As an Ohio business owner, you know how harsh the winters can be on your property, especially your roof. Heavy snow, ice buildup, and freezing temperatures can all affect your commercial roof’s integrity. The cold weather can cause significant damage without proper care and maintenance, leading to costly repairs or even premature replacement.
At The Roof Detective in Columbus, OH, we’re here to help you get your commercial roof ready to withstand even the most brutal Ohio winters. We’ll discuss practical tips and strategies to extend the lifespan of your commercial roof during Ohio winters.
Perform an Inspection
One of the most critical steps in preparing your roof for winter is scheduling a thorough inspection before the weather turns cold. Early fall is an ideal time for this. If you wait until the first snowstorm hits, it could be too late to address any underlying issues that could cause problems when the temperatures drop.
During your inspection, check for signs of damage that might increase in the winter, such as cracked or missing shingles, broken flashing, or weak seams. These flaws may enable water to seep in, freezing as the temperature lowers, resulting in ice dams or leaks. It is critical to treat these concerns before they worsen in the winter months.
Besides looking for damage that you can see, you should also check your roof’s drainage system. When gutters or drains are clogged, water can pool on the roof and cause damage. The extra weight can also be too much for the roof to handle. You should also inspect the drainage slope to ensure that it’s directing water away from the building, which will reduce the chances of water sitting stagnant on your roof.
Keep the Roof Clean
Snow and ice aren’t the only winter hazards for your roof. Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can also cause severe damage if they’re not cleared away before winter sets in. Debris can clog gutters, downspouts, and drains, preventing proper water flow off your roof. As snow begins to melt, water could back up behind debris and seep into the roofing materials, leading to potential leaks and deterioration.
Additionally, when debris accumulates on your roof, it can create areas of uneven weight distribution, which can lead to sagging or even structural damage over time. It’s essential to have your roof cleaned off before the first snowstorm of the season. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional roofer who can safely remove the debris and check the gutters at the same time.
Proper Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation play a significant role in protecting your commercial roof during the winter months. Without adequate insulation, warm air from inside your building can escape through the roof, causing the snow on the roof to melt. As the melted water runs down, it can refreeze when it reaches the colder edges of the roof, forming ice dams. These ice dams stop the melting water from draining properly, so it builds up and could leak into the building.
Inadequate ventilation can also contribute to the formation of ice dams. When warm, moist air is trapped in the attic or upper parts of your building, it can raise the temperature of the roof deck, leading to premature melting of snow. Proper ventilation helps to maintain an even temperature throughout the roof, reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation.
Make sure that your insulation is thick enough to keep the warm air inside and that your attic is well-ventilated with enough intake and exhaust vents. If you’re unsure whether your insulation and ventilation are up to the task, ask a professional to inspect your roof to ensure that they’re functioning correctly.
Evaluate Your Roof Membrane
If your commercial property has a flat or low-slope roof, you likely have a roof membrane, which is designed to provide a waterproof barrier. While this type of roofing can be more susceptible to snow and ice accumulation, taking the time to evaluate the condition of your roof membrane before the winter months can help extend its lifespan and prevent damage.
Over time, roof membranes can become worn, cracked, or brittle due to sun exposure, foot traffic, and general wear and tear. In the winter, if the barrier is damaged, water can get through and cause leaks, rust, and rot in your building. Look for holes, tears, or places where the seams have started to come apart when you carefully check the membrane. The membrane should also be checked to make sure it is properly attached to the roof deck. Places where the membrane has risen or come loose can trap water, which makes leaks more likely.
If any damage is found, it’s essential to have the membrane repaired or replaced before winter. Depending on the type of membrane, a professional roofing contractor may be able to patch small holes or seams. For more extensive damage, a complete replacement may be necessary.
Catch Leaks Quickly
Even small leaks can become big problems if left unaddressed, especially during Ohio’s harsh winter months. Once water enters your roof, it can freeze and expand, causing further damage to your roofing materials. These leaks are often not noticeable until it’s too late, so it’s important to be alert and fix any problems right away.
Remove Ice Dams
Ice dams are one of the most common problems commercial roofs face during the winter. As mentioned earlier, ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, causing a blockage that prevents water from draining correctly. The water can then back up under shingles and into the roof structure, leading to leaks, rot, and damage to the roof deck.
Keep your gutters and drains clean and free of garbage to avoid ice jams. If you notice an ice dam beginning to form, it’s essential to remove it safely. Avoid using sharp tools, which could damage the roof or its shingles. Instead, try using a roof rake with a long extension pole to gently remove snow from the roof’s edge, or hire a professional who can safely clear the ice without causing damage. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn ice dam, a professional can use heated cables or other tools to melt the ice and restore proper drainage.
Roof Flashing Material Check
Flashing is the material — usually metal — installed around roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, and skylights and along roof seams to prevent water from seeping under shingles or roofing membranes. Proper flashing ensures that these areas remain sealed and protected, reducing the risk of leaks that can cause significant damage over time.
During winter, ice and snow can get trapped around flashing, especially at the edges of vents or chimneys, where heat from the building may cause snow to melt and refreeze. This can lead to the formation of ice dams, which can push water under the flashing and into the roofing structure. If your flashing is old, cracked, or improperly sealed, this can lead to severe damage during the colder months. It’s essential to inspect your flashing thoroughly during your pre-winter roof checkup. If you notice any gaps or rust, you need to replace or reseal the flashing before the snow arrives.
How We Can Help
You can make your business roof last much longer in the face of Ohio’s severe winters by adhering to these easy-to-follow suggestions, and at The Roof Detective, we’re happy to help you do so. Regular inspections, proper insulation, and prompt attention to minor issues will prevent costly damage and ensure that your roof continues to perform its job efficiently. We also offer siding, gutter, and full roof replacement as well as emergency roof repairs. Remember, winter weather can be unpredictable, but with the proper precautions in place, you can avoid significant disruptions to your business.
If you’re unsure how to maintain your roof or need professional assistance, don’t contact our team at The Roof Detective.
