Oh, Utah. How unpredictable its winters can be. It may bring beautiful snow that fills up the ski slopes perfectly, but all that powder can be more of a headache for your commercial property’s roof than a pretty backdrop for its holiday lights.
Flat and low-slope commercial roofs deal with snow very differently than sloped roofs, so it’s critical that you’re aware of how winter weather can give your roof the blues. Let’s look into a few sneaky ways snow and ice strike and how to avoid damage with commercial roof snow removal.
Ponding
You may not even think about it, but flat roofs can’t shed snow like their sloped cousins. Instead, the snow piles up, and if it sticks around long enough, it adds serious weight. And it’s not like your roof hits the gym, so it wasn’t built for the heavy lifting.
When all that snow melts, it should be channeled away from the roof and to the ground through the drainage system. But if the roof’s drainage system isn’t functioning properly, you’ll find yourself with standing water (also known as ponding).
Ponding can lead to leaks and membrane damage. That means that the protective layer of the roof (the membrane) can weaken and even tear and let water into the underlying structure.
All that standing water is like a rooftop kiddie pool, but no one’s having fun, and mold might be joining the party.
Leaks
You know that winter temperatures can vary dramatically—we’re talking about spring-like-on-Tuesday and Ice-Age-6-on-Wednesday kind of theatrics.
These fluctuations can contribute to the dangerous freeze-thaw cycle. Snow may melt one day but then refreeze overnight, creeping into cracks and expanding. Over time, this expansion and contraction causes leaks, letting water sneak right where you least want it—in your building.
You can spot leaks before they become big issues by keeping an eye out for water spots on the ceilings, damp walls, or visible drips. Any of these details could indicate that the protective seal of your building’s roof has been compromised.
Bowing
Snow may look soft and fluffy, but don’t let it fool you. One cubic foot of snow can weigh up to 20 pounds. Your roof is bending over backward to support all that snow each winter.
The heavier the snow buildup, the more pressure it puts on beams and walls. This can cause permanent damage that’s far more than cosmetic. Left unchecked, bowing can compromise your roof’s structure and increase its risk of collapse.
Warning signs include bowing of roof beams or walls and difficulty opening doors. If your office doors are feeling more stuck than usual, it might be your roof’s way of waving the white flag and calling out for help.
Too much weight can shift structural components, making things just a bit too snug around the edges. That tells you that it’s time to lighten the load. Your building will breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Ice Dams
You really don’t want to find ice dams on your commercial roof—like really.
They form when the heat from inside melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the cooler edges or near drains. This creates a barrier that traps water behind it. It really does build a dam—but with zero functionality and 100% headache.
The water the dam traps can’t drain properly, leading to leaks or further damage to the roof structure. Proper insulation and roof maintenance can help prevent ice dam formation. If you need help, just do a quick search for “ice dam removal near me” and look for a reputable company.
What to Do
If your roof is giving you more red flags than a bad blind date, it’s time to call in the experts.
Snow on commercial flat roofs can cause all sorts of problems, including ponding, leaks, and bowing. That’s why timely maintenance and repairs are crucial to keeping your roof (and your business) safe.
You can start by clearing snow from your flat roof—but don’t just grab any old shovel. Using metal tools can scratch up your roof’s surface, leading to even more damage. DIY snow removal can do way more harm than good, so it’s best to leave it to the pros who know what they’re doing.
Make sure your roof is well-ventilated to prevent condensation buildup and ice dam formation. Proper insulation keeps the roof temperature consistent, which reduces the chances of ice forming. A well-ventilated roof won’t sweat under the pressure of winter.
The BigHorn Way
Before that first snowfall of winter—whether it comes in September or December this year—have BigHorn Roofing check your commercial roof’s seals, flashing, and overall condition.
And when winter’s in full swing, bring us in for professional snow and ice dam removal. We’re the Salt Lake City commercial roofing contractors you can trust to get the job done right. After all, we’re proud to have been serving the area for over 20 years.
Winter might be tough on your roof, but with BigHorn Roofing in your corner, you’re covered. Give us a call before your roof decides it’s done with winter for good!