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 left untreated, winter weather can deal 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.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter

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

1. Schedule an Inspection

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your roof for winter is to have it professionally inspected.

A commercial roof inspection by a qualified roofing contractor identifies any areas of concern that could cause problems during the winter months.

They can also 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.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Commercial Roof

As winter approaches, you’ll want to keep up with regular maintenance.

Chicago winters present unique challenges, as heavy snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage to your commercial roof. Rather than getting caught off guard, schedule a roof inspection before the colder months to ensure your roof is ready to go.

When Ridgeworth Roofing performs regular maintenance, we focus on detecting problems early. 

By identifying minor issues such as loose flashing, clogged drains, or minor punctures, we reduce the likelihood of costly repairs when snow and ice begin to accumulate.

Proactively sealing seams, reinforcing weak areas, and ensuring proper drainage extends your roof’s lifespan and improves its overall performance during harsh winter conditions.

3 Things to Worry About This Winter for Your Commercial Roof

Here are Ridgeworth Roofing’s three major concerns to watch for as temperatures drop, 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 your roof’s lifespan.

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 step is to conduct an informal inspection on your own. Go up on your roof and look around, as long as you know 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 for winter?

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 your rooftop inspection is, nothing can match the expertise of a professional. They will check everything to ensure your roof can perform properly throughout the winter. 

When you 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. Examine the flashing, gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and scupper boxes for damage. Check the entire surface for standing water, as ponding indicates a drainage issue.

Once you return to the ground, you can also inspect the building for signs 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 snow from the roof yourself with shovels or ice picks, as this can damage your roof. Additionally, standing on a roof already under stress puts you at risk. 

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

How does climate change affect commercial roofing in Chicagoland?

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?

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.

Why Chicagoland Facility and Building Managers Trust Ridgeworth Roofing

For over 50 years, Ridgeworth Roofing has provided commercial and industrial roofing services, from commercial roof inspections to seasonal maintenance, throughout the Chicagoland area, including decades of experience dealing with freeze-thaw cycles, ice damming, and snow loads.

We are a credentialed CertainTeed contractor, recognized for Gold Star Modified Bitumen installation expertise. We’re also a member of the Chicagoland Roofing Council, an organization dedicated to promoting professionalism, safety, and technical excellence among the region’s roofing contractors.

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