Although they both need to be checked for winter preparedness, commercial roofs are quite different from residential ones. They require special attention due to varying shapes, sizes, rooftop equipment, and skylights. Seasonal weather changes cause things to shrink and expand and, over time, this leaves a roof vulnerable to leaks, drafts, and pests. If your building hasn’t received a fall or winter inspection yet, you may find several areas of needed repair. Design Components, Inc, the top metal building components suppliers has your steel roof accessories’ solutions.
Roof Maintenance History
The first, the most important task is to evaluate the age of your roof and rooftop equipment. You should review the maintenance and inspection history. Maintaining a record of all work performed rooftop with any inspection notes helps future contractors accurately assess the roof’s condition.
Internally water stains on the ceiling are easy to see, however other – oftentimes serious – underlying issues take a trained, more experienced eye to spot. A roofing professional should always be consulted when something as critical as a roof’s integrity is on the line.
Winter Weather Threatens All
As with anything, it’s easier and more cost-effective to be proactive rather than reactive. And, unfortunately, small issues that are signs of a bigger problem can sometimes be overlooked. That’s why preventative maintenance by a roofing professional is so important going into the winter months when roofs are stress-tested.
Ventilation
No gap is too small or too insignificant when weather-proofing your building, so make sure to pay close attention to the little details and seal them properly with weatherproof sealant or through other means if necessary. Rusted or damaged steel roof accessories such as smoke vents, roof curbs, and rooftop walkway systems should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Furthermore, steps should be taken to reduce the threat of damage to both the roof itself as well as the rooftop equipment by having nearby trees inspected or overhanging limbs cut back. Steel building ventilation systems such as Gravity Powered Vents or Regular Powered Vents are critical to workplace safety and thus need to be protected.
Check for Standing Water or Clogs
Standing water is a year-round threat but can really cause trouble when freezing temperatures hit. When water freezes, it expands, meaning if water is trapped in a tight place like cracks or equipment it will cause progressively worse damage over time.
A quick inspection of downspouts, gutters, and drains for debris will tell you if you need to have them cleaned out or not. Leaves and branches can clog these things up and lead to standing water and then rust, mold, and leaks.
Ensuring Worker and Visitor Safety
Ice and snow buildup on sloped roofs pose a big safety risk to anyone walking outside along the side of the building. If it breaks loose and falls, it can lead to serious injuries. DCI, your leading Metal building components supplier offers snow retention systems which are necessary to protect your employees and customers from falling ice and snow as they enter or exit your building.
Another way to ensure worker safety is by installing a METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System. This is critical for preventing foot traffic damage and protecting your employees from slips and falls by giving them a sturdy way to access the rooftop equipment.
DCI, the Southeast’s Top Metal Building Components Suppliers
Whether big or small, winterizing your steel building can feel like an intimidating job. Fortunately, by planning ahead and contracting experienced professionals, roof care can be taken care of with a simple phone call.
And, when it comes to replacement of steel roof accessories and support equipment that maintain your roof’s structural integrity, Design Components is here with your solutions. With decades of experience, we pride ourselves on being the best metal building components supplier with products that enhance both functionality and safety.
To learn more about our steel building accessories, call us today at (800) 868-9910 or contact us by email at sales@designcomponents.com. You can also request a quote here.
