The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
How well prepared is your roof for the cold season? The winter season can be harsh on commercial roofing, as ice and snow gradually accumulate. Ice buildup and leaks are big problems and risk business assets and operations. The dry season is the ideal time to uncover and fix these problems. For more information on preparing your commercial roofing for the cold season, continue reading below!
1. Schedule a Thorough Inspection
When cold weather approaches and temperatures begin to drop, ensure your roof will be prepared by scheduling an inspection with your roofer or other professional commercial roofing services before cold weather hits. During these inspections, the roofer will look at your entire rooftop area and assess whether any leaks need repair or if you're at risk of structural damage.
2. Clear and Repair the Gutters
The next thing on your mind should be preparing your commercial roofing services' gutters so they can withstand all that precipitation. Clearing out your gutters ensures that water doesn't freeze there or accumulate during heavy rains and that it flows away from vulnerable points like your foundation. You also need to repair any leaks while you still have easy access.
3. Plug the Leaks
The winter months can be a rough time for commercial roofing. During freezing temperatures, water can easily freeze and expand, causing cracks in your roof. The best way to combat freeze damage is by keeping an eye on potential problem areas and taking preventative measures early on. Commercial roofing services can identify roofing parts where leaks are most likely and fix emerging problems like worn flashing.
4. Optimize the Ventilation
When cold air seeps into your building, it displaces warmer air faster than warm air can flow out of your structure. This creates negative pressure inside, which results in a pressure imbalance and forces cold air inside.
With more warm air inside, that moisture gets trapped as well—which leads to ice buildup on your roof. The roofer will optimize the ventilation, including fixing more ventilation points if they are inadequate.
5. Inspect Snow Removal Systems
If you are in an area with heavy snowfalls, inspecting your roof's snow removal systems before winter arrives is a good idea. It's easy to forget about these things when there isn't any snow on your roof, but if there is a problem with your system, it could be disastrous come winter. Be sure to check that ice and snow melt systems are functioning properly.
The cold weather usually exposes roof weaknesses, albeit too late, so it's crucial to get ready to avoid foreseeable problems. Contact commercial roofing services to schedule an early inspection to identify and fix roof problems.