Philadelphia winters are harsh. Melted snow leads to winter roof leaks if an underlying issue has gone untreated. Before the snow and inclement weather begins, hire roofing professionals to perform inspections. Doing so could prevent replacement after snow and ice have impacted your roof. Continue reading this article to learn about common cold weather roofing problems and how contractors like Seal Roofing have quality solutions.
Common Commercial Winter Roofing Issues
Winter weather is hard on your roof, especially in climates like the northeast. Heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures lead to the degradation of roofing materials. Sudden roof contraction due to thermal shock from cold weather causes surface deterioration, cracks, and splits.
Taking the initiative to implement preventative measures is a great start. However, some damage is still inevitable because winter brings on a host of roofing issues that are out of the control of commercial property owners and facility managers. Here’s the trick: these damages are repairable as long as the damage doesn’t go untreated. Let’s run through common winter roofing issues:
Ponding Water
Freezing conditions throughout the winter keep snow on top of flat commercial roofs, which is expected. When facility managers or property owners notice standing or ponding water 48 hours past melting, this becomes an issue. Winter snowfall and ice significantly contribute to the stress of roofing systems, resulting in expensive water leaks. The constant freezing and thawing of ponding that infiltrates roofing membranes throughout the winter expands internal components. Your system expands over time, quickly deteriorating its overall condition.
The best response to reduce ponding damage in the winter is to contact commercial roof services to inspect drainage and gutters systems, which are likely clogged or positioned incorrectly.
Condensation
Mold and mildew stem from condensation resulting from faulty or damaged ventilation. This is when warm indoor air reaches the cold underside of a roofing system. Condensation often goes unnoticed by property owners until an inspection is conducted by a professional.
To prevent mold, leaks, and other issues associated with condensation, install proper roof ventilation to provide proper airflow. Roof ventilation reduces the warm air hitting cold undersides in the winter.
Ice Dams
Temperature variation creates ice dams in the wintertime. Dams form when lower roof portions remain below freezing while the top layer collects ice. Water runoff then freezes, forming an ice dam near the roof’s edge and gutters. Proper ventilation and insulation minimize the likelihood of ice dams developing. These proactive measures prevent the roof’s upper portions from getting too warm.
Icicles
Icicles are a danger to the structure of commercial buildings and anyone below. Added weight during significant winter weather conditions causes gutters systems to collapse, endangering anyone below and your building’s health. Facility managers can reduce the effects of icicles by conducting regular sweeps with snow rakes, knocking off any frozen buildup. Professional maintenance or clearing of debris by facility managers before the winter prevents gutters and drainage systems from clogging.
Fallen Tree Limbs
The impact of tree limbs and other falling objects wreaks havoc on the roof’s surface. Once debris hits your roof, it can scrape off asphalt granules or damage metal material, which calls for roof repair. If tree limbs or other objects are heavy enough, they can penetrate the roof membrane and cause further interior damage, like leaks.
Invest in trimming services to prevent trees from falling onto your building and damaging the roof. Any tree limbs within six feet of the building must be cut so your property isn’t susceptible to impact damage during a snowstorm.
Pest Intrusion
Rodents commonly find refuge in commercial building structures once they gain access through your damaged roof. Small gaps can be an entryway for critters to invade your property, causing you to hire an exterminator. Roofing repairs are required immediately to avoid further exposure. Close any openings or lifts in the surface before winter temperatures arrive to prevent needing re-roofing in below-freezing weather.
