Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Extreme Weather Conditions
As a business owner or property manager, the integrity and longevity of your commercial roofing system should be one of your top priorities. Extreme weather events like heavy rain, high winds, hail, snow, and ice can take a serious toll on even the most durable commercial roof. Proper preparation and preventative maintenance are key to minimizing damage, avoiding costly repairs, and extending the life of your roof. At Utz Roofing, we specialize in commercial roofing and have extensive experience helping businesses fortify their roofs against the elements. In this article, we'll share our top tips for getting your commercial roof ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly One of the most important things you can do to prepare your commercial roofing system for extreme weather is to have it professionally inspected at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. A thorough inspection by a qualified commercial roofer will identify any existing damage or potential problem areas that could turn into major issues during a severe storm. Common red flags include:
Cracked, curled, or missing shingles (if you have an asphalt shingle roof)
Loose or missing flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys
Sagging or soft spots in the roof deck
Ponding water or signs of poor drainage
Damaged or deteriorated seals around roof penetrations
Excessive granule loss on architectural shingle roofs
Corrosion on metal roofing components
Catching and repairing these issues early on can save you from extensive damage and expensive emergency repairs down the road. Be sure to keep detailed records of all inspections and any maintenance or repairs performed.
Keep Gutters and Drains Clean
Clogged gutters and roof drains are a recipe for disaster during heavy rains or snow melt. When water can't flow freely off the roof, it can pool on the surface and increase the risk of leaks, ice dams, and even structural damage. Make gutter and drain cleaning part of your regular roof maintenance routine.
Remove debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt at least twice a year, and more often if you have a lot of trees near your building. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize build-up between cleanings. For commercial properties with flat or low-slope roofing, it's also crucial to keep roof drains free of obstructions and to have them professionally snaked out if they become slow or blocked.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
While trees can provide valuable shade and energy savings for your building, overhanging branches can be a liability in severe weather. High winds can cause limbs to snap and fall onto your roof, leading to punctures and other damage. Falling leaves and twigs can clog gutters and drains, and branches that rub against the roof can wear away the protective surface over time.
To reduce the risk of tree-related damage, have any overhanging limbs trimmed back at least 10 feet from the roof line. This will also help keep pests like squirrels and raccoons from gaining easy access to your roof, where they may cause damage. If you have large trees near your building, it's best to have them evaluated by a certified arborist who can assess their health and stability.
Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
Even well-maintained commercial roofs can be susceptible to damage in extreme weather, especially in areas like edges, corners, and around roof-mounted equipment. Taking steps to reinforce these vulnerable spots can help prevent wind uplift, water infiltration, and blow-off during severe storms.
For built-up and single-ply flat roofing systems, consider installing additional perimeter fastening or edge metal to create a stronger seal. On asphalt shingle and architectural shingle roofs, apply a heavy bead of asphalt cement along the edges and rakes to help prevent wind uplift. Make sure all flashing is properly sealed and secured, and consider adding extra flashing or pitch pans around roof penetrations like vents and skylights.
Improve Roof Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation is essential for regulating temperature and moisture levels in the attic space, which can help prevent a host of weather-related problems. In the summer, good ventilation allows hot air to escape, reducing cooling costs and extending the life of your roofing materials. In the winter, it helps prevent ice dams from forming by keeping the roof deck cooler.
If your commercial building has a steep-slope roof with an attic, make sure there is a sufficient balance of intake vents (in the soffits or eaves) and exhaust vents (at the ridge or gable ends). The general rule of thumb is one square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. For low-slope or flat commercial roofing, consider adding turbine vents, ridge vents, or solar-powered fans to improve air circulation.
Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Materials
If your area is prone to severe hail or wind storms, it may be worth investing in impact-resistant roofing materials when it's time to replace your commercial roof. These products are designed to withstand high winds and hail impact without cracking, splitting, or puncturing.
For steep-slope commercial roofs, consider upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingles or architectural shingles. These shingles have a dense fiberglass mat and a rubberized asphalt coating that can stand up to hail stones up to 2 inches in diameter. For low-slope or flat roofs, there are a variety of impact-resistant single-ply membranes, built-up roofing systems, and spray polyurethane foam options available.
In addition to providing superior protection against severe weather, impact-resistant roofing materials can also qualify you for discounts on your commercial property insurance premiums. Check with your insurance agent to see if you're eligible for any credits or incentives.
Have an Emergency Plan in Place
No matter how well you prepare your commercial roofing system for extreme weather, there's always a chance that severe damage could occur. Having a clear emergency plan in place can help you respond quickly and minimize disruption to your business operations.
Start by gathering contact information for your roofing contractor, insurance agent, and any other key vendors or service providers you may need in the event of a roofing emergency. Make sure this information is easily accessible to all relevant staff members.
Next, document your commercial roof with detailed photos and videos, and keep a copy of this documentation off-site. This will provide valuable evidence for insurance claims if needed. Finally, develop a communication plan for notifying employees, customers, and suppliers of any closures or service interruptions due to roof damage.
Trust the Commercial Roofing Experts
Preparing your commercial roof for extreme weather conditions is a complex and ongoing process that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. At Utz Roofing, our team of experienced commercial roofing professionals is dedicated to helping businesses like yours protect their most valuable assets from the elements.
Whether you need a comprehensive roof inspection, preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete roof replacement, we have the skills and resources to get the job done right. We work with all types of commercial roofing systems, including asphalt shingle, architectural shingle, built-up, single-ply, metal, and spray foam, and we use only the highest quality materials from trusted manufacturers.
Don't wait until extreme weather strikes to start thinking about your commercial roof. Contact Utz Roofing today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your business from whatever Mother Nature has in store.
