As November progresses, it’s time for Minnesota’s commercial building owners to start thinking about winter preparations—especially for their roofs. Proper commercial roofing maintenance is essential to protect your building from Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions. With extreme cold, snow, and ice just around the corner, ensuring your roof is ready is vital for avoiding damage, preserving your building’s integrity, and potentially saving thousands on repairs.
Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?
The intense summer sun, fluctuating temperatures, stormy weather, and heavy rooftop use throughout the year can take a toll on your commercial roof. As winter approaches, consider these questions to determine if your roof is ready for the challenges ahead:
- Recent HVAC Maintenance: Was any HVAC equipment serviced on the roof recently? HVAC maintenance can impact the surrounding roof area, especially in the flashing and surfaces around the units. These areas should be inspected to ensure the roof remains undamaged and watertight following HVAC work.
- Building Renovations or Structural Changes: If you’ve made additions or alterations to your building, these could affect the roofing system, particularly at transition points where old and new structures meet. It’s crucial to inspect these areas for potential leaks or weaknesses in the roofing integrity.
- Age of the Roof: Older roofing systems are especially vulnerable to winter weather. Exposure to sun, rain, and fluctuating temperatures accelerates wear, which could lead to cracks, leaks, or membrane separation. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to extend the lifespan of an older roof, providing additional years of functionality while avoiding the need for early replacement.
Conduct a Winter Roof Inspection
A thorough winter roof inspection is one of the best ways to prepare for whatever winter may bring. Here’s a checklist to guide you through a basic winter inspection:
- Visual Inspection: Start by looking for unsecured objects on the roof that might cause damage during high winds. Remove leaves and other debris that can clog rooftop drains. Clogged drains can lead to water accumulation, and with snowmelt, this excess water can add damaging weight to your building’s structure. Clear any debris that could block drainage, especially from gutters and downspouts
. - Check the Membrane and Perimeter: Inspect the roof membrane, especially around the edges. Loose areas or bubbling may indicate problems with adhesion, which can worsen with winter weather. Addressing these issues now can prevent further separation due to ice buildup.
- Trim Nearby Trees: Minnesota’s fall foliage is beautiful, but once the leaves fall, they can pose a threat to your roof. Trim back trees that could shed leaves and branches onto the roof. Decaying leaves can block drainage, and falling branches may cause structural damage
. - Have a Contingency Plan: In case of a winter storm or unexpected roof leak, having a plan in place will protect your building’s occupants and equipment. Designate a response protocol and consider installing temporary protective measures, like tarps, to prevent further damage until professional help can arrive
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The Importance of Regular Maintenance and Professional Help
Routine commercial roofing maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your roof but also ensures it’s ready to handle severe winter weather. With Minnesota’s intense climate, the value of professional roofing inspections cannot be overstated. A qualified roofer can catch minor issues early, allowing you to avoid significant costs and repairs down the line. By investing in quality materials and expert roofing services, you protect both your property and its occupants from Minnesota’s extreme winter conditions
Partner with Shelter Construction LLC for Winter Readiness
At Shelter Construction LLC, we understand Minnesota’s winters and the toll they can take on commercial roofs. We provide comprehensive inspections, minor repairs, and maintenance services that will ensure your roof is ready for the season.
Turn to the Pros at Shelter Construction
At Shelter, we offer complimentary inspections and consultations. We will perform minor repairs during the examination to small damage that we find. Call us at 612-284-6985 or contact us today on our website!