Temperatures are starting to drop, which means fall is coming to an end and winter is right around the corner. Preparing for the winter season can mean many things for many different people. For commercial property owners, part of preparing for winter involves getting roofs ready for the change in the weather. Here’s how commercial property owners can prepare commercial roofing for the winter:
Inspect the Roof
The first step to preparing your roof for the winter is inspecting it for potential problems. What should you look for? Look for obvious signs of damage, such as holes or puncture marks in the roofing material. Run your hands across the areas where sewams meet. If the roofing seams are open or if the material is coming apart ,contact a professional right away.
Pay close attention to the flashings, which are metal, plastic or same as the matereial in the field. lt is typically located around the pipes, vents, and HVAC system on your roof. Flashing can start to deteriorate, become loose, or crack if it has reached the end of its lifespan. If you spot any of these signs, call a roofing professional. If the flashing is damaged, water and snow can easily make its way inside your building, which can cause a big problem.
Another area that you need to inspect closely is the edge of the roof, especially if you have a flat roof. The flashing that attaches the roofing material to the edge of the building should be in good condition. If it’s not, this needs to be addressed right away. Worn down flashing located at the edge of your roof could blow off during a winter windstorm. To prevent this problem and protect your property, have the flashing replaced before the weather gets bad.
Many commercial property owners perform these roof inspections on their own, but it’s strongly recommended that you hire a professional to do so, especially if you don’t know much about roofing. If you perform the inspection on your own, it’s possible that you could miss a potential problem or seriously injure yourself while on the roof.
Clean the Gutters
Hire a professional to visit your commercial property and clean the gutters before winter arrives. Why is this important? The snow that falls on your roof will eventually melt, and this water will need to be able to drain off of your roof quickly. If the gutters are clogged with dirt and debris, the water will have no place to go so it will remain on your roof. Sitting water can weaken roofing materials and lead to leaks. In some cases, the water can become so heavy that it causes part of the roof to collapse. This can be a headache, not only because it’s expensive to repair, but also because it could interfere with your ability to operate your business. To prevent this problem, simply schedule a gutter cleaning in the early days of the winter. See tips for cleaning and repairing gutters.
Review Insurance and Warranty Information
Commercial property owners should take the time to review their insurance and warranty information just in case a roofing problem arises during the winter. First, make sure that you are up-to-date with insurance payments so you don’t try to make a claim for roof repair only to find out that your policy has lapsed. You should also review the details of your coverage to make sure you understand what is and is not covered under your current policy.
Next, take a look at the warranty or guarantee that you have on your roof. Is it still in effect or has too much time passed since the roof was installed? If it’s still in effect, review the details of what the warranty or guarantee covers. You should also make sure that you are doing everything you are supposed to do under the terms of the agreement. For instance, if the agreement states that the property owner must schedule two roofing inspections per year, make sure that you are complying with this term so you don’t accidentally void the warranty or guarantee. Keep these documents in a safe place during the winter so you can quickly access them if a problem arises.
Take A Look At the Trees
Before winter officially arrives, take a look at the trees on your property to see if any of the branches need to be trimmed to protect your roof. Keep in mind that snow can start to accumulate on tree branches over the winter, which could weigh them down and cause them to snap. These sharp, pointy branches could puncture or damage roofing material on your building, which is why it’s so important to trim them before they become a problem.
Create An Action Plan
No matter how long you spend preparing, it’s possible that something could damage your roof in the winter. For this reason, it’s a good idea to create an action plan that outlines exactly what will happen if a roofing problem is discovered. This is especially important if you are a landlord who rents out the property to a commercial tenant.
Who should be checking the roof for signs of damage throughout the winter? Who is responsible for getting in touch with a roofing professional? Will the business temporarily close while the repairs are made? These questions all need to be answered in your action plan to make sure everyone that you work with is on the same page.
Winter is just weeks away, but there’s still time to prepare your roof for the season. For more information on preparing commercial roofs for the winter, talk to our team of experts. Rhino Roofing is the premier commercial roofing company in the greater area. We will perform the necessary repairs as quickly as possible so we don’t disturb your customers or interfere with your business operations. To learn more about our roofing services, contact Rhino Roofing today.
