It’s almost winter. Everything from the streets to the rooftops needs to be prepared for the onslaught of ice and snow. Winterizing is vital to the health of your commercial roof. Preventing issues before winter is a great way to save money and headaches in the long-run. Read our tips and tricks for winterizing your commercial roof.

Schedule an Inspection During the Fall

Before you get measurable snow that sticks, schedule a roof inspection. A roof inspection will inform you of potential issues with your roof, and most manufacturers require inspections to maintain your roof’s warranty. During roof inspections, inspectors will evaluate the longevity of your roof, take photos, and make suggestions for repairs and replacements. Knowing which repairs to make is vital before winter comes. 

Make Repairs Before Winter

Roof repairs in the snow are a no-go. Repairs that were neglected in the fall will get worse during the winter. Leaks are especially important to fix before winter since cracks will expand due to the re-freeze cycle. Large quantities of snow and ice make it harder to access the areas that need repair. On top of that, certain types of roofing equipment have to be kept warm during installation. Save yourself a headache by scheduling repairs as soon as you need them. 

Clean Your Roof

Fall roof maintenance is one of the most important things you need to do. Start by removing all accumulated vegetation on the roof. Vegetation traps water and causes damage through pressure build-up. Make sure the roof drains are clear to prevent water from pooling on warmer days. Clogged drains are at a higher risk of developing ice dams and dangerous icicles. 

Check out the Surroundings

Check out the trees by your commercial roof. If there are branches from the tree hanging over your roof, schedule a local tree removal service to trim the overhanging branches. Branches can cause roof penetration when they break off the tree under the weight of snow and ice. If your building is very close to a taller commercial building, your roof is at a high risk of developing snowdrifts. 

Create a Snow Removal Plan

Depending on your area’s snowfall, you may need rooftop snow removal services throughout the winter. A couple of inches of snow build-up after a small storm does not require removal. Ice and wet snow are much heavier than fresh snow, which requires more attention. It is generally a good idea to remove snow after it reaches six inches. Too much weight on the roofing membrane risks penetration. The freeze and thaw cycle will further damage the roofing membrane and pipes. When creating a snow removal plan, find a company that specializes in commercial roof snow removal. Removing the snow yourself is not only dangerous, but it can damage the roof membrane and cause more issues. Leave this task up to the professionals. 

Duerson is Dedicated to Your Roofing Needs

We hope you found our article informative and helpful. Here at Duerson, we are committed to making sure your commercial roof is functioning at peak performance. Give us a call at 515-967-8300 for a free inspection and estimate or to schedule repairs.