Winter is becoming increasingly harsh in most parts of the country, and this means that you need to take extra care of your properties and business. One aspect of that is preparing your commercial roof for winter. Commercial roofs are designed to withstand extreme cold, snowfall, or rain, but they also need regular maintenance; at least twice a year.
Fall is the ideal time to prepare your commercial roof for winter. Below we offer some advice on preparing your commercial roof for winter.
Winter Preparation Tips for Commercial Roofs
1- Clean up all Debris
If you have many trees around your building, leaves, twigs, pine needles, and bird droppings can accumulate on your roof and hide the damage. They also block gutters leading to water dams and possible leaks. So the first step is to clean up all the debris on your commercial roof.
2- Inspection
Once everything is clean, it’s time for a thorough inspection. You should be looking for any blockage in gutters, cracks in the roofing membrane, and any damage to flashings. Check the caulking around skylights, plumbing vents, and drains. Look for wear on the metal edging that protects against curling or wear on sealants. Pest damage to roof trusses and support members is also a pervasive problem.
You might want to contact professional roofing contractors to inspect and recommend the necessary repairs. Vanity Roofing INC is an Ottawa Roofing Company, and we’ve been providing complete roofing services to local businesses for more than 30 years. So you can trust us to take care of your property and fix possible problems.
3- Fixing Problems
Once you’ve identified problems, your contractor will recommend the proper repairs. That will often involve patching flashings and replacing wrinkled or cracked caulk. They’ll also clean out drain spouts and make sure moist leaves are not blocking the gutter.
4- Proactive Maintenance
Proactive maintenance can extend the life of your commercial roof. Winterization of the commercial roof may include cutting back trees to allow more sun on the roof. It’ll also control the pest population and keep the gutters clear.
It is also a good idea to install a wind baffle that reduces the roof’s stress due to winds. In addition, installing snow guards will prevent the snow from sliding off the roof, and anti-ice tape or granules avoid ice dams.
So now you know how to prepare your commercial roof for winter. Contact Vanity Roofing INC at 613-851-4448 or fill out our online form. Our experts will co to your location and inspect the roof to determine if it needs repairs or replacement. We also give free estimates and outline annual plans for inspections and maintenance.