23 Dec How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter Weather

Blustery winds, frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall and icy conditions are just part of what make winter a miserable season. Winter isn’t just rough on us—it can also take a toll on commercial roofs.

The cold temperatures and ice/snow accumulation can damage the roof’s membrane and other roofing materials, potentially leading to leaks and expensive repairs. Fortunately, doing a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your roof and building are safe.

Continue reading to learn how a commercial and industrial building maintenance and repair contractor in Indianapolis, IN can help get your roof through the season.

Schedule an inspection

The first step in protecting your roof is getting a professional inspection at least twice a year. These routine inspections improve the odds of catching small problems before they turn into larger issues that necessitate expensive repairs. Additionally, inspections are necessary for retaining your roof’s warranty protection.

During this inspection, your contractor will pour over every detail of the roof to ensure everything looks normal. We’ll also look for evidence of moisture infiltration or any other problems under the membrane.

Perform recommended repairs right away

Your commercial or industrial building maintenance and repair contractor in Indianapolis, IN may recommend some repairs after the inspection. Don’t shrug these recommendations off! Making timely repairs is often cheaper than waiting around. After all, the problems will likely get worse as time goes on. Waiting too long to make repairs can also lead to leaks inside your building, which is a headache you’d rather not deal with.

Clear and clean the surface

Branches, leaves, dirt and other debris are common on commercial roofs. While they may not seem like the end of the world, cleaning them off is a good idea. Pick a mild day to sweep your roof and hose off all of the debris. This small step can go a long way in preventing tears this winter.

Clean the gutters

While you’re cleaning, be sure to check the gutters and clean those out, too. Leaves and debris in gutter systems prevent the gutters from doing their job, leading to problems for your roof, building and foundation. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, hire a contractor to tackle the project for you.

Trim surrounding trees

Overhanging tree branches are a liability for your roof all year long. The situation can get worse in the winter, though. Snow and ice accumulation on branches can cause them to come crashing down on your roof, tearing the membrane and causing significant damage.

The best way to prevent that from happening is to trim the branches back. We recommend hiring a professional to tackle this job, as it’s not always the safest chore.

Call our team today!

Even though we’re in the middle of winter, it’s not too late to start preparing your roof for the season with help from Knauss Property Services, LLC. Request a quote from your trusted commercial and industrial building maintenance and repair contractor in Indianapolis, IN today—we look forward to working with you!