Winter is Coming: 4 Commercial Roofing Tips to Help Property Managers & Building Owners Prepare Your Roof

Kathleen Maxwell | November 1, 2024

roof damaged by winter weather

Winter is coming, and with it comes the potential for harsh weather conditions that can damage your commercial roof. If you’re a building owner or property manager, you know how important it is to prepare your commercial roof for the winter months.  It can help prevent costly repairs and protect your building from the elements.

Eliminate the Guesswork of Winter Roof Maintenance

Being proactive about your roof is a best practice for every season. But when it comes to winter roof maintenance, it’s not just an option—it’s a necessity. With decades of experience in Nashville and Huntsville, we know winters can be unpredictable and extreme. Every winter, commercial roofs in our area are susceptible to freezing rain or snow, significant changes in temperature, and high winds during severe weather—sometimes all in one week. 

We also recognize that one of the biggest challenges that building owners and property managers face when preparing their roofs for winter is knowing what to do. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be difficult to know where to start.

Another challenge is finding the time to winterize your commercial roof or proactively prepare your roof during the fall and winter. Building owners and property managers have a lot on their plates, and finding the time to schedule and complete roof maintenance tasks can be difficult.

As a trusted commercial roofing partner for hundreds of building owners and property managers across Tennessee and Alabama, we know how to proactively prepare every type of commercial roof and want to help you eliminate the guesswork, too.

4 Commercial Roofing Tips: How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

1. Inspect Your Roof and Address Repairs Before Winter Arrives

It’s crucial to conduct a thorough roof inspection before winter sets in. An experienced service technician can help you look for signs of external damage such as punctures or tears in the roof membrane, potential open laps or flashings around penetrations, and sealant failure, and address any issues promptly to prevent them from getting worse.

2. Remove Overhanging Tree Limbs and Clear Debris from Your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts.  

Trees can be a danger to your roof in winter. The weight of snow and ice can cause branches to break and fall on your roof. It’s important to trim back any overhanging branches before winter arrives to prevent damage.

It’s also crucial to perform roof and gutter cleaning prior to the winter months. This can be done by removing any leaves, branches, and dirt from your roof. Secondly, you can make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris so that water can drain properly. This can help prevent water damming in the event of freezing temperatures, which can cause damage.

3. Recognize When You Should Inspect Your Roof for Damage

Determining when to assess your commercial roof for damage is another key aspect of effective maintenance. It’s important to understand that the frequency of assessments can depend on various factors, including weather conditions, roofing material, and the age of the roof. 

It can also be valuable to perform a second inspection in the middle of winter, typically during January or February. This mid-winter check can help you determine how the roof is holding up under the added stress of snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures.

4. Establish a Winter Maintenance Budget and Emergency Response Plan

One of the most frustrating aspects of managing a property is dealing with unexpected expenses. That’s why we encourage many of our partners to set aside a budget for roof repairs. A good rule of thumb is to budget 1-2% of the value of your roof each year for repairs and inspections. Budgeting for roof maintenance is one of the wisest decisions you can make to protect the health of your commercial building.

In addition, you should also develop a response plan that identifies protocols for how you will address potential roofing emergencies. Having a professional on call at all times during winter could save your building extensive damage in an emergency situation.

Let Maxwell Roofing Help You Prepare for Winter

Proactive problem-solving is a critical aspect of property management and building ownership. Maxwell Roofing has been serving Nashville and Huntsville for decades, and we have a team of experienced and certified roofers who can help you prepare your roof for winter.

By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your roof is in good condition and ready for the winter months. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Maxwell Roofing today. We are here to help you protect your commercial roof and your investment.


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