Winter is a tough time for any roof, but especially for commercial flat roofs. Compared to pitched roofs, they seek some extra care since they are more vulnerable in the winter due to their design. Fall season is the best time for addressing potential wear and tear. If not addressed on time, minor damage can become a real problem. This is why it’s very important to take care of your commercial roof and get it ready for the upcoming months.
In this blog, we’ll discuss all about commercial roofing during winter. So, if you want to protect your business, this one is for you. Commercial roofing tips from a commercial roofing contractor, Titan Roofing & Construction, are coming your way just about now!
Commercial Roofs and Maintenance
Fist things first, we need to talk about why these types of roofs are more vulnerable in the next few months. Flat roofs don’t allow for the snow to slip off. Snow accumulation is, therefore, almost guaranteed. Standing water is yet another potential problem that can cause surprising leaks. Flat roofs can suffer strongly if the drainage system isn’t maintained, and the freeze-thaw process also hurts them. Their membranes are prone to cracking and puncturing, too, and this is more challenging in the wintertime.
Commercial roofs, no matter how durable and resistant they are, still need some maintenance. With regular check-ups and care, they’ll reach their life expectancy (if not longer), won’t need expensive repairs, and won’t give you headaches.
These are some winter maintenance musts. You can do them yourself, but we strongly suggest that you hire a professional since roof damage can be sneaky and easily missed. Professionals like ourselves have experience and know where the damage is often hidden. Furthermore, as a professional roofing company, we are well aware of any commercial roofing solutions and know what your roof needs, considering its state.
Clean and Inspect
The first step is cleaning your roof so you can assess it properly. When cleaning, any debris, leaves, and dirt need to be removed. Cleaning is also an important part of the maintenance since blockages can cause water to pool or even seep through roof materials. Secondly, you need to inspect the whole roof surface. Where most problems begin are seams, flashing, and gutters. Around those, you need to be really careful not to miss any sign of damage. Even if it seems unimportant, it can be major.
Repair Any Damage
It is important to do this as soon as possible. Some types of damage aren’t a big deal in mild weather, but in the rainy and cold season, this changes. Water is one of the roof enemies, not just because of pooling and seeping but also because it can freeze in the crack and expand it.
These are the repair steps you need to do:
- Seal cracks, gaps, and splits or patch membranes
- Replace missing or very damaged material
- Reinforce flashing
- Re-seal where needed
Check Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation systems are vital in preventing ice dams. Except they cause water pooling and potential leaks, they also put a lot of pressure on the structure. In combination with water and snow, the pressure can exceed building limits. Ice dams can block drainage systems and cause membrane damage, too.
Good insulation and ventilation are winter musts, which keep heating costs manageable, improve energy efficiency in general, and make the space comfortable for your employees. Taking care these systems are working well, you can not only save on bills but also avoid further problems and expensive urgent repairs.
Choose Good Roofer
We at Titan Roofing & Construction have years of experience in prepping commercial roofs for winter and have done it for many of our clients and customers. Except that, we are professionals in commercial roof replacement and commercial roof repair who use modern technology and the most precise installation techniques.
On top of that, our roofers are locals who understand the harsh weather in Jackson, TN. This is why we are the best commercial roofing company for your needs. We are waiting for your call! Request a free inspection or estimate for your roof today!
