How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Winter Before the First Snow Falls

Why Winter Weather Is a Serious Threat to Commercial Roofs

Commercial roof systems face unique vulnerabilities during the winter that can compromise your building's structural integrity and drain maintenance budgets if they’re not addressed.

• Freeze-thaw cycles crack membranes: Expanding ice splits the roof surface, especially on flat roofs where water pools.
• Ice dams cause leaks: Escaping heat melts snow that refreezes, blocking runoff and pushing water under the roofing.
• Heavy snow strains structure: Wet snow adds weight, risking collapse if it exceeds the roof’s load capacity.
• Poor drainage traps water: Blocked drains cause standing water that freezes and damages roof systems.
• Heat loss spikes energy bills: Bad insulation lets heat escape, increasing costs and worsening ice dam risks.
• Hail damage weakens roof integrity: Past hail impacts can create hidden cracks that worsen under winter stress.

These winter weather threats don't just risk expensive repairs. They can force business interruptions, damage inventory, and create safety hazards for building occupants. This is why it’s essential to take action before winter arrives to protect both your commercial roofing system and your bottom line.

7 Critical Steps for Commercial Roofing Winter Preparation

A systematic approach is the best way to protect your commercial roof from winter damage. Follow these steps in the late fall, well before the first snow falls.

Step 1: Schedule a Pro Roof Inspection

Choose a commercial roofing contractor before you need emergency repairs. Look for companies with:

• Experience servicing your specific roof type
• Proper licensing and insurance coverage
• References from other commercial property managers
• Emergency service capabilities for weather events

We recommend scheduling a professional inspection at least 6-8 weeks before winter weather typically arrives in your region. This timing allows you to complete necessary repairs during moderate weather conditions. A thorough inspection identifies vulnerabilities in your roof membrane, checks all roof penetrations for proper sealing, and evaluates drainage systems before freezing temperatures test every weak point.

Step 2: Clear All Drainage Systems and Verify Proper Function

Blocked drains cause water to pool on flat roof surfaces, where it freezes and creates ice dams. Inspect and clear:

• Primary roof drains and scuppers
• Gutters and downspouts
• Overflow drains (often overlooked but critical)
• Areas around HVAC units where debris accumulates

Run water through the system to test the drainage function on your property. Watch for slow drainage or standing water that indicates blockages or inadequate slope. Address these drainage component issues right away, as they worsen dramatically when ice blockages form during the winter months.

Step 3: Inspect Your Attic and Address Insulation Problems

Poor insulation increases energy costs and creates conditions that may result in ice dams. Check your attic space and roof deck area for signs of moisture, inadequate ventilation, or damaged insulation. Look for compressed or missing insulation around roof penetrations, wet insulation that has lost its thermal resistance, and gaps in coverage that allow heat loss.

Proper ventilation enables you to remove moisture without excessive heat loss. You’ll also notice that repairing damaged insulation before winter delivers immediate returns through lower energy bills while preventing the roof damage that results from uneven heating.

Step 4: Repair Minor Damage Before It Becomes Major

Penetrations through the roof membrane are one of the most common commercial roofing problems. Winter weather intensifies the risk, as freeze-thaw cycles and melting snow expose weak seals. Inspect all penetrations, including vents, HVAC units, and skylights, for cracks or gaps. If you find any areas where seals have failed, re-seal them. Pay close attention to chimney flashing, where heat causes localized snow melt, putting extra pressure on the surrounding seals.

Step 5: Trim Surrounding Trees and Remove Hazards

Falling branches can easily damage roof surfaces and block drainage during winter storms. To avoid this, trim any trees with branches hanging over or within 10 feet of your commercial building. Heavy snow or ice weight breaks branches that then fall onto your roof, potentially puncturing the roof membrane or damaging HVAC equipment.

Even small nearby branches that fall during winter storms can block drains or impact skylights. Remove any loose items from the roof surface that could blow around during weather events, and secure all rooftop equipment. This way, nothing will shift if snow loads increase.

Step 6: Install Winter Protection Systems Where Needed

Some roofs benefit from additional protection against ice dam formation and snow sliding. Install heating cables along the roof edges prone to ice dam formation to prevent ice buildup that blocks water runoff. Place cables in gutters and along the first 3-6 feet of roof edges, where ice dams typically form.

Metal roof systems and sloped sections need snow guards to prevent dangerous snow slides. These devices hold snow in place so it melts gradually rather than sliding off in heavy sheets that damage property or injure people below.

Install these protective systems during moderate weather, and test the heating cables to ensure they work before you need them.

Step 7: Create Your Snow Removal Plan

Don't wait until heavy snow accumulates to determine how you’ll respond. Develop a snow removal plan that includes:

• Contact information for professional roofing contractors who handle snow removal.
• Your building's maximum safe snow load specifications.
• Guidelines for when to remove snow (typically at 12 inches or when weight concerns arise).
• Proper removal techniques that won't damage your roof membrane.

Train maintenance staff on safe practices for removing snow: use plastic shovels, work in layers, and leave a thin protective layer on the roof surface. Emphasize that certain conditions — heavy ice, deep snow, or structural concerns — require professional contractors rather than in-house crews.

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Winter Roof Prep Checklist: Task Timeline

Timing matters when preparing your commercial property for winter weather. This checklist breaks down exactly when to complete each task and who should handle it. Starting early gives you flexibility to address problems before they become urgent. Plus, you won’t be competing with other building owners for contractor availability once the colder months arrive.

Follow this timeline, and you'll enter winter with confidence that your commercial roofing system can handle whatever weather events come your way. Building owners who wait until the last minute often find themselves making compromises or entering winter with known vulnerabilities. Trust us, this isn’t an ideal position to be in.

Why Partnering with a Commercial Roofing Expert Matters

Facility managers handle dozens of building systems and seasonal preparations. Your commercial roofing system deserves specialized attention from professionals who understand how winter weather impacts different roofing materials and building designs. Here's why hiring certified professionals, like GAF® certified contractors, is worth it:

• They spot hidden issues early: Pros catch small signs of damage before winter makes them worse.
• Fast response after storms: In emergencies, trained crews act quickly and reduce interior damage.
• Priority access to materials: Contractors get what’s needed quickly, even during peak weather events.
• Inspection records help insurance: Routine reports build a maintenance history and support claims.
• They know codes and warranties: Certified pros ensure work meets legal and warranty standards.

Working with experienced contractors instead of general maintenance crews helps prevent common commercial roofing problems and keeps your roof system winter-ready.