Winter weather can be unpredictable. It can be a nice, sunny day one day and freezing cold with high winds or snow the next.
With winter weather comes problems, and that can include problems for commercial roofs. It’s important to know how winter weather can affect a commercial roof and what can be done about it.
Snow
Heavy snowfall can pile up on flat roofs and can get very heavy very quickly. While flat roofing systems are durable and made to withstand some pressure, too much can cause stress on the roof. This could lead to structural damage and bowing or leaking. Be sure to contact a commercial roofing contractor right away for any sign of a leaking roof.
Strong Wind
Wind can also be a problematic winter weather condition. High winds won’t affect flat roofs in the same way it will houses with shingles, but it can still cause problems. For instance, many commercial buildings with flat roofs may have HVAC systems up on the roof. High, strong winds can affect the HVAC system and the flashing around it. A commercial roofing expert can check out your flat roof after strong winds to make sure everything is still in proper working order.
The Freeze and Thaw Cycle
The freezing overnights and warmer days can lead to freeze and thaw cycles where water freezes on commercial roofs at night and thaws during the warmer days. This cycle can be damaging for a flat roof as thawed water can run into cracks or small spaces, freeze overnight, expand, and cause damage to roofing systems. Regular roofing repair or maintenance can help ensure that cracks are sealed up, so there’s no way for water to get in and cause damage during the freeze and thaw cycles.
If you are concerned about your commercial roof during winter weather, contact our commercial roofing experts at Certified Commercial Roofing. A roof inspection can keep your roof up in tip-top shape to be able to handle the wacky winter weather.
