Winterize your commercial roof before the next freeze

Winter is coming to Houston and that means a lot can go wrong if you are not
adequately prepared.

You need to be diligent and make sure you have a plan in place before the season
starts so that you can keep your commercial roof properly protected and in good shape
year-round.

There’s no off-season when it comes to natural disasters and it’s important to not
become complacent just because hurricane season has ended.

Winter presents its own set of problems, but thankfully there are steps that can be taken
to minimize such threats as long as you stick to your preventative maintenance
regimen.

Catching problems early will help your business save thousands of dollars and minimize
disruptions to your operations so you may continue to flourish without interruption.

Just think about how you felt during the February Freeze of 2021 in Houston. What do
you wish that you had done differently back then? Now is a chance to take action and
avoid regret!

The first step to making sure your commercial roof is protected this winter is to start with
a simple inspection! Here’s why…

Getting your roof inspected on a regular basis

One of the most important things any commercial property owner can do to protect their
building is to make sure it is properly maintained year-round, ideally inspecting it every
6-12 months. It’s really that simple!

By periodically inspecting your roof, you’ll be able to establish a baseline reading of
where things initially stand while tracking any noticeable changes which may be of
future concern.

Keeping reports, taking pictures, and reviewing changes over many months and years
can help tell a story about the condition of your roof.

Being aware of these changes means you’ll be on top of your game and will STOP
problems before they have a chance to manifest.

Identify the top 6 threats to your roof this winter & how you
can stop them!

In addition to getting your commercial roof inspected by a qualified contractor, you
need to be aware of the top 6 threats to your roof during wintertime.

All of these can cause considerable harm to your business if they are not dealt with in a
swift manner. It’s imperative that you stop them dead in their tracks or risk inflicting
serious pain to your business!

1. 1. 1. Air Leakage: When cranking up the heat inside on a freezing day, warm air
         inside combines with the cold air outside to form moisture on the roof. This can
         proliferate the spread of mold and mildew, as well as increase your energy bill,
         so it’s essential to maintain proper insulation and reduce air leakage.
      2. Frozen drains: If you have a drain on your flat roof, you need to be careful that it
         doesn’t freeze shut. A plugged drain will leave excess water stuck on top of your
         roof and too much ponding water will cause more leaks. Keep your drains and
         pipes insulated to reduce the risk of freezing.
      3. Snow buildup: Wet, heavy snow can build up on a flat roof and induce structural
         damage if the weight is too much and the incline is too little. A sagging ceiling is
         an extremely dangerous warning sign that the roof is at risk of collapsing. The
         moment you notice any indentions or suspect that your roof is sinking in, call your
         contractor immediately!
      4. Rodents and bugs: Insects and other pests will migrate indoors in an attempt to
         keep warm. Winter is a good time to check your caulking, eliminate ponding
         water, and seal any loose seams to prevent unwanted invaders.
      5. Gutter damage: When frozen gutters are not able to drain, they get backed up
         and can push water into a building’s interior. Keeping gutters clean and
         unobstructed can prevent ice dams and ensure proper draining.
      6. Thermal Expansion: During winter in Houston, it is common for temperatures to
         fluctuate between the 30s and 80s on any given day. These drastic changes in
         temperatures can cause a roofing system to expand or contract each time it gets
         warm or cold. This volatility can lead to the formation of cracks, loosened
         fasteners, dislocated seams, and will impact the overall stability of the roofing
         system.