Key Takeaways
- Snow and ice can damage commercial flat roofs.
- It can make your flat roof a safety hazard and cause much damage to your property and people.
- Leaks, sagging, and cracks are all signs you need to take action.
- You can prevent damage by regularly inspecting your roof and taking action to avoid snow and ice buildup.
It’s no secret that winter brings many challenges for commercial property owners. Between the frigid temperatures and hazardous road conditions, keeping your business up and running can be challenging. But with some preparation, you can ensure that your property stays in good shape throughout the season.
From slippery sidewalks to treacherous parking lots, snow and ice can create hazardous conditions for customers and employees. But what about your building’s roof? Flat roofs are susceptible to snow and ice damage, so it’s essential to take steps to protect them. Curvelo Restorations provide tips for managing snow and ice on a commercial flat roof so you can keep it safe the whole season.
Hazards of Snow and Ice on Flat Roofs
Commercial flat roofs are built to withstand wear and tear, but they’re not immune to damage from snow and ice. Snow and ice can cause leaks, roof collapse, and other problems. Here are some of the ways that snow and ice can damage your flat roof:
1. Freeze/thaw cycles Weaken Structural Integrity
The freeze/thaw cycle can cause a lot of damage to flat roofs. As water freezes and expands on the roof, it can damage the structure. Over time, this can weaken the roof and make it more susceptible to collapse.
2. Icicles can Fall and Cause injury
Over time, the melted snow can slope off the roof, forming icicles on the roof’s edge. Now that you know to cause serious injury. They can cause bruises and broken bones if they fall from an elevated height.
In addition, as icicles melt, they can create puddles of water on the roof that can lead to leaks.
3. Snow Can Block Gutters and Drains
If the gutters and drains on your flat roof become clogged with snow, they won’t be able to do their job correctly. It can cause water to back onto the roof, leading to leaks and other problems.
4. Snow and ice can Result in Leaks
Even if the snow and ice don’t damage your roof directly, they can still cause problems by resulting in leaks. Melting snow can seep into cracks in your roof and freeze again when the temperature drops, causing the cracks to widen.
Water that backs up due to clogged gutters and drains can also lead to leaks.
5. Snow Melt can Cause Roof Collapse
When flat roofs are covered in snow, the weight of the snow can cause the roof to collapse. It is hazardous if the snow melts and then freezes again, as the ice will add even more weight.
6. Snow and ice can Inhibit Solar Panels
If your commercial roof has solar panels, snow and ice can inhibit their performance. The panels need to absorb sunlight to generate electricity, but the snow and ice can block the sun.
7. Slip and Fall Hazard
Another hazard of having snow and ice on your commercial roof is the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. People can slip and fall on the ice; if they land wrong, they can seriously injure themselves.
Top Ways of Commercial Flat Roof Management
Now that we’ve gone over some of the dangers of having snow and ice on your commercial flat roof, let’s talk about how to prevent it.
1. Inspect Your Roof Before Winter
You can avoid many problems by simply inspecting your roof before and during winter. Look for any cracks or holes that need to be repaired, and ensure that your roof gutters are clear of debris. Contact a roofing contractor immediately if you find any signs of roofing repairs.
2. Remove Snow and Ice Immediately
If you get snow and ice on your roof, removing it as soon as possible is essential. The longer it sits there, the more damage it can do.
3. Use Deicing Products
Various deicing products can help you melt the snow and ice built up on the roof. These products can also prevent new snow and ice from forming.
4. Install a Roof Snow Melt System
If your area gets much snow, you may want to consider installing a roof snow melt system. These systems use electricity to heat the roof and melt the snow and ice.
5. Hire a Professional Roofer
Suppose you’re not comfortable doing any of the above yourself. In that case, you can always hire a professional roofer to do it for you. Be sure to hire someone who is experienced in dealing with commercial flat roofs.
5 Signs To Consider Professional Roof Repairs in Winter
Your roof is one of the essential parts of your commercial property, so keeping it in good condition is essential. Here are some of the signs that you may need professional roof repairs this winter:
1. Leaks
Do you notice any dripping from your ceiling? While a bit of water here and there may not seem like a big deal, it could signify a bigger problem. If you ignore a leak, it could cause extensive damage to your property.
2. Sagging
If you notice any sagging in your ceiling, it’s time to call a professional. It is usually caused by too much weight on the roof due to snow and ice buildup.
3. Ice Dams
Ice dams are another common issue in winter. They occur when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, forming a dam that prevents water from draining correctly. It can cause serious leaks and damage to your property.
4. Cracks
If you notice any cracks in your roof, it’s essential to have them repaired as soon as possible. Cracks can allow water to seep into your property, causing extensive damage.
5. Snow buildup
If you have much snow on your roof, it’s essential to be proactive and remove it before it can cause damage. An extensive amount of snow can make your commercial roof susceptible to collapse.
Related: Preparing Your Roof For The Winter – What You Need To Consider
Conclusion
A commercial flat roof is a significant investment, so it’s essential to take steps to protect it. Be sure to regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage and take action to prevent snow and ice buildup. If you notice any damage, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible.
Commercial Roofing Contractors in Cumming, GA
If you need commercial roofing repairs or installation in Cumming, GA, Curvelo Restorations is here to help. Our team of experienced roofers can handle any commercial roofing project, big or small. We offer roof repairs and roof replacement if your roof problem looks severe enough. And if your roof falls under an insurance claim, we can also help you with that.
Contact us today and get a free estimate for your roofing project.
