You should know that continued inspections are the ideal way to maintain your commercial roof in excellent condition. In this case, have it inspected at least once in the spring and once in the fall. More so, you should avoid doing the inspection yourself. Instead, hire a roofing contractor. These experts know how to assess possible signs of damage or deterioration. Here are the steps they might follow to keep your roof in perfect condition through the cold season.

Preventing the Formation of Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common problem in winter and affect commercial roofs with insufficient airflow. If this is the case, the snow falling on the roofing material will collect and combine with tiny moisture droplets and eventually freeze. Consequently, when the sun comes out, it will thaw some of the water and create a pool. You should know when the pools remain in the same place for a long time, they form ice dams, leading to leaks and water damage. However, you can prevent this from happening by improving your roof's ventilation. A contractor will help you assess your underlying structure and ensure air is moving through the underlayment materials as it should.

Cleaning the Material

A dirty roof structure is more challenging to deal with in the winter than a clean one. Typically, dirt comes from foliage that is in excess during the autumn. This is especially the case when you have a lot of tall trees near the roof as they shed leaves, causing a lot of foliage on the roofing material and the gutters. Further, once this foliage mixes with moisture and dirt from the environment, it can clog the gutters preventing normal water flow. So, it is advisable to hire a professional to sweep the foliage and clean the gutters. In the end, clean gutters will minimize the chances of water pooling on the roof's surface. Moreover, regular cleaning will eliminate the chances of rust and rot and increase the material's lifespan.

Dealing with Excess Snow

Places with excessive snowfall have a higher risk of developing roofing problems than areas that only experience minimal snow. In addition, most commercial roofs will be at risk because they are flat. So, you may want to constantly check the snow levels during the winter and break up any excessive buildup. This will prevent the weight of the snow from making your roof buckle or cave.

Start caring for your roof by getting a roofing contractor to assess it ahead of the cold season. They can help determine whether you need any repairs or whether regular maintenance will achieve the intended results. A properly maintained commercial roof gives you peace of mind through the winter as your building is well protected from costly damages.

For more information, talk to a roofing contactor.

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