Although we are only halfway through September as of this writing, winter weather is right around the corner—especially for those required to prepare their buildings for cold snaps, snow, and ice. Winter-proofing a commercial roof requires time for inspections and potential repairs, meaning that property managers should begin thinking about these issues now rather than later. As coastal states prepare for hurricanes, many other areas must proactively consider ways to prepare for winter weather.

This article provides expert tips from commercial roofing professionals to prepare your roof for winter.

An Expert Guide to Winter-Proofing

High-quality commercial roofing systems should be capable of enduring diverse extreme climate conditions. However, preparing a commercial roof for the winter months remains a vital component of routine and responsible maintenance. A professional commercial roofing company can handle most of these tasks for you as a part of regular care.

Annual Roof Inspection: Winter-proofing your commercial roof begins with an annual autumn roof inspection. Your roofer will identify any damage, including cracks, leaks, or issues with the roof coatings so that roof repairs can occur before the first hard frost of the season. Flashing, vents, and other penetrations should also be assessed to ensure all seals are intact.
Perform Necessary Roof Repairs: If the roofing inspector finds any damage, necessary repair work should be accomplished before winter’s onset. This is critical for two primary reasons – repairs are more challenging during the winter, and exposing prior damage to winter conditions can exacerbate existing issues.
Tangential Maintenance Issues: Cleaning out gutters and drains, assessing insulation levels, and establishing proper ventilation are all essential tasks required for winter-proofing your roof.
Create a Snow Removal Strategy: Your commercial roofer can only do so much in the event of a major snowfall. Companies should proactively contact and contract with a commercial snow removal service before the first snow arrives. Commercial flat or low-sloped roofs are especially vulnerable to being overloaded and damaged from heavy snowfall. A professional snow removal company on call can guarantee that your employees, clients, and buildings remain safe throughout the season.
Perform an HVAC Inspection: Your HVAC units should be inspected by an appropriate professional during the fall, to guarantee that they are in proper. This will provide enough time to guarantee that the HVAC system is in good working order and is prepared to take on the winter.
Have Tree Services on Call: If trees overhang your building, hiring a tree service to inspect and trim overhanging branches is another winter-proofing necessity. Generally, any tree or limb within 20 feet of your building should be checked for health, while overhanging branches within 10 feet should be considered a threat. Remember that a winter storm can result in large ice deposits that can cause trees to be weighed down and large branches to break and fall.

Don’t Delay: Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter Now

If winter has already arrived by the time you read this article, be sure to call Unicoat Industrial Roofing. We can work with you to take the necessary steps to get your commercial roof winter-ready—even if you are racing against the calendar. Visit our website today or call to schedule a roof inspection. Together, we can take the necessary steps to ensure that your roof and your building withstand whatever winter throws at you.

Remember—after a storm or emergency, it can be difficult to source the professional help you need. Call today before the storm, and make sure you have the connections and contracts needed to respond swiftly to a weather event.