Winter is brutal for commercial facilities and their maintenance teams. The snow, ice, freeze-and-thaw cycles, and other harsh weather conditions can cause damage to your facility if you are not prepared. Proper maintenance for all major building components — your HVAC system, plumbing, electrical system, and roofing — will help you stay safe during winter and maintain peak operational performance.
Below are just four tips you can use to protect your roofing and building interior during the winter:
Clear debris before the first snowfall.
Your commercial roof should always be cleaned of fallen debris to reduce the chance of long-term damage. However, this is especially important during autumn when leaves start to fall every day and the first snowfall is just around the corner. If you don’t clean your roof before then, you will put your facility at risk for serious roofing damage. Fallen debris can also clog your gutters, which will cause problems when the snow begins to melt.
Remove snow ASAP.
It may look charming, but if snow is left on your commercial roof for too long it could cause structural damage. Snow is incredibly heavy. It will put pressure on both the exterior materials and interior structure, which could cause leaks once it starts to melt. As snow melts it will also create the perfect environment for mold growth in the spring. A weakened roof with water damage in winter will deteriorate quickly if it is not well maintained.
Repair or replace flashing.
Maintaining your roof flashing throughout the year is critical, but especially during the winter. If the flashing under your roofing is worn or warped, it could cause issues when snow starts to melt. Water may leak into your facility, or the water will damage the underlying structure which will cause long-term problems.
Schedule an inspection.
The most important thing you can do to protect your roofing during winter is to call a MaintenX professional. Our team of roofers can help you repair damage, prevent water issues, and ensure a proper maintenance schedule to keep your roofing strong and sturdy throughout the season. We work with you one-on-one to ensure that your roofing services fit your facility and budget specifically.
For more information about roofing preventative maintenance and winter care tips, contact your local MaintenX team today!
