How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Indiana’s Winter
Winter in Indiana isn’t just cold—it’s brutal on commercial roofs.
Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn small roofing problems into major, expensive repairs.
Before the first snowfall hits, it’s important to get ahead of the damage.
A little preparation now can save you thousands in repairs and keep your business running smoothly all winter long.
Here’s what you need to do before winter arrives.
1. Inspect for Pre-Existing Damage
If your roof already has cracks, leaks, or damaged flashing, winter will only make things worse.
Cold temperatures cause roofing materials to contract, making existing damage spread faster.
Getting a professional roof inspection before winter can catch:
Small cracks that could turn into major leaks.
Loose or damaged flashing that needs repair.
Weak spots that might not handle heavy snow loads.
Fixing minor issues now prevents costly emergency repairs later.
At American Builders, we provide thorough winter-ready inspections to make sure your roof is in top shape before the cold sets in.
2. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are one of the biggest culprits of winter roof damage.
When leaves, dirt, and debris block your drainage system, melting snow has nowhere to go.
Instead, it pools on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks and structural damage.
Before winter hits, be sure to:
Clear out gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages.
Check for sagging or damaged sections that could fail under snow weight.
Ensure water drains properly to prevent ice buildup.
At American Builders, we include gutter cleaning as part of our winter roof maintenance, so your roof can handle whatever winter throws at it.
3. Prevent Ice Dams Before They Start
Ice dams form when snow melts, runs down the roof, and refreezes at the edges.
Over time, this creates thick ridges of ice that trap water and force it under your roofing materials.
If left untreated, ice dams can cause:
Leaks inside your building.
Water damage to insulation and drywall.
Structural stress from uneven weight distribution.
Preventing ice dams comes down to proper insulation and ventilation.
Our team at American Builders can assess your roof’s ventilation and insulation, making necessary upgrades to keep ice dams from forming in the first place.
4. Schedule Any Necessary Repairs
If your roof already has minor issues—loose seams, cracked membranes, or aging materials—don’t wait until winter makes them worse.
Cold temperatures make roofing materials more brittle, and heavy snow can put extra stress on weak areas.
The result?
Small leaks turning into major water damage.
Roof materials failing under the weight of snow.
Emergency repairs that are way more expensive in winter.
At American Builders, we specialize in commercial roof repairs for Indiana businesses, making sure your roof is reinforced and ready for the cold.
5. Improve Energy Efficiency with Better Insulation
An inefficient roof isn’t just bad for protection—it’s bad for your energy bills.
Poor insulation allows heat to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder.
This leads to:
Higher utility costs during the cold months.
Uneven heating inside your building.
Increased wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Adding energy-efficient insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reduces heating costs, and keeps your roof in better condition by minimizing temperature fluctuations.
At American Builders, we offer insulation upgrades and energy-efficient roofing solutions to help businesses save money all winter long.
Protect Your Investment with American Builders
Indiana winters are tough on commercial roofs, but preparation makes all the difference.
At American Builders, we offer comprehensive winter roofing services, including:
Pre-winter inspections to catch and fix potential issues.
Gutter cleaning to prevent drainage problems.
Ice dam prevention to protect against leaks and structural damage.
Roof repairs to reinforce weak areas before heavy snow arrives.
Energy-efficient upgrades to help cut heating costs.
Don’t wait until winter damage costs you thousands in repairs.
Reach out today to schedule your winter roof maintenance and keep your business protected all season long.
