If you think Minnesota’s winters are tough on you, imagine what they’re like for a commercial roofing system. Commercial roofs are exposed 24/7 to average daily temperatures of 8 to 18 degrees depending on where in the state they are. To make things worse, Minnesota averages between 36 and 70 inches of snow per year. These brutal conditions make it nearly impossible to avoid snow damage to roofs without proper maintenance. Continue reading this article to learn the signs of storm damage and helpful winter roofing tips to avoid them.
Winter Roofing Maintenance Tips
Keeping your roof in pristine condition is a year-round responsibility, but it’s especially important during the winter. Between snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, you’ll often have your hands full keeping your roof in working condition. But even though it absorbs the most significant blow during this season, there’s no excuse to neglect maintenance.
It’s important to take the time to safeguard your commercial roofing appropriately, and these are the seven best ways to do so:
Remove All Snow
Snow on your roof may look pretty in a picture, but snow accumulation on your roof can heighten the risk of ice damming, which is snow that freezes on your roof surface over time. This dangerous form of refreezing can block gutters, leaving more room for runoff precipitation to create leaks and loosen shingles. Keeping your roof as dry as possible with industrial roof snow removal services is an essential part of preventative winter roofing maintenance.
Patch up Roof Leaks and Flashing
A roof flash is a thick layer of sealant used to keep water out of your building. Its essential purpose is to protect against leaks. However, winter precipitation and hail damage can create vulnerabilities on this durable surface protection. And improperly installed flashing on your roof leaves room for excess moisture to build up, which is a primary source of interior leaks. Before the snow falls, contact a trusted roofing contractor to provide leak detection services. Make sure to replace any chipped flashing or shingles that have peeled. While you’re on the roof, check the seals around your HVAC unit to prevent any leaks in that area as well.
Inspect the Gutters
Frozen gutters or thermal shock can harm your roof, and unfortunately, your gutters are the area where ice accumulates most. Check your gutters regularly to remove any ice buildup. Damming ice weakens your gutter’s ability to move precipitation. Ice dam removal and prevention are vital to avoiding snow damage to a roof and keeping gutters in working order.
Fix Any Wind Damage
Never discount the power of wind. While snow and ice are a significant concern, wind can be just as or even more dangerous. Inspect your roof for signs of wind damage and follow up with repairs on any spots that may have become compromised. Keep an eye out for missing, broken, or damaged shingles.
Maintain Proper Ventilation in the Attic
It’s easy to overlook the attic until it stops serving its purpose. Many people don’t realize that attics help create healthy indoor airflow that benefits their roofs. Keep airflow consistent and make sure your attic has solid routes for ventilation. Improper ventilation from your attic can expose your roof to harsher winter elements, leading to ice damming and other troubling snow damage to roofs.
Clean off Any Debris
Industrial roof snow removal is critical when it turns frigid, but before winter sets in, make sure the surface of your roof is free of debris. Remove any pine needles, leaves, grime, and other notable substances that build up. If these things stick around on your roof for too long, they can become waterlogged when hit by precipitation. This leads to rotting and leaks, which can create many winter roofing issues. Use a broom to clear off as much debris as possible.
Perform a Professional Inspection
You can do plenty of maintenance on your own, but it’s comforting to have a professional in your corner to inspect and handle more significant issues. Contact your roofing contractor and set up a preventive maintenance schedule before each seasonal change. This allows you to enjoy your winter festivities without having to stress about your roof.
Warning Signs of Snow Damage to Roofs
Now that you know how to avoid snow damage to a roof, let’s explore some signs that you need winter roofing repairs.
Roof Leaks
Even with the bitter cold of a Minnesota winter, not all snow and ice remain frozen solid. If you notice staining to interior walls or ceilings, there’s more than a good chance it’s from a roof leak. Additional indicators include wet insulation, humid indoor conditions, and rusting steel beams.
Mold and Algae Buildup
When moisture from seepage or condensation gets trapped under roof shingles, in attics, or around other roofing elements, there’s an increased risk of mold and algae growth. As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, you may even notice growth on the exterior of your roof. Moldy roofing materials should be replaced by a roofing professional before the mold spreads and causes more extensive damage that requires a roof replacement.
Energy Inefficiency
Rising energy costs and difficulty maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures indicate a problem with a commercial roof. A professional roofing inspection allows an expert to pinpoint any problem areas and address them with winter roofing solutions to keep the damage from worsening.
Safety Hazards
The overbearing weight of snow accumulation may cause your roof to sag or, in extreme cases, collapse. Even after the snow has melted, ponding water over a punctured roof coating can enter your roofing system, causing wood rot and increased risk of catastrophic failure. Proper safety measures are critical to protecting the workers on your roof as they look for signs of storm damage during the winter months.
Does Insurance Cover Ice Damage to a Roof?
Coverage for ice and snow damage to a roof varies based on the policy, but generally speaking, insurance does cover damage from winter weather. If you suspect a recent ice or snowstorm has caused your winter roofing issues, it’s important to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.
You should also only use temporary emergency services until the adjuster can inspect and document the damage to determine what problems your insurance company is willing to cover. A customer service focused roofing contractor also checks your roof warranty to see if it qualifies for covered repairs or replacement.
Rainville-Carlson—Commercial Winter Roofing Done Right
At Rainville-Carlson, we tackle the minor issues before they snowball into major catastrophes. We are problem solvers who work tirelessly to get the best results for your roofing system. Whether we’re fixing roof leaks or installing a brand-new surface in the winter, you can count on us for exceptional services at a price that won’t break your budget.
If you notice ice and snow damage to a roof, reach out to Rainville-Carlson today to discuss your winter roofing options, schedule an inspection, or set up a roof maintenance schedule.
