What are the 5 Steps to Preparing My Commercial Roof for Winter?

Most experts say that fall is the best time to inspect your flat commercial roof and prepare it for the winter months. You may not realize it, but even in fall, the rapid temperature changes can cause your roof to shrink and expand quickly, damaging the roof membrane. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure your roof is properly maintained by a professional.

There are a few things you can do to prepare your commercial roof for winter.

The following explains 5 key steps in preparing your commercial roof for the winter months.

1. Have your roof inspected
2. Make Sure Roof and Gutters Are Clean
3. Inspect the Flashing
4. Inspect the Caulking & For Any Damage Caused by Pests
5. Perform recommended Repairs

We will go into more detail below on how to perform each step. So, if you’re interested in properly preparing your flat roof for winter, then continue reading.

1.Have Your Commercial Roof Inspected

You don’t want to wait for the first winter freeze before you get someone to come out and inspect your roof. If you do this, you’ll increase your chances of having minor problems turn into large ones. To keep your warranty good, it’s required to have an authorized roofing contractor do routine inspections.

Certified inspectors will know the right areas to inspect and how to winterize your roof correctly. They’ll also be able to tell any sites where it may be weak so they can fix the issues. Even the most minor puncture could become an issue if not taken care of immediately.

2.Make Sure Your Roof and Gutters Are Clean

Before having your roof inspected, you should make sure it is cleaned. You can have your roofing professional do this. Having all the debris removed will allow the inspector to see the roof better and do a more thorough inspection. You should have your roof cleaned every so often to prevent leaves from gathering on it, mold from forming, or any types of blockages that could occur.

Once your roof is cleaned, then the inspector will be able to inspect the gutters. He’ll look for any weak spots, blockages, or other damaged areas. Plugged drains will allow ice dams to form, which can damage both your roof and gutters. It’s not only important to clean your gutters during the fall. They should also be part of your spring maintenance.

3.Inspect the Flashing

Flashing is what creates a moisture barrier between your roof and anything that sits on top of it, such as skylights, vents, HVAC units, or vents. These areas are more susceptible to damage from snow and rain because they are not a natural part of the roof, and they had to be installed. Some people believe that flashing is all that important since they can simply apply caulk or other sealants. The problem with either of these other two choices is that caulks and sealants may crack and no longer keep moisture out as well as they used to. Failing to use flashing and not having it inspected adequately can lead to issues with your roof, and you’ll have to replace it.

4.Inspect the Caulking & For Any Damage Caused by Pests

Another area that a roofing professional should inspect is the caulk. Caulk is an excellent way to help prevent leaks but needs to be replaced every so often. Signs that it’s time to re-caulk is if it is wrinkled, crumbling, or missing. You should make sure this is taken care of immediately.

Another thing that weather changes can bring is different types of pests. Chipmunks, rodents, squirrels, and even birds love to find places to stay safe and warm. If you notice any nesting materials, feces, or food, you need to call someone to have the animals removed immediately. You will also need to make sure to close any area where they can get into your building, trim trees, and fix slow draining or ponding areas.

5.Perform Recommended Repairs

Once you have a complete list of all the needed repairs, make sure you contact your roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs. While you can wait until winter to repair your roof, it is inadvisable. The main reason for this is because it’s less safe, and if there are any cracks, snow and ice accumulation will make it worse.

Installing a Duro-Last Roof to meet all your needs

Once your commercial roof is inspected, and all needed repairs are done, you need to think about making a snow removal plan. You’ll likely need to have snow removed ever so often. Commercial flat roofs need to have snow removed so the weight doesn’t damage the roof. You may also want to think about getting snow guards and wind baffles for flat roofs.

Installing a Duro-Last Roofing system is also another option. A Duro-Last roof will not only increase the life of your roof, but it will also save you money and its safe for the environment. Make sure to talk to a roofing contractor if you are considering any of these options.

MacDermott Roofing are experts in the roofing industry and has been serving businesses throughout Metro Detroit for more than 45 years. We can help with all your commercial roof needs. As an experienced Elite Master Contractor and leading expert of the Duro-Last roofing system we are a top choice for commercial roof repair, installation, maintenance and more. Call and speak with a roofing specialist today! Free Consultations