Commercial Roofs and Winter Damage

Commercial Roofs and Winter Damage

What kind of damage can winter weather cause to my commercial roof?

Winter weather, especially repeated freezing and thawing, can lead to serious problems like leaks, cracking, and even structural damage to your commercial roof. Ignoring these issues can cause expensive interior damage and shorten your roof's lifespan.

What you see: Water stains, wet insulation, and higher energy bills

You might start noticing water spots or streaks on your ceiling tiles, especially after a thaw. Sometimes, you'll see visible cracks or splitting in the roof membrane. If you have a flat roof, you might see ponding water that turns to ice. In cold weather, you might also feel drafts or notice your heating system working harder to keep the building warm, leading to higher energy bills.

Why it happens and what it costs if ignored

Commercial roofs, whether they're flat or metal, take a beating from the elements. In winter, this means snow, ice, and constant temperature changes. Snow melts during warmer parts of the day or from building heat, and that water can seep into small cracks or seams. When temperatures drop below freezing again, this water turns to ice and expands, making those cracks bigger. This cycle is called "freeze-thaw." Each freeze-thaw cycle pushes more water into your roof system. If water gets under your roof membrane and into the insulation, it stays there. Wet insulation loses its R-value, meaning it stops insulating, and your building loses heat faster. This increases your energy bills. Over time, wet insulation can lead to mold, rot, and even cause the roof deck to fail, especially if it's made of wood. Water inside the building can damage products, equipment, and even electrical systems. What starts as a small crack can turn into a large leak, requiring much more expensive repairs or even a full roof replacement instead of a restoration.

How we fix winter damage and protect your roof

The best way to handle winter damage is to prevent it or address it quickly. We use Conklin roof coating systems to restore and protect commercial roofs. Here’s how it works: 1. **Inspection and Assessment:** We start with a thorough inspection of your roof, looking for any existing damage like cracks, splits, weak seams, and areas where water might be entering. We also check your flashings around pipes, vents, and parapet walls. For roofs with suspected trapped moisture, we can use infrared scans to find wet insulation without tearing up the entire roof. 2. **Repairs:** Before any coating goes down, we repair all existing damage. This means cleaning, patching, and reinforcing any areas where the roof membrane is compromised. We address all cracks, punctures, and open seams. If insulation is wet in an isolated area, we'll remove it and replace it with dry material. If the entire roof is saturated, or the deck is failing, a coating system isn't the right answer. We'll tell you honestly if your roof is past the point of restoration. 3. **Cleaning and Preparation:** The roof surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and any loose material. This ensures proper adhesion of the coating. 4. **Base Coat Application:** We apply a Conklin base coat that seals the surface and provides a strong foundation for the top coats. 5. **Top Coat Application:** One or more layers of a highly reflective, waterproof Conklin top coat are applied. These coatings create a seamless, monolithic membrane over your entire roof. They reflect up to 85% of the sun's UV rays, which helps reduce temperature swings and the stress on your roof, making it more resilient against freeze-thaw cycles. 6. **Reinforcement (if needed):** For roofs with many existing seams or areas prone to movement, we might embed fabric reinforcement into the coating system to add extra strength and flexibility, especially around common leak points like HVAC units or skylights. This process restores your roof, stops leaks, and creates a durable, weather-resistant barrier that can handle harsh winters for years to come. It also helps reduce your energy costs. Our systems are designed to last and are backed by non-prorated material warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of roofs can be restored against winter damage?

We restore various commercial roof types, including flat roofs (like TPO, EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen), metal roofs, and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs. Each system uses specific Conklin products tailored to the existing roof material.

How long does a roof restoration system last?

A properly installed Conklin roof coating system can extend your roof's life by 15-20 years or more. Regular inspections and maintenance help ensure it reaches its full lifespan.

Can a roof coating system save me money on heating bills in winter?

Yes, while highly reflective coatings are best known for cooling buildings in summer, they also provide a seamless, insulated barrier that can reduce heat loss in winter. By creating a continuous, airtight seal and restoring damaged areas, they help your building maintain a more consistent temperature, potentially lowering heating costs. Don't let winter weather turn into a major headache for your business. If you're seeing signs of winter damage or want to proactively protect your commercial roof, it's time for an inspection. We are a network of Conklin-trained contractors serving building owners nationwide. Call us at (309) 303-3128 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation roof assessment.