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Up on the Rooftop

Five Important Tasks That Commercial Roofers Perform Each Winter

17 August 2023

Lori Silva

When winter arrives, keeping your commercial roof in good condition is paramount. Otherwise, your roof will become more damaged over time, and you may eventually need a new roof. That's why you should take some steps to prepare your commercial roof for the winter season. There are five things in particular that any commercial building owner must do.

1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly 

The first step is to inspect the roof for any signs of damage or deterioration. Look for: 

• Cracks
• Holes
• Blisters
• Bubbles
• Loose shingles

Make sure there is no rust, algae, moss, or debris. You should also check the flashing, gutters, downspouts, drains, vents, and skylights. If you notice any problems, call a commercial roofer immediately.

2. Clean Your Roof Thoroughly

Clean your commercial roof until you have removed any dirt, dust, leaves, or branches. Also, clean it of any other debris that may have accumulated over time. Debris can cause various problems:

• Trapped moisture
• Ice dams
• Damage

Some companies will hire a commercial roofer to perform cleaning and other maintenance tasks because doing so is safer, and they're more likely to identify warning signs of damage that a commercial building owner might have missed.

3. Repair Any Leaks or Damages

Repair any leaks or damages you found during the inspection or cleaning process. You should seal any cracks or holes with caulk or roofing cement, replace any loose or missing shingles with new ones, and apply a protective coating or membrane to your roof surface. You should also fix any of the following: 

• Flashing
• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Drains
• Vents

Also, fix any leaking or broken skylights. 

Repairing a commercial roof is very dangerous and might lead to more problems down the road unless the repairs are carried out by an experienced professional. Repairing your roof will last much longer before it ultimately has to be replaced at the end of its life. 

4. Insulate Your Roof Adequately

Insulate your commercial roof properly to prevent heat loss and condensation. You should check your roof's insulation level and quality and ensure it meets the recommended standards of climate zone and building type. If you aren't sure what kind of insulation your commercial roof needs, consult with a professional commercial roofer.

5. Monitor Your Roof Regularly

Monitor your commercial roof throughout the winter season. You should check your roof for any signs of the following problems:

• Snow accumulation
• Ice formation
• Water ponding

Always check for damage after every storm or freeze-thaw cycle. You should also remove any excess snow or ice from your roof using a shovel, a rake, or a snow blower. 

You should also inspect your roof for leaks or damages after every thawing period and repair them promptly. By paying close attention to your commercial roof and by working with professional roofers, you can make it through winter and avoid a more expensive roof repair bill in the future. 

Contact a commercial roofing service near you to learn more.

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