Is your business's roof ready for months of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures? A prepared roof can protect your building, prevent costly repairs, and keep your operations running smoothly. 

The local specialists at Applied Roofing Solutions are here with insight on how to prepare your commercial roof for the winter.

Why Winter Roof Preparation Matters

Your commercial roof is your business's first and most important defense against the elements. Winter brings challenges like heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, and drainage blockages. Each of these stressors can exploit even minor roofing vulnerabilities.

When a roof isn't properly maintained, wintery weather can cause problems, including:

• Roof leaks and water intrusion
• Structural damage
• Membrane cracking or separation
• Damaged roof edges and drainage paths
• Higher energy bills
• Mold or interior moisture problems

On the other hand, preparing your commercial roof before winter helps extend its lifespan, prevents emergency repairs, and significantly reduces unexpected downtime.

When to Start Preparing

The best time to prepare your roof for winter is early to mid-fall, long before cold weather arrives. Scheduling inspections and repairs ahead of freezing temperatures gives contractors more flexibility and ensures that any needed work can be completed safely and effectively.

If you have already missed the fall window, the second-best time to prepare your business's roof for winter is now.  If possible, avoid the last-minute rush. Once the first major freeze hits, certain repairs become much more difficult or temporarily impossible.

Pre-Winter Commercial Roof Preparation Checklist

Let's explore a comprehensive checklist designed to help commercial building owners and facility managers fully winterize their roofs.

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Even if your maintenance team performs routine visual checks, a certified commercial roofing contractor should conduct a thorough inspection before winter. Professionals can identify issues that aren't always visible to the untrained eye, such as:

• Membrane cracks or punctures
• Loose or deteriorating flashings
• Hidden water infiltration
• Improper drainage or ponding water
• Seam failures
• Structural vulnerabilities

A full inspection ensures your roof is sound and that minor issues don't turn into winter emergencies.

2. Ensure All Drainage Systems Are Clean and Functional

One of the biggest risks commercial roofs face in winter is improper drainage. If water can't flow off the roof, it can freeze, expand, and cause damage to the membrane or underlying structure.

Before winter:

• Clear gutters, downspouts, drains, and scuppers
• Remove leaves, branches, dirt, and debris
• Test drainage systems to ensure water flows freely
• Check for sagging gutters, cracked downspouts, or blocked internal drains

Proper drainage is one of the most effective ways to prevent ice dams, ponding water, and membrane stress.

3. Inspect Flashing, Sealants, and All Roof Penetrations

Roof penetrations (like vents, HVAC units, skylights, and pipes) are common leak points, particularly during the winter. Before freezing temperatures arrive:

• Check all flashing for looseness, cracking, or deterioration
• Re-seal or replace deteriorated sealant
• Tighten fasteners and confirm rooftop equipment is properly anchored
• Inspect curbs, edges, and joints

Addressing these areas now can prevent leaks that are much harder to fix mid-winter.

4. Examine the Roof Membrane or Surface for Damage

Winter conditions amplify even the smallest issues on a roof's surface. Freeze-thaw cycles can widen cracks, snow weight can stress weakened areas, and ice can worsen punctures.

Have a roofing expert perform a detailed check for:

• Cracks, punctures, and splits in the membrane
• Blisters, bubbles, or air pockets
• Loose seams on single-ply roofs
• Soft spots that may indicate trapped moisture
• Rust, loose panels, or lifted fasteners on metal roofs

If they find any of these problems, schedule repairs immediately. Winter weather will only make them worse.

5. Remove Roof Debris and Trim Overhanging Trees

Debris on a roof can trap moisture and accelerate membrane deterioration. When combined with snow or ice, debris can create uneven weight distribution or clog drainage systems. Before winter, you should:

• Clear leaves, twigs, branches, and trash from the roof
• Remove debris from around drains and scuppers
• Trim overhanging branches that could break under snow weight
• Remove unnecessary rooftop items or equipment

A clean roof is safer, more efficient, and far less prone to winter damage.

6. Evaluate Insulation, Ventilation, and Winter-Safety Add-Ons

Temperature regulation plays a huge role in winter roof performance. Poor insulation or ventilation can cause heat to escape through the roof, leading to uneven melting, ice dams, and increased energy costs. Before winter:

• Inspect roof insulation to ensure it's dry, intact, and provides adequate coverage
• Check ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow
• Seal air leaks to prevent warm indoor air from escaping
• Consider snow guards or heat cables in heavy-snow regions

These measures improve energy efficiency, reduce risks of ice formation, and extend the roof's lifespan.

7. Create a Winter Roof-Maintenance Plan

Once winter starts, ongoing monitoring is crucial. A well-structured maintenance plan helps ensure your roof stays safe throughout the season. Your plan should include:

• Regular inspections (monthly or after major weather events)
• A professional snow-removal strategy for heavy snowfall
• Ice-removal procedures that avoid damaging the membrane
• Emergency contacts for roofing services
• A maintenance log with photos, repairs, and inspection notes

Preparedness reduces risks and ensures fast action when severe weather hits.

Why Trust Applied Roofing Solutions to Winterize Your Commercial Roof

At Applied Roofing Solutions, we specialize in commercial roofing systems, including TPO, PVC, EPDM, and BUR. With over a decade of expertise, we understand the challenges winter brings and the importance of early preparation.

Our local roofing specialists offer:

• Comprehensive pre-winter roof inspections
• Preventive maintenance and repairs
• Expertise with complex commercial structures
• Long-term roof-care planning
• Solutions tailored to your building and budget

We're committed to helping businesses protect their investments, avoid costly emergencies, and keep their facilities safe all winter long. The experts at Applied Roofing Solutions are here to help. Contact our Reidsville roofing specialists to schedule your inspection and prepare your commercial roof for whatever the season brings.

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