3 Tips to Prep Your Commercial Roof for Winter

While the amount of inches may differ across the state, one commonality stands – if you’re in Michigan, you’re dealing with frozen elements from Mother Nature. Even though it can be a beautiful sight, snow and ice come with their own sets of problems that can cause major headaches for business owners in the area.

So, it’s important to protect the first line of defense for your business, the roof.

We have some tips that will help your commercial roof endure a typical winter in Michigan or anywhere that experiences snow, ice and cold. Also, if you need help, our commercial roofing services are here and ready to assist.

Roof Inspection

You want to go into the harsh winter months with a solid start, so the first step to prepare your commercial roof for the winter is to determine its current condition. Our roofing professionals will perform a full inspection to ensure there are no weaknesses before the challenges of cold weather even begin.

It is especially important they review flashing, which plays a pivotal role in diverting water away from the roof. Additionally, they’ll check for any holes or structural issues that may not be able to withstand the coming weight of ice and snow.

Roof Cleaning

Once our roofing experts have determined the integrity of the roof is optimal, it’s time to eliminate excess debris. Gutters clogged with leaves or roofs laden with scraps of branches and piles of dirt are more susceptible to damage than roofs that were properly cleaned prior to the brutal months between October and March.

Not only do these materials add extra weight, but these clogs can cause any snow and ice that melt to leak into the building. Clear rooflines and gutters means water is properly diverted away from your valuable business.

Roof Preparation

So, what’s the final step? Once you’ve inspected and cleaned, it’s time to prepare for the elements by making a plan for ongoing maintenance of your commercial roof. You can work with our experts to determine a routine schedule to remove snow and ice that may threaten your business literally from the outside. For example, areas that consistently receive heavy snow may need frequent attention, especially if its an older roof and building.

It’s important to note that working on a commercial roof, especially in hazardous winter conditions, can be extremely dangerous. With substantial snow and ice, the risk of injury and falls increases dramatically. Don’t risk your safety, leave it to the pros.

What’s the Risk?

Ignoring the risks that winter brings to your commercial roof can have dire consequences. For starters, snow is deceptively heavy. While most people think the fluffy flakes are light and pretty, one cubic foot of snow can weigh almost 5 pounds, or more if it is wet snow that carries extra moisture. What does that mean for you? The longer snow and ice are left accumulating, the greater your chances for a catastrophic cave in.

On a smaller scale, unaddressed pile-ups can lead to leaks if any layers begin to melt. Further, roofs with any slant risk the snow growing too heavy and falling onto the area around your building, which can be a hazard for customers and employees alike. All parties agree that it’s easier to prepare and maintain your commercial roof than it is to fix it.

Is your Commercial Roof Ready?

Every season in the state comes with unique characteristics, but winter can be by far the most daunting. The beauty of the snow brings with it risks that are thankfully avoidable. We know your business is vital to your livelihood, so we are here to help you make it through the cold season unscathed. If you don’t have a Duro-Last roof system, it is worth considering and well worth the investment.

Contact MacDermott Roofing before winter sets in to ensure a sound and stable roof that will do its job beyond the cold season. Customers throughout the Detroit Metro area count on us for excellence in commercial roofing services including maintenance, roof repair, replacement and new roof installation. We only work with the best products in the industry and provide Free Estimates.