How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter

As temperatures start to fall in the Chicagoland area, that can only mean one thing: winter has arrived. That means months of rough weather and potentially hazardous storms hitting your commercial roof.

If untreated beforehand, winter weather deals a heavy blow to your commercial roof, causing extensive and expensive repairs. But with some preparation, you can prevent serious damage and protect your property.

Our guide on preparing your commercial roof for winter identifies several ways to safeguard your property from snowstorms and cold temperatures. Whether it’s commercial roof maintenance or quarterly inspections, Ridgeworth Roofing wants to help protect your commercial roof for winter.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter

Before snowflakes hit the ground, prepare your commercial roof for winter with these five tips.

They will also be able to recommend any necessary repairs or updates before the cold weather hits.

At Ridgeworth Roofing, we take maximizing the life of your commercial roof seriously. During our quarterly inspections, our team starts at the perimeter and moves toward the center, looking for ponding water, cracks, uplifted shingles, and other issues.

Once we’re finished, a team member will provide you with an inspection report covering information about the roof’s current condition and any current or potential problems.

2. Make Sure Your Roof is Clear

Before the temperatures go below freezing, check your roof for autumn debris. This includes leaves, twigs, branches, trash, and any other debris that may have blown onto the roof during the fall.

Also, take some time to clear your gutters and downspouts to ensure that melting snow and ice can leave the roof. Standing water can enter the building and refreeze, creating more significant problems for your roof and structure.

3. Be Aware of the Weather and What You Might Need to do After a Storm

Heavy snowfall or sleet often results in structural damage. Extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to freeze-thaw cycles, causing significant roof damage. 

If you notice a leak or are concerned about the effects of a storm, call a professional roofing contractor to investigate the situation before attempting to inspect it yourself.

4. Watch for Ice Dams

Watch out for ice damming, which occurs when internal building temperatures cause rooftop ice to melt from the underside, allowing water to get under the roof covering and leak into the building.

To help prevent this, clean your gutters and downspouts before winter arrives. Consider installing gutter guards to help keep them clear throughout the season.

5. When in Doubt, Stay on the Ground

This is less of a tip and more of a winter commercial roofing rule: never go on your roof unless you’re sure there’s no risk of slipping and falling. Snow, ice, and non-professionals on a roof surface do not mix.

3 Things to Worry About This Winter for Your Commercial Roof

Here are Ridgeworth Roofing’s three major concerns to watch for as the temperature drops—and what you can do to mitigate them.

1. Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat escapes inside your building, melting snow on your roof. The melted snow refreezes at the edges, creating a barrier that traps water. This standing water seeps under roofing materials, leading to leaks and water damage.

Ensure your building has proper insulation to minimize heat loss, and check that your roof is adequately ventilated to maintain a consistent temperature.

2. Snow and Ice Build-Up

Heavy snow and ice can significantly strain your roof’s structure, leading to sagging, cracking, or even collapse. When left unattended, they can also block drainage systems, allowing water to pool and potentially causing leaks.

Use safe, professional snow and ice removal services to protect your roof. Attempting to remove heavy snow yourself can result in personal injury or roof damage. A trusted roofing team will know how to safely clear your roof without causing harm.

3. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Temperature fluctuations during winter cause snow and ice to melt during the day and refreeze at night. This repeated cycle can damage roofing materials by creating cracks and expanding existing ones, leading to leaks and structural issues.

Monitor these cycles and conduct regular inspections during winter to catch minor issues before they escalate. 

Insurance and Liability in the Winter

If you aren’t keeping an eye on your commercial roof in the winter, it becomes more than just a maintenance problem.

Your commercial roof warranty likely requires routine maintenance, inspections, and regular upkeep. Failing to address any of these issues could void your warranty and reduce the lifespan of your roof.

You’ll want to keep detailed records of inspection reports and invoices from any completed commercial roofing work. You may need this when filing a claim after a winter storm.

Also, review your insurance and warranty policy before winter so you have a clear understanding of what’s covered and what isn’t.

Be aware that you may be liable if someone is injured by a roof leak or falling ice, but regular maintenance can help lower these risks.

Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Winter FAQ

How can I start preparing my commercial roof for winter?

The first thing you can do is conduct an informal inspection on your own. Go up on your roof and look around, as long as you are certain it’s safe. Early fall is an excellent time to walk on your roof, as icy conditions are unlikely.

Look for debris of all kinds: leaves, branches, and trash that may have blown on top of your roof. You’d be surprised at what can make its way up there. 

Plastic grocery bags, for example, are common culprits, especially in and around shopping centers. Remove anything that doesn’t belong, as debris can clog roof drains and gutters, preventing drainage and causing water to back up onto the roof surface.

Take a look at your HVAC equipment as well. Is everything in order? Are doors closed securely to prevent water from entering the building through them?

If you see debris that you can’t safely remove or have an issue with your roof’s mechanicals that you can’t address, make a note and contact Ridgeworth Roofing right away.

What is the most important thing I should do to ensure my commercial roof is ready?

The best thing you can do for the health of your roof is to contact a professional roofing contractor to schedule an annual inspection and preventative maintenance. 

No matter how thorough a job you do on your rooftop inspection, nothing can match the expertise of a professional. They will check everything to ensure your roof can perform properly throughout the winter. 

And when you do call to schedule your appointment, do so as soon as possible, as safety concerns related to wintry weather can prevent a contractor from inspecting your roof and making any necessary repairs.

What should I be looking for in terms of damage?

Look at the roof’s surface and components for signs of wear and tear. For damage, examine the flashing, gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and scupper boxes. Check the entire surface for standing water, as ponding indicates a problem with drainage.

Once you return to the ground, you can also check inside the building for evidence of leaks. 

Staining is a telltale sign that water has somehow made its way into your building, but bear in mind that the roof is not always to blame. Whatever the cause, you’ll want to get to the bottom of where that water is coming from.

What if a heavy snowfall has left a mountain of snow on my roof?

Heavy snow places enormous stress on a roof, leading to structural failure.

You should never attempt to remove the snow from the roof yourself with shovels or ice picks, as this can damage your roof, and standing on a roof already under stress puts you at risk. 

Contact a professional roofing contractor to safely evaluate the situation and remove the snow.

How does climate change affect commercial roofing in Chicago?

As you may have noticed, Chicago winters are becoming increasingly unpredictable. More freeze-thaw cycles and heavier rain/snow mixes stress your commercial roofing materials and drainage systems.

The most effective way to protect your commercial roof against the elements is to schedule regular inspections and maintenance. We might not be able to predict what will happen, but we can defend you before something does. 

Do reflective roofs handle snow differently?

Yes. Reflective roofs protect your building from the heat in summer, but they also tend to hold onto snow longer because they don’t absorb as much heat.

What preventative maintenance should I budget for in 2025?

We suggest planning one inspection right before winter and a follow-up in the spring.

Typical preventative costs include clearing drains and gutters, resealing flashing and seams, and repairing minor cracks or punctures before they turn into leaks. 

Proactive budgeting allows you to be prepared before an emergency strikes.

Need a Winter Commercial Roof Inspection? The Experts at Ridgeworth Roofing are Here to Help.

Ridgeworth Roofing’s trusted experts have provided Chicagoland residents with high-quality services, from commercial roof inspections to seasonal maintenance, for over 50 years.

This winter, don’t let a little snow damage your commercial roof; contact Ridgeworth Roofing today.