Snow is Gone, What's Left Behind?

Phew, what a winter! Violent storms, snow on the beach and wild temperature swings from coast to coast, we have seen plenty of the unexpected. But one thing we can expect is the impact this winter had on our commercial buildings, especially the roofs that battled heavy snow and ice, high winds and thermal shock from freeze-thaw cycles.

Now that we (hopefully!) have that behind us, it's time to assess the damage. With a busy roofing season ahead and summer storms just around the corner, post-winter roof repairs and maintenance are a must. So, what issues should you be looking for?

✔ Roof drainage issues and ponding water:

High winds can bring debris build-up and ice dams can clog gutters and downspouts disrupting proper water flow, putting your roof to the test. After a winter like this, your facility's roof may need some immediate repairs or maintenance to prepare for the upcoming storms. Proper drainage is critical because ponding water is the first step toward leaks and other damage.

✔ Damaged seams, flashings and weakened roof materials:

Extreme temperature swings put your roof system under constant stress. The repeated expansion and contraction, combined with the freezing and thawing of snow and rainwater, can turn minor damage into major issues over time. These cycles weaken seams, flashings and other critical components of your roof. Additionally, trapped moisture beneath the membrane can lead to blisters and bubbles, compromising adhesion and causing further deterioration.

✔ Wet insulation:

Water intrusion, whether from damage caused by temperature swings or ponding water, can ruin your insulation and reduce its effectiveness. Wet roof insulation can lose up to 40% of its original thermal resistance. This leads to higher heating costs in the winter and higher energy bills during hot summer months.

✔ Major roof system failure:

You can't miss this one! A roof collapse from excessive snow and ice is a real risk if it isn't properly cleared during winter. Snow and ice are heavier than they appear. Just one inch of wet, dense snow weighs 1.66 lbs/sq.ft. Left unchecked, snow and ice can put immense pressure on your roof system. Eventually, the weight can stretch your roof's capacity to the limit, causing sagging or even collapse. Hopefully, this isn't something you've had to deal with this winter. But if timely snow removal was missed, it's crucial to check your roof's integrity now to prepare for summer storms and the coming winter.

As you can see, winter weather can significantly damage your facility's roof. Once the snow melts, it is essential to inspect your roof for any signs of damage and make necessary repairs before spring showers and summer storms test your roof's integrity. Just because you don't notice any active leaks, doesn’t mean problems aren’t developing above your head. Schedule a free, comprehensive roof inspection with #TeamCentiMark to evaluate your roof's condition and identify any post-winter damage early on. We recommend inspecting your commercial roof at least twice a year, during seasonal changes and after major weather events.

To keep your commercial roof in good condition, preventative maintenance is key. It helps extend the roof's life by addressing minor issues before they turn into costly repairs. Ready for a post-winter tune-up? Contact us today! 

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