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DAMAGES SNOW CAUSES TO FLAT ROOFS 

• Ponding/Bowing:  As snow falls, it can accumulate on your flat roof putting unnecessary weight on the structure.  This down-bearing pressure can cause the roof to bow, and result in ponding under the roof structure.  Since snow falls at slow, steady speeds, large quantities of snow can fall on the roof, resulting in bowing.  Ponding water on roofs not only affects the integrity of the roof materials but can also interfere with the function of the HVAC and other electrical systems.  Once water begins to pond on a flat roof, it can lead to the following problems.

• Freeze-Thaw: When the snow melts on a flat roof, it can cause ponding.  This accumulation of water could evaporate, but generally, with colder temperatures, the water will freeze again before it exits the roof.  When water freezes, it expands.  This means that water that has seeped into cracks or crevices on the roof is subject to further damage as the water continues to freeze and thaw.

• Leaks:  Another possible damage that can result from ponding snow water is leaks.  With the added weight from snow build-up, the roof may bow and water may find its way into the building itself.  Leaks are usually a gradual problem, hard to detect at first, but can result in costly damage to the roof itself.  If snow loads are not properly removed, the roof can collapse (worst-case scenario) which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns for all those who work in the building.

• Other Signs of Damage:  In the winter, a flat roof presents challenges to keep it maintained, and the need for vigilance has never been more important.  With every snowfall, an inspection of the roof is the best course of action, but there will be signs of trouble if you don’t.  When you see cracks in the ceiling of your building or sagging in spots of your roofing system, you have damage.  Walls that appear to be buckling or bowing or beams that are no longer level will tell you that your problems are more significant than they appear.  The lighting system and sprinkler system will offer clues to issues if they are askew or tilted.  Icicles along the roof edge are a constant threat to safety and a big reveal for roof problems that are caused by snow and water.  The accumulation of ice and snow on the pavement or sidewalks of your building is another hint that your roof is in need of attention.

SIGNS YOUR ROOF NEEDS ATTENTION

If you are concerned about the integrity of your flat roof, look for following signs of potential damage from snowfall.

• Bowing or buckling of walls or beams

• Extreme icicle formation along the edges of the roof

• Large chunks of ice or snow falling from the roof

• Evidence of leaks

• Cracks in the ceiling

• Displaced tiles on suspended roofs

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR FLAT ROOF FROM SNOW DAMAGE

The good news is, despite the harsh effect winter weather can have on your flat roof, there are several preventative measures to take in order to avoid significant damages.

• Determine the maximum amount of snow accumulation your flat roof can handle.

• Have regular roofing inspections to determine the integrity of your flat roof and if all the draining avenues are in working order.

• Clear away large amounts of snow fall from the surface of the roof.

• Remove ice dams immediately in order to prevent ponding and future occurrences.

• Whenever removing snow, take note of the location of pipes and vents to prevent damage to these structures.

• Use de-icing or melting products that are suitable for the type of roof membrane.

• Clear gutters and drain spouts of any accumulation to ensure proper drainage when the snow begins to melt.

• If you are uncomfortable removing the snow yourself, hire a professional snow remover to safely and effectively remove the accumulation.

Maintaining the integrity of your flat roof is a year-round job. Take these preventative measures to ensure that your flat roof is ready to handle the stress of winter weather.