The Importance of Winterizing Commercial Roofs
Winterizing commercial roofs is a crucial step in protecting your roof this season. With winter comes snow and ice and the potential for damage. Just as most building owners have their air conditioning and heating units checked for stability and efficiency before turning them on after several months without use, it is important to do the same for a building’s roof. A professional roofing company like Turner Roofing can winterize your roof and prepare it for the winter ahead.
What is winterizing?
Just like a residential roof, a commercial roof can be damaged at any time of the year. However, harsh winter weather like rain, ice or snow can pose a significant threat to the health of commercial roofs. Specifically, Oklahoma’s unpredictable winter weather and history of ice storms have the potential to cause a lot of damage. A professional roofing company examines your commercial roof and takes steps to ensure it is properly protected from the cold weather.
Existing debris on the roof will be removed. Branches, leaves and other debris can gather in the gutters. Blocked gutters can prevent proper drainage, leading to water buildup and potential damage to the roof from the weight of pooled water. Removing existing debris from a roof before winter will ensure the drainage system functions throughout the season.
The roofing company will conduct a professional inspection. An inspection, like our Turner Ten Point Inspection, ensures an examination of every aspect of your roof. Common types of roof damage include water damage, missing shingles, and cracked flashing. The inspection report will identify any necessary repairs, and the roofing company will provide you with a plan of action for repairing your commercial roof.
Any damage found needs to be repaired. It is highly recommended to fix any and all issues as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in more severe damage caused by winter weather, such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Addressing any issues promptly will ensure your business’s roof remains in good condition and can withstand the harsh winter conditions.
How does moisture retention in the winter impact your roof’s integrity?
Importantly, you should address moisture retention issues immediately. Moisture retention is one of the worst and most expensive consequences of not winterizing your roof. This can cause a multitude of problems, including:
- Accumulation of debris that can cause melted water to pool and add weight to the roof.
- Clogged drains which keep melted water from draining properly.
- Damaged membranes that could leave the roof exposed to moisture.
- Ponding water which can add unexpected weight to the roof of a building.
- Leaks that affect the interior of the building and could cause electrical problems and stimulate mold growth.
The build-up of ice and snow can cause or worsen moisture retention. We recommend proactively contacting your trusted roofing company to have winterization performed early in the season to best protect your roof.
What happens to commercial roofs that aren’t winterized?
Winterizing commercial roofs is crucial to prevent damage from ice and snow accumulation.
During freezing temperatures, ice dams can form on the edge of a roof and prevent melted snow from draining properly. This can cause water to pool and add weight to the roof, leading to damage and leaks. It’s important to address ice dams promptly and ensure your roof’s drainage system is functioning to prevent this from occurring.
The winter months can mean frozen or slushy precipitation. As it melts, this water can find its way into cracks and crevices of a roof, causing extensive and costly damage. When water freezes, it expands and can cause cracks as it shrinks and thaws. Winterizing your building can prevent these damages and save your business thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Get your commercial roof winter ready
Start the new year knowing your roof is in top shape and your investment is protected. Additionally, add winterizing commercial roofs to your list of priorities for this winter. So now, you have peace of mind knowing your property is protected as we enter the new year.
It’s crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your roof from the harsh weather conditions. Turner Roofing is here to help you prepare your roof for the winter season with our team of experienced roofing professionals. Contact us today and we’ll ensure your roof is ready for what winter throws at it.