Winter is almost here and some regions of North America have already experienced snowfall. It’s easy to overlook the condition of your commercial roof, especially if everything seems to be in order and you haven't noticed any active leaks. However, heading into winter weather and snowstorms with a roof that is unprepared or has suffered damage from summer storms can lead to issues when you least expect them. Snow, ice and excessive rain pose additional challenges for commercial roofs, whether they are flat or steep-slope.
In this #AskCentiMark segment, we will explore how the cost of seasonal preventative maintenance compares to the cost of emergency repairs during winter weather. Today, we'll discuss this topic with Russ Toms, CentiMark's Midwest Regional Manager; Michael Horwath, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager; and Rick Carreiro, Vice President of Sales, CentiMark Ltd., the Canadian division of CentiMark Corporation. With decades of experience in commercial roofing and a deep understanding of the regions affected by winter weather, they will provide insights into what may happen to your roof during freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall and how to prevent costly emergency repairs this winter.
What common winter-related roof problems do you see in commercial buildings?
Michael: A frequent problem we see is drainage issues. The most common cause of these problems is debris accumulating on the roof. The second most frequent issue is the buildup of snow and ice, which can lead to unexpected leaks. Other prevalent problems include clogged gutters and wind damage from severe winter storms
Rick: Canada is a large country with significantly different weather patterns depending on the region. In the Atlantic provinces and Quebec, heavy snowfall and freeze-thaw cycles may result in drainage issues. Ontario experiences temperature fluctuations that lead to ice dams and roof stress during cold snaps. In the Prairies, including Manitoba, persistent snow accumulation increases roof loads and energy demands while obstructing access to rooftop equipment. Alberta’s fluctuating temperatures bring both snow and ice dam risks. In the Pacific Northwest, mild, rainy winters require extra attention to the watertight integrity of your roof to prevent leaks and water damage.
What are the most frequent signs of neglect that lead to roof problems in winter?
Russ: The first thing we look for when inspecting a roof is the presence of debris. This can indicate a lack of maintenance. Debris may include anything from leaf buildup and tree branches to trash left behind. We often encounter abandoned equipment that has not been removed. If we find a roof that looks disheveled, it is often the first sign of neglect. Clogged drains are another clear indicator that your roof needs attention. Ponding water is detrimental, so the quicker you can remove rainwater from your roof, the better its performance will be. The condition of pitch pans and sealants around the edges of the roof and roof projections are also good indicators of whether your roof needs your immediate attention before snow and winter rain hit.
Can you provide examples of how neglecting roof maintenance before winter has led to costly emergency repairs in your experience?
Michael: Almost every flat roof is at risk of water ponding due to poor maintenance and clogged drains. Ponding water adds additional stress to the building's structure and it's essential to avoid putting extra strain on it. Water levels can rise sufficiently to enter through mechanical equipment and other openings, potentially damaging the interior. Excessive ponding can lead to roof system failure and cause premature leaks. Additionally, most manufacturers will not warrant ponding water on their roof systems.
Rick: If you don't keep your roof drains clear of debris, you risk accumulating too much weight on your roof during the winter. When the snow melts and the water cannot drain properly, it may freeze again, resulting in layers of ice and snow forming on your roof. We have seen roofs actually collapse under this excessive weight. Additionally, commercial roofs undergo cycles of expansion and contraction during winter as well as freeze and thaw cycles. If roof membranes are neglected, they may split, allowing water to penetrate the rest of the roof system. Furthermore, if the seals around your rooftop projections are failing, these weak points may lead to water intrusion.
Russ: Last year, we had to respond to an emergency at a manufacturing plant with an old built-up gravel roof. Over the years, they had been experiencing small splits in the roof that went unaddressed. However, during extreme temperatures last winter, these small splits culminated in a massive 150-foot-long tear. This allowed a significant amount of water to enter the building, resulting in over $40,000 worth of interior damage. This emergency could have been avoided if proper roof maintenance and repairs had been conducted before the winter season.
What preventive measures do you recommend for building owners to minimize winter-related roof issues?
Michael: Many emergency leaks during the winter season are often caused by clogged drains and debris. Sign up for a preventative maintenance program with CentiMark to address these issues before the snow hits. Maintenance, cleaning and repairs can help prevent significant problems in the future.
Rick: Inspections and preventative maintenance are essential. When our roofing teams assess commercial roofs, they also evaluate the entire building envelope to ensure it's ready for snow and extreme temperatures. Additionally, it's important to consider the safety of personnel working on the roof. Ice and snow can create hazardous conditions for those inspecting HVAC units or other rooftop equipment. To improve roof safety, invest in proper measures such as guardrails or skylight screens. Are you facing very cold, harsh winters? We provide solutions like heat trace cables to help manage ice dams and reduce overall snow and ice accumulation on your roof.
How do the costs of regular inspections and minor repairs compare to those of major repairs needed during winter?
Russ: When analyzing costs annually, regular repairs and inspections are about 5% of the total expense associated with addressing issues only during emergencies. This difference is mainly due to the added logistics involved in responding to emergency situations, which often occur during rain or winter when roof conditions are poor. In such instances, additional safety measures, setup time and even snow removal may be necessary, leading to quickly escalating costs. By proactively addressing potential issues, you can save on multiple trips, reduce logistical complications and improve overall efficiency.
Winter is a challenging season for commercial roofs and roof emergencies in upcoming months can be costly. Let’s avoid these issues by preparing your roof for snow, ice and freezing temperatures now. Contact us today and let’s get started.
About Our Panel
Russ Toms
Midwest Regional Manager | CentiMark
With over 28 years of experience in commercial roofing, Russ is a seasoned specialist in the Midwest region of the United States, with a thorough understanding of the unique challenges commercial buildings face in this area.
Michael Horwath
Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager | CentiMark
With 34 years in the commercial roofing industry, Michael has worn many hats, from installing roofs and leading crews to overseeing operations across the entire Mid-Atlantic region for CentiMark Corporation.
Rick Carreiro
Vice President of Sales | CentiMark Ltd.
With over 30 years in Canada’s commercial roofing industry, Rick has seen it all and has an in-depth understanding of the unique roofing needs across every region in the country.