Winters paint pictures of cozy days and nights, curled up with a good book in warm blankets, sipping steaming hot chocolate. But for office-goers, the reality is far from idyllic. Their mornings start with bleak weather, eerie winds, and sometimes hail, yet they must reach their workplaces. Amid this cold reality, the sole expectation of their workplace is that it’s a place filled with warmth and comfort. Tragically, however, winters roar in with warnings of relentless snowstorms and spine-chilling freezes, casting a threat to commercial buildings across the globe.
If you’re a considerate commercial property owner who truly cares about ensuring your tenants or employees enjoy a comfortable, productive winter season, you’ve come to the right place. We commend your dedication and are thrilled you have landed on the ultimate guide. Here, we’ll share essential tips on commercial roofing preparation for the winter—helping you safeguard your building and create a warm, welcoming environment for its occupants.
Stay with us until the end to make a meaningful difference for those who rely on your property.
Essential Commercial Roofing Winter Preparation Tips
1. Inspect the Roof:
Look for visible damage, such as cracks, punctures, or other vulnerabilities that can worsen during winter storms. Since commercial roofs often have different materials, structures, and systems in place, their roof inspection may involve:
- Checking water pooling issues on flat or low-sloped roofs.
- In the case of metal roofs, look for rust, loose screws, and missing panels.
- For Asphalt Roofs, ensure the layers do not deteriorate due to worn granules.
- Inspect vents, pipes, HVAC units, skylights, and chimneys for leaks or improper mounting and sealing.
- Verify the gutters and downspouts are debris-free to avoid blockage during winter rainfall/snowfall.
2. Clean Gutters and Drains
If your gutters and downspouts are clogged with twigs and other debris, clear them to prevent ice dams and water pooling. Also, cut any overhanging branches contributing to this debris accumulation and schedule a professional cleaning service to keep your roof’s drainage system unbothered by clogs.
3. Repair Damage
If you notice any damage during the inspection process, make sure all of it is addressed before the storm season sets in. You can choose to hire an expert or take a DIY approach to any existing roof damage to prevent leaks or structural issues during heavy snowfall.
4. Add Snow Guards
Snow guards are helpful roof-winterizing equipment. They prevent large sheets of snow or ice from gliding off the roof and causing damage or injury to any passersby. Putting them in place can eliminate a key safety risk, keeping snow-related accidents at your property at bay.
5. Conduct Insulation Checks
Roof insulation not only lowers your energy bills but also protects the occupants inside from biting, windy outdoor conditions. So, ensure the roof is adequately insulated to reduce heat loss, prevent ice buildup, and preserve every precious penny.
6.Protect Pipes and seal cracks
During intense winters, temperatures fall below freezing, causing exposed pipes to freeze and eventually burst. Insulate these pipes to ensure a smooth drainage system across your property.
Additionally, if you notice cracks in windows, doors, and walls, you must treat them by applying sealants to block those openings, resulting in protection from heat loss and water leakages.
Emergency Preparedness
Whatever the weather brings, life cannot come to a halt. To have an uninterrupted and productive day, prepare before the weather strikes so that you are always one step ahead of it. Essentials like shovels, reflective tapes, sealants, etc., should always be available in stock to face winter’s sudden surprises.
Not to mention, always have a reliable roofing company’s number on your contact list as an essential part of your winter roofing preparation plan. One that is available 24/7 and can effortlessly handle any roofing emergencies.
These steps will help safeguard the property, ensure occupant comfort, and reduce the risk of costly repairs during the winter season.
Conclusion
When it comes to roofing winter preparation for commercial buildings, the roof is one of the significant areas to focus on. The roof is key in protecting your property, ensuring that winter elements stay outside and don’t impact the people inside. So, your roof should be a top priority. If you check off every item on the list that we have shared, you can confidently say your commercial building’s roof is perfectly prepared.
Now that we’ve reached the end of this checklist, if you feel that any of these tasks are outside your expertise, panic not. Just give a call to DLV Roofing. We’ll assist you with the entire process and help you check all the boxes, ensuring everyone experiences a joyous winter.