A Guide for Business Owners to Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter

As the colder months approach, businesses in Elkhart and the surrounding areas must take proactive steps to protect their commercial roofs from winter's harsh conditions. Snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures can cause significant damage if your roof isn’t prepared.

At American Builders, your trusted commercial roofing contractors serving Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, we understand the unique challenges winter poses and offer this guide to ensure your roof stays safe and functional.

Why Winter Preparation Matters for Commercial Roofs

Indiana’s winter weather brings heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and unpredictable temperature swings. Without proper preparation, these elements can lead to:

• Snow Load Issues: Excessive snow can cause structural stress or even roof collapse.

• Ice Dams: Ice formation along roof edges can trap water and cause leaks.

• Freeze-Thaw Damage: Water seeping into cracks and freezing can expand, worsening the damage.

Investing time in preparing your roof now can save thousands in repair costs and protect your business from interruptions caused by roof damage.

Here’s what we recommend…

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the snow arrives, a professional roof inspection is essential 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 that gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning properly.

By catching small issues now, you can avoid costly emergency repairs during the winter.

2. Clean Debris and Ensure Proper Drainage

Leaves, branches, and other debris often accumulate during fall, potentially clogging gutters and downspouts. Blocked drainage systems can 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 that drainage systems are directing water away from the building’s foundation.

• Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future blockages.

3. Address Vulnerable Roof Areas

Winter conditions can amplify existing vulnerabilities, such as worn-out sealant or damaged roofing materials. Common areas that need attention include:

• Flat Roof Seams: Check for separations or gaps that could allow water to penetrate.

• Roof Edges: Secure any loose materials that could be 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, causing snow to melt and refreeze along the edges. These frozen ridges trap water, which can seep under roofing materials and cause 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.

Taking these steps can protect your roof and reduce energy costs during the winter months.

5. Monitor Snow Accumulation

Excessive snow can add significant weight to your roof, potentially exceeding its load capacity and causing 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.

• Install snow guards to prevent large chunks of snow or ice from sliding off the roof.

• Regularly monitor snow buildup, especially after heavy storms.

6. Develop an Emergency Plan

Even with the best preparation, unexpected roof issues can arise during the winter. Having a plan in place ensures you can respond quickly and minimize damage.

Emergency Plan Checklist:

• Keep the contact information 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 to avoid long wait times during peak winter months.

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 whatever winter brings.

Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection or learn more about our winter preparation services.