Getting Your Commercial Roof Ready for Winter

Are you prepared for winter? Like it or not, winter is coming in many regions throughout the United States. For many, it might already be here. If you haven’t had your facility properly prepared for the cold, ice, and snow, it’s time to take some steps to keep you properly protected.

Step One: Schedule a Roof Inspection

The first step is the most important step. Before the winter season, it is vital to have a professional commercial roofing contractor assess your roof. During these inspections, the contractor will walk your roofing unit, inspect the interior of your property, and your entire building envelope. They will assess areas of concern and provide you with solutions to address them.

A few things of what your contractor will look for include:

  • Loose or separated seams
  • Ponding water
  • Cracked caulking
  • Blisters, punctures, or cracking
  • Loose roof perimeter
  • Drainage problems

When snow and ice hit, a small problem can quickly expand into a major headache. A regular inspection before the winter season can make or break a roofing budget.

Step Two: Clear all Debris

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During the inspection process, all debris will be cleared from your roofing membrane and gutters. This can include leaves, branches, equipment, etc. Anything that does not belong on your roof should be cleared before the winter season. Not only is it a hazard for punctures, having anything sitting on your roofing system allows water to infiltrate your facility.

Step Three: Evaluate Surrounding Areas

During the inspection, an evaluation of the surrounding areas is paramount. If your region regularly receives multiple inches of snow or ice, surrounding trees can cause a hazard for your roof. Tree branches, when weighed down from winter weather, can dump a substantial amount of weight onto your roof. They can also break and cause punctures. It is important to identify these hazards and be prepared.

Step Four: Have Emergency Plan

Even with a fully proactive approach, Mother Nature is unpredictable and can throw hazardous weather your way. If you find your facility is in need of emergency services, try to plan ahead. Know who to call, when to call, and what to do in the event of a roof leak (or worse).

There are many benefits of a proper roof inspection. To find a contractor near you, call the Choice Roof Contractor Group at (800) 670-5583.

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Written by: Megan Sabatino
Megan Sabatino
Meg has been working alongside the Choice Roof Contractor group to help business owners and facility owners. With over a decade of roofing industry experience and a passion for writing and marketing, her knowledge helps provide valuable resources for contractors across the nation. She has worked with numerous companies to help provide support and growth strategies.