime highs and nighttime lows can be complex on your roof's surface. Ice dams can develop at the transition points in warm and cold roof surfaces, and ponded water anywhere on your top can damage membranes or other roofing materials as it freezes, thaws, and refreezes. If you need any help winterizing your roof, keep on reading! 

  

1. Discover Your Roof's History 

  

How old is your roof? Do you have it regularly maintained? When did you last conduct an inspection? It is vital to identify your roof's maintenance history so your roofing contractor can adequately assess your roof. Although you can detect some noticeable signs of roof damage, such as stains and minor bumps, it is best to have an experienced roof contractor inspect your roof for the upcoming winter. A roofing contractor will instantly know what to look for and repair if needed in your roofing system. For your roofing contractor to have easy access, make sure you have new features of roof hatches installed so that the whole process will be safe and swift. 

  

2. Conduct an Inspection 

  

It is essential to schedule a roof inspection before freezing weather takes hold again in the Spring. Regular inspections increase the chance of detecting minor problems with the roof before they become more prominent, more complex, and exponentially costly. A roof inspection by a professional is required to maintain your roof's warranty by most manufacturers. It will save you money on repairs by detecting problems earlier. 

  

While conducting a roof inspection, the contractor will examine roof traffic patterns, drainage systems, base attachments, and flashings and investigate the possibility of contamination, moisture infiltration, unauthorized or improperly installed new roof openings, or faulty roof membrane seams. 

  

3. Conduct Repairs if Needed 

  

After your inspection, you must make recommended repairs to your building's roof to stop leaks, transparent gutters, and roof drains to prevent any unwanted problems. 

  

Your roofing system has the highest exposure to any other structure or system to the elements, so you should not disregard it. Regular repairs can help extend the life of your roof and save money on replacements. Rehabilitation can also help minimize the likelihood of repairing an emergency leak situation under snow or ice-covered roof membrane. 

  

4. Clean Your Roof's Surface and Gutters 

  

Ensuring your roof and gutters are clear of debris should also be prioritized during an inspection. Ensure that trash, leaves, and branches have been disposed of properly. Having your roof cleaned will minimize having issues such as stuck water due to debris. Your roofing contractor can regularly check your roof and clear anything that doesn't belong on the top. 

  

5. Check Your Roof's Surroundings 

  

Are there trees near your establishment? Do branches hang over your roof? Trees and branches hanging over your top can be a safety hazard. During winter seasons, the presence of snow can be an additional weight that can cause tree branches to break onto your roof and potentially penetrate your roof's structure. Even the most high-quality preventive measure might not fully protect your roof from extreme weather events like high winds or snowstorms. But being alert and having a backup plan is better than no plan at all. 

  

The Takeaway 
 

It is better to conduct the necessary safety measures for your roof before any climatic events occur. It will prevent any safety hazards that can risk the safety of your occupants, and at the same time, maintaining your roof during these times will help prolong its life span.  

  

Did you find this blog informative? Check out Best Roof Hatches if you want to read more topics about roofing construction. We also offer top-quality roof hatches for any project needs. You can contact us at (800) 431-8651, and we will be delighted to assist you throughout the process! 

  

  


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