As the weather continues to grow colder, it’s important for business owners and facilities managers to remember that their roofs should be prepared for winter. Leaking roofs can lead to major damage, which will cause time and money to be wasted on repairs rather than focusing on customer service.
Winter Weather Preparation
When properly maintained, most roofs are capable of lasting for 20 years or more. However, harsh winter weather can cause any roof to buckle or leak, especially with prolonged exposure. This is why it’s important to prepare your commercial roofing system for winter weather—and protect against potential leaks—as soon as possible.
Scheduling a roof inspection can help commercial roofers understand which steps will need to be taken to properly prepare the roofs. Some examples of an inspection include:
- Repair any damaged or loose slate, tile or shingle work.
- Inspect cables and tracks for excessive rusting or corrosion — repair or replace them if needed.
- Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris.
- Inspect flashing, ridge vents, and skylights for cracks or tears, and fix them as needed.
- Check roof sealants for curling, cracking, or chipping and repair them as needed.
- Inspect the roof surface for dirt and moss buildup, which can lead to trapped moisture. If necessary, power wash the roofing system to remove this debris.
- Check the ground around the perimeter of the building to ensure that there is no standing water pooling near vents or other roof openings.
- Perform regular inspections to ensure that no damage has occurred to the roofing system.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that your commercial roofing system is properly insulated to protect against the cold. Thermal insulation made of rigid foam panels or open-cell spray polyurethane is an effective option.
It’s important to remember that commercial roofs can be expensive to replace, so investing in preventative care will save you money now and later.
If your commercial roofing system needs repair due to winter weather, the professionals at Central Roofing are here to help. Contact Central Roofing today at 763-572-0660 or info@centralroofing.com.
