How to Maintain a Roof in Harsh Weather Conditions: The Ultimate Commercial Guide
As a business owner or property manager in Missouri, you know that "predictable" is rarely a word used to describe our weather. From the heavy snow loads of January to the blistering heat waves of July and the severe thunderstorms of spring, the integrity of your building depends entirely on your roofing system.
A commercial roof is a significant capital investment. Protecting it shouldn't be an afterthought. At Utz Roofing, we have spent over 15 years helping businesses across St. Louis and Franklin County fortify their assets. We know that reactive repairs are costly often 3 to 4 times more expensive than proactive maintenance.
Below is our comprehensive expert guide on how to maintain a roof in harsh weather conditions, ensuring your business stays dry, safe, and operational year-round.
1. Routine Inspections: The First Line of Defense
The most effective way to prepare for extreme weather is to know exactly what you are working with. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), you should schedule professional inspections at least twice a year—ideally in the spring and fall—and immediately following any major weather event.
What We Look For
A qualified contractor performing a roof inspection will spot "silent killers" that untrained eyes might miss. A comprehensive assessment should check:
Membrane Condition: On TPO or EPDM roofs, we look for punctures, shrinking, or "alligatoring" (cracking due to UV exposure).
Flashings and Penetrations: The areas around HVAC units, vents, and skylights are the most prone to leaks. We check for dried-out caulk and separated seals.
Edge Metal (Coping): High winds often lift the roof at the corners first. Loose metal coping is a major failure point.
Masonry and Parapets: Cracks in the parapet walls can allow water to seep behind the roofing membrane, causing hidden rot.
Pro Tip: Keep a digital log of all inspections. Detailed reports with timestamps are vital for maximizing insurance claims if storm damage ever occurs.
2. Managing Water: Drainage is Critical
In commercial roofing, standing water is the enemy. This is known as "ponding water," and if it sits on your roof for more than 48 hours, it can void warranties and degrade materials.
During harsh weather, your drainage system must work at 100% capacity.
Clear Debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and sediment from gutters, scuppers, and interior drains. A blocked scupper can turn your roof into a swimming pool, adding massive weight stress to the structure.
Check Downspouts: Ensure water is exiting the building correctly and not pooling near the foundation, which can cause structural settling.
Snake Internal Drains: For flat roofs, have a professional snake the drains annually to prevent internal blockages that are invisible from the surface.
3. Combatting Thermal Shock
One of the most overlooked aspects of harsh weather is the rapid change in temperature, known as Thermal Shock.
St. Louis weather is notorious for these swings; records show temperatures can fluctuate drastically, with summer highs averaging nearly 90°F and winter lows dropping to 25°F. It is not uncommon for a roof to bake at 150°F on a summer afternoon and then rapidly cool down when a thunderstorm rolls in.
Over time, this movement can pull seams apart and loosen fasteners. To maintain a roof in these conditions:
Check Seams Regularly: Ensure that the seams on single-ply membranes are heat-welded or adhered tightly.
Inspect Expansion Joints: These joints are designed to absorb movement. If they are damaged or clogged with debris, the stress will transfer to the roof deck, causing cracks.
4. The Winter Protocol: Snow and Ice
Winter presents unique challenges for commercial roofs. The weight of snow and the formation of ice dams can cause catastrophic failure if ignored.
Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes from the building, melts the snow on the roof, and the water refreezes at the cold eaves. This creates a barrier that traps water.
Improve Insulation: Proper insulation keeps the heat inside the building, preventing the melt-freeze cycle.
Ventilation: For steep-slope roofs, ensure intake and exhaust vents are balanced to keep the roof deck cool.
Safe Snow Removal
If snow accumulation exceeds the load capacity of your roof, it must be removed. Do not attempt this with a standard shovel, as you risk puncturing the membrane. Always hire professionals who use plastic shovels and leave a thin layer of snow to protect the roof surface.
5. Vegetation and Perimeter Management
Trees provide shade and aesthetics, but they are a liability during high winds. Overhanging branches can scour your roof membrane like sandpaper or snap off entirely, puncturing the deck.
To maintain a roof in harsh weather conditions, you must manage the perimeter:
Trim Back 10 Feet: Have an arborist trim branches back at least 10 feet from your roofline.
Deter Pests: Keeping trees away prevents raccoons and squirrels from jumping onto the roof. These pests often chew through lead pipe jacks and rubber flashings, creating entry points for water.
6. Why Maintenance Protects Your Warranty
Many building owners are surprised to learn that their commercial roof warranty does not cover leaks caused by lack of maintenance. Most manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid.
By adhering to a commercial maintenance plan, you are:
Staying Compliant: Meeting the requirements of your manufacturer's warranty.
Extending Lifespan: A well-maintained roof can last 25+ years, while a neglected one may fail in 12.
Saving Money: Identifying a small repair today prevents a massive replacement tomorrow.
7. Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Materials
Sometimes, maintenance isn't enough, and replacement is necessary. If your building is in a high-hail zone, investing in impact-resistant materials is a smart financial move.
Class 4 Shingles: Designed to withstand hail impact without cracking.
TPO/PVC Membranes: TPO is a single-ply membrane that offers excellent resistance to punctures and chemical exposure, while also reflecting UV rays to lower cooling costs.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF): Adds a seamless, waterproof layer that also insulates against temperature extremes.
For a full comparison of these materials, visit our commercial roofing services page.
8. Have an Emergency Response Plan
Even the best-maintained roof can suffer damage during a catastrophic event like a tornado or derecho. Do not wait for water to pour into your office to find a contractor.
Know Your Roofer: Save the Utz Roofing contact number in your phone.
Document Before/After: Take photos of your roof during fair weather. This "before" baseline is critical evidence for insurance adjusters to prove that damage was storm-related and not pre-existing wear and tear.
Communication: Have a plan to notify employees and customers if the building needs to close temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I inspect my commercial roof?
We recommend a professional inspection twice a year (Spring and Fall) and immediately after any major storm event involving hail or high winds.
What is the best commercial roofing material for Missouri weather?
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is highly popular in St. Louis due to its heat-reflective properties and durability against UV rays. EPDM (rubber) is also excellent for hail resistance and flexibility in cold weather.
Can I perform commercial roof maintenance myself?
You can handle basic debris removal (if safe to do so), but for safety and warranty reasons, you should hire a licensed professional for inspections, membrane repairs, and flashing work. Walking on a commercial roof improperly can actually cause more damage.
Trust the Local Commercial Roofing Experts
Preparing your commercial roof for extreme weather is a complex process that requires specialized local knowledge. At Utz Roofing, our team is dedicated to protecting your business assets from the unpredictable Missouri elements.
Whether you need a comprehensive seasonal inspection, storm damage restoration, or a full TPO replacement, we have the resources to get the job done right.
Don't wait for the next storm. Contact Utz Roofing today to schedule your commercial roof assessment.
