3 Commercial Roofing Issues to Watch for in Winter

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3 Commercial Roofing Issues to Watch for in Winter

The roofing on your commercial building is essential in protecting your business from damage, and winter months can be particularly harsh on your roof. The cold weather, moisture, and things like ice and snow are things every building owner should be aware of to minimize the potential for damage.

 

Snow Buildup

 

Utah winters often include snowstorms, and while this snow is great for people who want to hit the slopes it can be harmful if it builds up too much on top of your building. Most commercial roofing is flat, making it a perfect surface area for the buildup of snow, but commercial buildings also have a maximum weight limit, and heavy snow and drifts can put a dangerous level of stress of your roof’s structural integrity. Rather than risk building damage, make a plan to have snow removed from your commercial roofing in Utah after a big storm.

 

Condensation

 

When cold surfaces come in contact with warm air, condensation occurs. Even well-insulated commercial buildings will likely have some air that escapes from the heated interior and gets through to the roof area above. When that happens, condensation that forms in the attic area or near the roof can lead to mold, mildew, and other damage to the structure of your building. Excess water in the area of the roofing materials can also lead to damage, particularly around the seams, so be sure to inspect your commercial roofing regularly and work with your roofing contractor to get the proper ventilation and other systems in place to minimize this type of damage.

 

Wind Damage

 

During the winter months your roof might be exposed to a higher-than-normal level of wind and other unfavorable weather conditions. While there is no way to control what Mother Nature might bring, there are ways you can reduce the risk of roofing damage from wind, rain, and freezing condensation such as sleet or snow. Start with a roof inspection before winter weather comes (sometime in the fall is the best time to do this), and check for areas where the seal between strips of commercial roofing material might be coming loose, signs of standing water or water damage, or things like rusted flashing and metal fasteners. Also make sure the roof is free from debris and the area of the roof around any protrusions, such as your heating and cooling systems, is intact. You may want to inspect the roof from the under side (attic) to make sure you don’t detect any signs of water leaks or other problems. Be sure to repair any damages that you see to prevent wind or precipitation from damaging the roofing further.

 

A damaged commercial roof can lead to building damage, endanger the people working or shopping in the building, and put your company at risk for significant structural damage and lost productivity if it collapses or becomes damaged during the winter months. Avoid these potential disastrous scenarios by preparing your roof for the unique challenges of winter weather.