The winter season brings extreme cold weather and heavy snowfall. Although your commercial roofing system may be durable, it can still be vulnerable to winter elements. For this reason, it’s important to take extra precautions for the safety of your roof. Take the time to read this article from De Palma Construction. In this post, we provide roofing maintenance tips for your commercial building. 

Winter Maintenance

Schedule Regular Roof Inspection

The best way to prevent damage to your roofing system is to schedule regular inspections at least twice a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. After severe weather events, it’s best to call a professional roofer to examine your commercial roof for any signs of damage. During winter, roof inspection may be limited because of snowfall. Nevertheless, your roofers can still check for any cracking or loose roofing materials to avoid leaking issues in the future. 

Keep Debris From Building Up

Leaves and branches may block your drainage system and scuppers, which can lead to unnecessary weight on your rooftop. Other trades may leave debris and puncture the roofing membrane over time. It’s also important for you to clear roof drains to allow moving water to stay off the roof. Failure to do so may result in moisture damage. Your roofer may have to carry out roof repair services. For this reason, be sure to remove any litter even before winter comes along. Keep in mind that your commercial roof is not an ideal storage location and should be kept clear of debris.

Maintain Rooftop Equipment

Most of the time, leaks from rooftop equipment indicate roofing problems. Thus, your new rooftop equipment should follow the proper guidelines of the roof manufacturer. Make sure that it’s installed by a roofing contractor to ensure all penetrations are properly flashed. Moreover, it’s important for HVAC technicians not to damage your roof during maintenance. Take extra safety measures regarding HVAC panels with sharp corners as they can puncture a membrane if not handled well. 

Handle Exhaust From Vent Properly

Another thing you have to do is to ensure exhaust from your vent stacks is handled properly. If contaminants in the exhaust end up on the roof surface, they should be managed with catchment systems. This ensures the primary membrane remains in great shape. In addition, don’t forget to have your HVAC units serviced annually. Check the seals on your units to prevent leaks and other issues. The condensation from your HVAC equipment should be piped directly to your drains and not allowed to flow across the roof surface. 

Are you looking for a professional commercial or residential roofing company? Put your trust in De Palma Construction! Call us today at (717) 638-1131 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.