Severe winter weather can wreak havoc on your commercial building if your roof is not ready to handle everything the season brings. The following steps will ensure a healthy roof and help avoid costly damage.
Clean Your Roof
The roof of a building surrounded by trees is prone to an accumulation of leaves and branches that can trap moisture, resulting in rot and corrosion. Scheduling periodic roof-cleanings will ensure the removal of various destructive substances and allow you to discover and repair structural damage before it leads to significant problems.
Monitor Snow Accumulation
After a massive snowstorm, water-dense snow on your building’s roof can create immense pressure. When subsequent storms deposit additional snow, or frozen rain adds a layer of ice, the accumulated weight can overwhelm your roof, potentially leading to its collapse. Installing a roof load calculator that monitors your roof’s weight tolerance will ensure that you remove snow and prevent severe consequences for your building and occupants.
Schedule Structural Repairs
It is prudent to inspect your roof before the beginning of winter to ensure that you have an opportunity to repair damages, including holes and cracks. Sealing water entry points will prevent leaks that could promote structural decay and lead to mold formation, which may require costly remediation measures. Don’t forget to check skylights; they are prone to leaks when rainwater or snow penetrates damaged seals.
Inspect Interiors
Damage to your commercial building’s roof may go unnoticed until it affects your building’s interior. Routinely inspecting the walls and ceiling on your building’s top floor can reveal stains and mold that indicate a roof leak. Pre-winter roof inspections can catch various roof problems before winter weather exacerbates them.
Routine roof inspections are a necessary part of maintaining your commercial building, and they are vital to ensure that severe winter weather does not cause irreparable damage.
