Commercial roofing is built to withstand severe weather, but even the highest quality roof isn’t completely impervious to collapses and water damage if you aren’t careful. To assure the next winter snowstorm doesn’t phase your business, make sure you check all the boxes for winter roof maintenance.

Your Commercial Roofing Checklist for Winter

1. Clean Out the Drains

Your drainage system keeps rain and melting snow off your roof—minimizing the risk of water damage. If leaves and debris clog them, they can’t do their job correctly. Before the next storm hits, make sure those channels are clear so water can escape.

2. Clear Excess Snow off the Roof

While a tiny dusting won’t do much damage, if there’s a more substantial amount of snow packed on your roof, the weight will start to take its toll. Wet snow can be particularly dangerous due to its weight and drastically increase the risk of a roof collapse. When it’s safe to climb up to your commercial roof, clear it as you would for a driveway.

3. Up Your Building’s Insulation

If there is snow falling your commercial roof is the only business in town without snow on it, that’s a sign that your building is poorly insulated. Without this critical barrier, the heat inside will rise and raise the temperature of the roof. Any snow that falls on it will then melt, creating the risk for dangerous ice dams. This phenomenon occurs as the snow undergoes a cycle of melting and refreezing. Since ice expands, the water that melts into the commercial roof and refreezes can cause a lot of damage. A professional can install insulation inside the building at any time.

4. Have Your Commercial Roof Inspected by a Professional

You can't easily detect some roof problems with the naked eye, which is why it’s always essential to have a commercial roofing specialist inspect your roof annually. They will look for any damaged sections or missing roofing materials that could create severe water damage or even a roof collapse if you don’t fix them.

While taking care of a commercial roof requires a bit of maintenance from the owner, it’s also necessary to bring in the professionals from time-to-time. In Winston Salem, NC, businesses turn to Chemtech Roofing and Insulation Systems Inc. for commercial roofing maintenance and installation. For more than 35 years, they’ve been on the cutting edge of the industry, using top-quality materials and innovative installation techniques. Their team will assure that your business gets the most out of this important investment. For more information about their full range of services, call them today at (336) 887-6071 to schedule an estimate or visit them online for more information.