The sleek design and ability to hold utility equipment make flat roof systems commonplace on school buildings and commercial structures. As a business owner or property manager, you’ll have to take steps to ensure rainwater and snow don’t weigh down the membrane and cause it to collapse. Follow the steps outlined in this roof maintenance guide to help protect the structural integrity of your roofing system this winter.  

How to Prepare a Flat Roof for Winter

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Ensuring a roof is in excellent shape before bad weather arrives will help you avoid costly roofing repairs later. During a professional inspection, a roofing contractor will identify areas vulnerable to water infiltration, such as gaps in seams, corroded seals, and deteriorating flashing. They’ll fix these problems to keep air and moisture from seeping inside. 

2. Clean Drainage Components

Similar to sloped roofing systems, many flat roofs have gutters for drainage. A roof maintenance technician can remove mud, twigs, leaves, and additional debris from channels. This way, rain runoff and melted snow and ice will drain properly and won’t collect on the roof and weigh it down. A roofer will also use a plumber’s snake to clear the drain hub of any blockages. 

3. Cut Back Vegetation

Before trees are covered in thick blankets of snow, cut back any branches that hang over the roof. Otherwise, the powder could drift and settle on the membrane. Limbs, which may snap under the weight of snow and ice, may crash onto the building, too. The impact could dislodge panels and leave holes in the roof that lead to leaks and high energy bills.

For professional flat roof maintenance and repairs to prepare for heavy snow and rainfall this winter, contact the professionals at Taylor Roofing in Belleville, IL. Since 1905, they’ve been a reputable roofing services contractor in the St. Louis Metro area. To schedule an appointment, call (618) 233-2424. To learn about the team’s professional affiliations and awards, visit them online, and follow them on Facebook so you don’t miss announcements.