If you own a commercial roof, winter is a particularly important time of year. When temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, your roof's integrity can be put to the test. Luckily, there are several things you can do to keep your commercial roof in good condition during the winter months. Here are some tips for keeping your commercial property safe from damage this season:

Invest in a property inspection by a commercial roofing company

You should also invest in a property inspection. A professional opinion on the condition of your roof will give you peace of mind and ensure that it’s ready for winter.

Inspections can be done during the summer or winter months, depending on when is more convenient for you; but remember that an annual inspection is recommended by most experts.

Keep an eye out for leaks, especially in the walls and ceilings.

As winter wears on, there is a greater risk of water damage. If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls, it’s important to check for leaks.

• Check the ceiling for any wet spots or discoloration.

• Feel along the baseboards to see if they are wet.

• Check around plumbing fixtures.

• Look for damp insulation in crawl spaces that may be caused by leaking pipes or condensation from heating systems running too long (especially during cold nights).

Check the ventilation system to make sure it's properly ventilating the attic space and keeping it dry.

Roof ventilation systems are responsible for preventing moisture from building up in your building’s structure and should be checked at least twice a year.

A  proper ventilation unit prevents cold air from filtering to the inside of your commercial building. The balance of temperatures between the indoors and outdoors is achieved during winter by functional roof vents.

A poor ventilation system can cause: 

• Mold Growth 

• Ice dams 

• Increased energy expenses 

• Diminished roof life 

Make sure no snow builds up on the roof.

The build up of snow on your commercial roof can lead to ice dams. Ice dams form when water accumulates on a roof and freezes. When this happens, it triggers an ice dam that builds up higher than normal and forces more water into your attic. To prevent this from happening, create a roof care plan that includes periodically inspecting the roof drainage system for proper flow including drains, scuppers, gutters, and downspouts. You should also clear off any debris such as pine needles or leaves that may have accumulated on top of your commercial building’s roof over the summer months.

This is especially important if you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall during winter months.

Commercial roofs, particularly flat roofs, need special attention during winter as they are vulnerable to damages due to cold weather conditions.

As a business owner, you know that your commercial roof is a crucial part of your building. Not only does it shelter the interior of your business from the elements, but it also protects all of your equipment and machinery from weather damage, and most importantly, your staff and customers.

Because commercial roofs are more vulnerable to damages due to cold weather conditions, they require special attention during winter months. This includes regularly cleaning any snow accumulation on top of them as well as checking for leaks or other problems caused by freezing temperatures.

Keep an eye out for thermal movement on metal roofs.

Thermal movement on metal roofs is responsible for most metal roof leaks. This happens when hot temperatures cause the metal to expand and cold temperatures cause the metal to contract. The movement of metal can cause gaps on your commercial roof and becomes a spot for water to penetrate in. Keep in mind, thermal movement isn’t just caused by seasonal weather, extreme high temperatures during the day and much lower temperatures during the night can cause a thermal shock as well.

There are many steps you can take to ensure the safety of your roof during the winter months, including making sure no snow builds up on the roof and checking for leaks. If you're looking for help with commercial roof maintenance, contact us today!