A Guide for Business Owners to Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter
As colder months approach, businesses in Elkhart and the surrounding area need to be proactive.
Snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures can cause significant damage if your commercial roof isn’t prepared.
At American Builders, we understand the unique challenges winter poses. We wrote out this quick guide to help you prep for the cold months.
Why Winter Preparation Matters for Commercial Roofs
Indiana’s winter weather brings heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and unpredictable temperature swings.
Without proper preparation, this leads to:
Snow Load Issues: Excessive snow causes structural stress or even roof collapse.
Ice Dams: Ice formation along roof edges traps water, causing leaks.
Freeze-Thaw Damage: Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and then expands. This worsens any existing cracks.
Investing time in prepping your roof will save you thousands in repair costs. It will also keep your business from any interruptions.
Here’s what we recommend…
1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before snow arrives, a professional roof inspection is super important.
Use it to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
At American Builders, we thoroughly examine:
Roof Membranes: Checking for cracks, punctures, or blistering that could worsen under snow or ice.
Flashing: Ensuring flashing around vents, skylights, and HVAC units is secure and watertight.
Drainage Systems: Verifying gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning properly.
By catching small issues now, you’ll avoid costly emergency repairs in the winter.
2. Clean Debris and Ensure Proper Drainage
Leaves, branches, and other debris accumulate during fall. This can potentially clog your gutters and downspouts.
Blocked drainage systems will cause water to pool on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks or ice dam formation.
Our Tips:
Remove all debris from the roof surface, gutters, and downspouts.
Ensure drainage systems are directing water away from building’s foundation.
Install gutter guards to prevent future blockages.
3. Address Vulnerable Roof Areas
Winter conditions amplify existing issues, such as worn-out sealant or damaged roof materials.
Common areas that need attention are:
Flat Roof Seams: Check for separations or gaps that allow water to penetrate.
Roof Edges: Secure loose materials damaged by wind or ice.
HVAC and Skylight Flashing: Ensure these areas are sealed tightly to prevent water infiltration.
American Builders specializes in identifying and repairing these vulnerable areas, ensuring your roof is ready to handle winter’s challenges.
4. Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof. This makes snow melt and refreeze along the edges.
These frozen ridges trap water, which then seeps under roofing materials and causes leaks.
Preventative Measures:
Insulate your building to reduce heat loss through the roof.
Ensure adequate ventilation to regulate roof temperature.
Use heat cables along roof edges to prevent ice accumulation.
5. Monitor Snow Accumulation
Excessive snow adds significant weight to your roof. This weight will potentially exceed its load capacity and cause structural damage.
Flat and low-slope roofs are particularly vulnerable.
How to Manage Snow:
Hire professionals to remove snow safely without damaging the roof membrane.
Regularly monitor snow buildup, especially after heavy storms.
6. Develop an Emergency Plan
Even with the best prep, unexpected issues will arise during the winter.
Having a plan ensures you respond quickly to minimize damage.
Emergency Plan Checklist:
Keep the contact info for your local commercial roofing contractor, American Builders, readily available.
Identify priority areas to protect, such as equipment or inventory stored under the roof.
Schedule emergency repair services in advance. That way you can avoid long wait times during the winter.
Trust American Builders for Winter Roof Preparation
American Builders has extensive experience helping businesses in Elkhart and the surrounding areas prepare their commercial roofs for winter.
As trusted commercial roofing contractors serving Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, we’re here to ensure your roof is ready to handle the winter.
Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection or learn more about our winter preparation services.
