Winter Flat Roof Issues – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Winter Flat Roof Issues

Cold weather is harsh on your property and your roofing system.  Your roof is the protective barrier over your building and it takes the brunt of relentless winter weather.  If you have a flat roof it needs extra care and attention especially in the wintertime.  Flat roofing membranes are great because they provide protection and durability.  However, you must be mindful of the climate conditions ahead and how harmful they may be to your roofing system.

Snow Load

As heavy layers of snow accumulate on top of your roof, the weight can become too much for your home to bear.  This is dangerous if your roof is older or if you’re unaware of the damage it’s already sustained. A flat roof that already needs repair topped with snow load is a recipe for disaster.  Your flat roof has a maximum weight limit.  When snow load exceeds that limit, it could lead to an accident, like a roof cave-in.  Before the concerns get out of hand, have professionals safely remove the snow from your flat roof.

Ice Dams

Cold weather and moisture can cause ice dams on any roof, but the difference between traditional roofs and flat roofs is that water slides off regular roofs more quickly because of their slope.  On flat roofs, water tends to pool since there’s no incline.  As the snow melts on the surface or after heavy rainfall, it freezes, forming an ice dam on the surface.   Eventually, sunlight melts the snow and ice on your flat roof.  That becomes a problem if the melt doesn’t run off the roof and into the drainpipes or gutters like it should.  When pooling water has nowhere to go, it seeps into the roof’s membrane, causing severe water damage that can mean leaks and mold growth.

Clogged Drains and Gutters

Drains and gutters are responsible for channeling water off your roof and away from your building.  That’s why it’s crucial to clear drains and gutters often in the wintertime.  They won’t work correctly if they become clogged with leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris. Instead of water freely flowing, it stays on your roof’s surface.  It’s wise to keep your gutters cleaned to avoid improper drainage that can lead to costly inconveniences later down the road.

Condensation

One of the most common roofing issues property owners face is condensation, which is when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. Condensation often goes unrecognized, and inadequate roofing ventilation is to blame.  Excess water under the surface and around the seams of your flat roof causes moisture accumulation.  If you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be the result of condensation.  Excessive moisture leads to mold and mildew, as well, which taints your indoor air quality.

Impact Damage

Low-hanging trees and branches surrounding your property can eventually fall onto your flat roof’s surface.  The weight of the snow, plus the heavy winds and bitter cold air, causes dead or weakening branches to snap and crash onto your building.  Flat roofing membranes can split due to the impact. Additionally, you’ll have to pay professionals to safely remove the tree or large branch from your property.

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.

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.

  • Before the first snow even falls, create an emergency plan for dealing with winter storms.

  • 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.