The winter season may not be as harsh in Tennessee as other parts of the country, but nevertheless, your roof can still get damaged during this season. So, it’s important to understand the different ways that winter can affect your commercial roofing system.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are formed when the roofing surface is raised to above freezing. The melted snow would then flow down to the roof’s edge and refreeze, forming a dam. While ice dams are common on sloped roofs, it can also form on flat roofs, albeit in a much slower fashion. Uneven roofing surfaced can also contribute to ice dams.
You can prevent ice dam formation by keeping the roof properly insulated and by making sure that the drainage paths are clear of leaves and debris. During warmer weather, have your roofing contractor address pooling water: in addition to preventing ice dams, it can also help prolong the roof’s service life by forestalling damage to seams.
Expansion and Contraction
Most roofing materials expand and contract due to changes in temperature. A trained renovation roofing contractor should allow enough spacing for expansion and contraction during installation. Incorrect installation techniques would result in shrinkage, cracking and splitting from the stress. Therefore, choosing a skilled roofing company is important when you’re having your commercial roof replaced. In addition to correct installation techniques, you can also get advice on which roofing system is best for your property.
Safety Hazards
The winter season can make roofing work risky. A layer of ice can make the roof surface slippery. Protrusions like skylights and pipes may get buried in snow, which can be tripping hazards. We recommend having your roof inspected in fall and stopping all roofing work during winter. Limit access to the roof, leaving any and all roofing work to professionals.
Ritco Group is your leading provider of residential and commercial roofing services, including roof storm repair. Give us a call at (931) 381-0175, or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN.