Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter: A Checklist

Commercial roofing winter preparation is more than just maintenance work. It is an important time and monetary investment in your building's performance and functionality. At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are here to assist you with preparing your roof for the winter. 

We offer free roof inspections, and in this guide, we will discuss important strategies for protecting your commercial roof from winter's harshest conditions, ensuring your property remains protected throughout the coldest months. 

Why Is Winter Roof Preparation A Good Thing To Consider?

Winter weather is no joke, especially in Pennsylvania. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures during the winter months can lead to severe damage if your roof isn’t ready. Properly preparing your roof for winter extends its lifespan and reduces heating costs. It also decreases the risk of needing to make unexpected, expensive repairs. Here's why you should prepare:

👉 Winter Roof Preparation Prevents Major Damage: Without preparation, the weight of ice or snow can put a strain on your roof’s structure. Leaks and cracks can also easily form if snow and ice add pressure to already damaged surfaces. 

👉 Extends The Roof’s Lifespan: Regular maintenance before winter hits can add years to your roof’s life by addressing small problems before they become larger.

👉 Improves Energy Efficiency Proper insulation and a well-maintained roof keep your building warm, lowering energy costs and avoiding heat loss.

👉 Ensures Occupant Safety: Falling ice, heavy snow, and leaks can become safety hazards. Winterizing your roof helps keep occupants safe.

What Are The Common Winter Weather Problems That Impact Commercial Roofs?

In order to deal with different winter roofing problems effectively, it is important to understand what you’ll be up against, including some of the most common commercial roofing problems.

#1 Heavy Snow and Ice Accumulation

Snow and ice accumulation on your roofs is a very common roofing problem in winter. This accumulation can cause cracks in the roofing membrane, leaks, or even collapse. Snow can also block drains, causing water to pool on the roof’s surface when it melts, increasing the risk of leaks.

If water freezes and creates an ice dam, melted snow and water will be forced to sit on the roof’s surface. This water has nowhere to go but under the roofing membrane, causing severe structural damage if the problems not caught early enough. 

#2 Freezing Temperatures

Cold temperatures also generally make your roofing materials more fragile. This can put them at risk of cracking or tearing. Winter storm winds can also lift and damage the roofing membrane, especially if it’s already weakened.

Important Things To Include In Your Winter Preparation Checklist for Commercial Roofs

Preparing your commercial roof for winter requires careful planning. Follow this step-by-step checklist to make sure that your roof is ready for the winter:

#1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

The first step to winter prep is a thorough roof inspection by a professional. They will check for hidden problems that might get worse in winter. A professional can assess:

👉 Leaks, cracks, and weak points

👉 The condition of flashing and seals

👉 The overall stability of your roofing materials

#2 Clean Drains, Gutters, and Downspouts

Blocked drains and gutters can lead to serious problems during winter. Melted snow or rainwater can pool on the roof, which can cause leaks or ice dams, which put pressure on your roof’s structure. Here's what to do:

👉 Clear out leaves, debris, and dirt from all gutters and downspouts

👉 Make sure that the water flows freely away from the roof

👉 Do check that all drainage components are connected and functional

Proper drainage is very important in order to keep water from backing up and freezing, reducing the risk of leaks.

#3 Check for Proper Insulation and Ventilation

Insulation plays a very important role when the temperature goes down outside. It keeps heat inside the building and prevents the formation of ice dams. Here’s what you need to ask your roofing professionals to do: 

👉 Ask them to inspect insulation in the roof and attic and look for gaps or worn-out areas

👉 Checking the condition of the ventilation system to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mold and rot

👉Replace damaged insulation to improve energy efficiency and prevent heat loss

👉 Quality insulation saves on heating costs and keeps your building comfortable all winter long

When you hire experienced roofing professionals you will not have to guide them through what to do. They will make sure everything is taken care of. 

#4 Consider Trimming The Surrounding Tree Branches 

If your commercial building has trees nearby, be cautious. 

👉 The added weight of snow can cause branches to snap and fall on the roof, causing damage 

👉 Reduce these risks by trimming the nearby, or hanging tree branches over your commercial roofs

👉Make sure to remove any weak or dead tree limbs that could fall during a storm 

#5 Repair Any Existing Damage Before Winter Hits

It is better to address minor issues on your commercial roof before they are aggravated by ice, snow, and wind in the winter.

👉 Small damage, like tiny leaks or loose roofing membranes, can worsen during winter

👉 Make sure all the cracks or gaps in the roofing material are repaired before the winter starts

👉 Replacing damaged shingles, flashing, or seals is also important. 

👉 We recommend you only use high-quality, weather-resistant sealant to fix leaks.

Making repairs before winter starts not only protects your roof, but also helps you avoid emergency repair costs during harsh weather.

Also Read: TPO vs. EPDM Roofing: Which is Better for Your Commercial Building?

Schedule Your Free Winter Roof Inspection In Pennsylvania

Our team at McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, is committed to serving homeowners in our state with professional commercial roofing services in Pittsburgh, and the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.

If you are worried about the current condition of your commercial roof and want a professional roof inspection before the winter starts, we are here to help! Our team has the right level of experience to deal with winter roof damage in our state. To learn more, or to schedule a free roof inspection, feel free to call us today at (412) 353-5660.