Snow and ice are nothing nice when it comes to commercial roofs in the winter. Read along and learn what you can do to maintain your commercial roof’s health in the winter, and avoid big repair bills in the spring.

Why Snow Removal is Necessary for Commercial Roofs

Ice and snow can cause damage to your commercial roof if it’s not properly dealt with. One of the biggest issues with ice and snow on your roof is re-freeze. Ice melting and then expanding will cause the cracks in your roof to grow. The weight load that snow and ice carry is also an issue for commercial roofs. Over time, snow and ice get heavier due to melt and refreeze. Weight from this puts stress on the roof. Check your local building codes to see how much weight your roof can withstand.

How to Effectively Deal with Rooftop Snow & Ice

Create a Budget for Winter Repairs and Prevention

Random, unforeseen roof repairs and emergencies can wreck any budget, so it helps to set aside an attainable budget for snow removal and winter roof repairs before the needs are urgent. Call different commercial roof snow removal companies before the onset of winter to get quotes or estimates. Once you create a budget that suits your facility’s needs, you can start making your snow removal plan with your preferred company. 

Form a Commercial Facility Snow Removal Plan

Snowstorms can be unpredictable in the midwest. A storm predicted to dump one inch can quickly turn into six inches, which is why creating a snow removal plan and having a tentative schedule is essential. One of the first things necessary to creating your snow removal plan is knowing how much snow pile-up can accumulate before removal is necessary. One inch of fresh snow does not need to get removed. Most of the time, snow removal service companies will leave 1-2 inches of snow as a buffer between the roofing membrane and their equipment. It is important to remember that snow becomes denser as it melts and refreezes. Refreezing snow will add more weight to your roof and cause existing cracks to expand. Hiring a professional snow removal contractor on retainer is the best way to remove the snow and ice before it refreezes. Work with the company you hire to understand when to expect them to show up for snow removal events.

 

Choose a Company that Does Professional Snow and Ice Removal

Physical labor on ice 45 feet above the ground is not a do-it-yourself project, nor is it a project for your employees unless you want a visit from OSHA. According to FEMA, “Snow removal should be performed by a licensed, insured professional roofing contractor who has experience in removing snow from roofs. Using a professional roofing contractor is highly recommended because of the contractor’s familiarity with safety protocols.” 

 

Along with safety protocols, clearing a commercial roof of snow has more rules than clearing your driveway. A certain amount of snow is needed to create a barrier between the roofing membrane and the snow removal equipment. Specialized equipment is needed to not pierce the roof membrane (a plastic shovel instead of a metal one, for instance). Removing ice incorrectly can cause safety issues. Talk to snow removal companies before winter to see if you can work out a plan to have them on retainer. 

 

Invest in equipment to Mitigate Snow Damage

Wind baffles are supposed to counter the damage snow causes to drainage and ventilation systems. Snow can block roof ventilation systems, and snow refreeze damages pipes. Placing snow guards on vents will decrease the amount of snow that accumulates on vents. Flat commercial roofs are at risk for developing snowdrifts in certain areas, such as around generators or vents. Consult your contractor about snow mitigation equipment and installation. 

 

The most important thing to remember this winter is to trust your snow removal contractor and do not remove the snow yourself. Doing so may void your warranty and cause extensive damage to your roof. A licensed contractor is well worth the money it will save you in repairs and other expenses. 

Des Moines Area Commercial Snow & Ice Roof Damage 

While Duerson does not perform professional rooftop snow and ice removal, we do service roof repairs and maintenance that may result from winter damages. If you are interested in scheduling repairs or a spring inspection for your commercial roof, give us a call at 1-515-967-8300.