How to Protect Your Commercial Flat Roof in the Winter

Winter can be a long, cold time of year. This can be unpleasant for you, but it can also be detrimental to your commercial flat roofing system. The harsh weather can have a host of nasty effects. However, there are steps you can take to give you and your roof the best chance at making it through without issue. Here are some of the things you can do to avoid roofing problems throughout the winter.

Preventative Maintenance

The most important thing you can do for your roof is continually check for any disruptions in the system, or conduct preventative maintenance. And there’s no better way to ensure everything is working smoothly than to have a professional perform routine maintenance. These inspections should take place even if you don’t think there are any problems with your roof. Often, these issues go undetected when they are small. They are more easily fixed in the beginning stages and can become a major problem if left untreated.

Many of the issues that can show themselves during the winter months are issues that can’t be addressed during this time. Snowy and icy conditions make it difficult to patch holes and fix leaks. It’s best to call a professional to be sure everything is as it should be.

Visit JBK Roofing to see how they can help you and your commercial flat roofing system this winter.

Preventative Maintenance Signs in the Winter

Puddles

Problems can occasionally arise after these inspections take place. It’s a good idea to continually check on the status of your commercial flat roofing system throughout the winter months. Snow, ice, and cold wind can damage roofing materials. The extra weight of snow combined with the corrosive effects of water can compromise the integrity of your commercial flat roofing system.

Check on your roof to make sure there aren’t problems. One thing you can look out for are puddles. This obviously won’t be an issue if you live in an area that experiences a deep freeze throughout the winter months, but we are lucky enough to get a break from that in Kentuckyand Tennessee. Inspect your roof on a sunny afternoon when the snow is melting or after a winter rainstorm passes through to make sure your drainage system is doing what it’s supposed to do.

Clogged Drains

These mid-winter thaws or Kentucky rain storms can take some debris along for the ride. Late-season leaves or any other natural debris can accumulate on your roof. These items can end up clogging your drainage system, which can cause big problems. Standing water of any sort, whether from sags in the commercial flat roofing system or clogged drains, can create problems.

Keep these worries at bay by periodically checking your drains for clogs. Scooping out any debris ensures free-flowing water will have somewhere to go. These drainage systems are important. Their design is meant to allow water an unimpeded route off of your roof. Give these systems the best chance to succeed by making sure nothing is getting in the way.

Heavy Snowfall

Even in the south, snow can become an issue in the winter. There are many potential negative effects of snow, particularly for a flat roof. Large snowfalls lead to accumulations of snow. And even though snow seems light when it’s falling on your sleeve, it quickly grows heavy. These piles of snow put a lot of pressure on your commercial flat roofing system. They can create big problems if allowed to stay in place for a prolonged period of time.

The best way to lessen the impact of snow is simply to remove it. Shoveling snow off your roof might not sound like a good time, but it can be a big help. It can also save you the headache of dealing with larger issues down the road. Snow has a tendency to partially melt and then refreeze overnight. This means it only gets more difficult to remove over time. Try to shovel off you roof as close to the original snowfall as possible.

WARNING, BE CAREFUL for two reasons! First and most importantly, wet snow can create slippery and hazardous conditions that could lead to injury. Secondly if possible, do not further damage the roof!

Call a Professional

The best thing you can do for your roof in any situation is to get the help of a professional. JBK Roofing has been installing and maintaining roofs for over 30 years. They can help you with routine maintenance, or any problems or questions that might come up throughout the winter months. Contact us today!

The winter months pose a lot of possible risks to your commercial flat roofing system. Call the professionals at JBK Roofing to make sure it gets to spring in the best possible shape.