Your Commercial Roof in Extreme Weather Conditions
Monsoons, hurricanes, record snowfall, hail, and ice can cripple your roof’s waterproofing ability. We’ve got some tips to help you plan for, prevent, or recover from the damage.
Your Commercial Roof in Heavy Rain
Whether a large amount of rain falls quickly, or rain continues at a steady rate for a long period, heavy rain can spell trouble for your roof. If you’ve consistently performed general preventive maintenance, you’ll have a lot less worry. Regular inspections and routine maintenance will ensure that any small tears, punctures, seam delamination, missing fasteners, or dried sealants are discovered and fixed. Drains will be checked and cleared; missing or broken drain baskets can be replaced. This prevents leaks (and wet insulation), as well as excessive ponding when the skies open and a downpour ensues.
If your roof has historically had problems with ponding water, make sure adding a significant slope during your next roof replacement is prioritized.
If you experience a roof leak, act fast to minimize damage. Relocate interior furnishings and equipment. Keep people away from the area to prevent slip and fall hazards. Call your roofing contractor immediately. Don’t DIY the repair; using improper materials and methods could exacerbate the problem and void your roof system manufacturer’s warranty.
Your Commercial Roof in Strong Wind
Wind can cause serious damage to your roof system. The following are the most common problems associated with powerful gusts and sustained periods of strong wind:
- A gale can redistribute and even blow aggregate off a roof, exposing the underlying membrane and making it more vulnerable to the elements.
- Wind will send rooftop unit hoods, tree limbs, debris, obsolete equipment, and dislodged roof elements (roof vents and roof hoods) airborne. As they tumble over the roof, they cause punctures, tears, and abrasions.
- Uplift pressure destroys the edges; gutters or metal and membrane there takes the brunt of the force and when damaged, can compromise the whole roof system.
- A small opening allowing wind to penetrate can lead to roof blow-off during tropical storms, tornadoes, or anytime wind uplift is strong enough.
In addition to regular maintenance, another helpful precaution is to remove obsolete equipment from the roof and trim nearby trees. As you prepare for a roof replacement project, make sure your new roof system meets all relevant codes and considers wind loads.
Your Commercial Roof in a Hailstorm
The most obvious problems hail causes to your commercial roof are punctures and splits, damage to the interface of insulation and insulation facer (and moisture), as well as broken skylights. If you’ve experienced a hailstorm, contact your roofing contractor for an inspection. Damage may not be visible to the untrained eye.
If a reroof is in your future and higher hail impact resistance is desired, consider using a roof system that meets FM Approval Standard 4470. Recent revisions to FM’s map designate areas as prone to moderate hail, severe hail, and very severe hail. Even if your insurance provider is not FM Global, this can be a good guide to evaluate the performance of roof system assemblies for fire, wind uplift, metal corrosion, hail damage, foot traffic, roof leaks, puncture resistance, and solar reflectivity.
Your Commercial Roof in Heavy Snow
Heavy snowfall can create fears of roof collapse. Know your snow load. Not sure? Consult an engineer who can calculate the structural load – both dead load and temporary load (e.g., with the weight of snow). Concerns are heightened when structural members are corroded, deteriorated, or damaged. If you think the snowfall is pushing the limit of your building’s structural load, don’t use shovels or snow blowers; call in your roofing contractor who knows how to work safely on the roof and can begin snow removal without damaging your roofing system.
If avalanching snow falling from your pitched roof is worrying you, consider installing a snow retention system (i.e., snow rail, fence, guards, or shoes) that will hold the snow on the roof so it can gradually melt off.
Your Commercial Roof and Ice
The most likely places for ice to form are around roof drains, scuppers, anywhere that ponding water forms, and at the roof eave. Both steep and low-slope roofs can have ice dams. While ice can cause a lot of damage, using ice melt or a hammer to break it up will only make the problem worse. The best way to prevent ice buildup is to keep drains clear of debris and leaves, install a snow retention system, or have an electrician install heat tape around drainage ways. Call a professional roofing contractor to help clear the ice safely.
The impact extreme weather has on your roof can be a minor nuisance or a major catastrophe. While there’s no guarantee the most well-maintained roof will be unscathed in violent and punishing weather, the odds certainly improve. General preventive maintenance like regular roof inspections and proactive cleaning and repairs improve the chances your commercial roof system will be able to weather the storm.
Contact D. C. Taylor Co. today at 319.731.4118 or [email protected] to schedule repairs, a roof replacement, or general preventive maintenance.
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