Winter Care for Your Commercial Roof
As temperatures drop, your commercial roof faces unique challenges. Heavy rain, snow, ice, freezing and thawing cycles all put stress on roofing systems. If you manage a warehouse, factory, retail building or office block, understanding and acting on these winter risks is essential to avoid costly damage and downtime.
At NWIR, we advise clients to treat winter not just as a season to endure, but as a period to prepare for proactively. A well-maintained roof will keep your operations dry, safe and unaffected while others are left to take a reactive approach.
The Threats of Winter Weather to Commercial Roofing Condition
Winter brings more than just colder days. Consider heavy snow accumulation; when it sits on a flat or gently pitched industrial roof, it adds weight, distorts drainage paths and can lead to deflection or membrane stress. Ice build-up around gutters or drainage outlets causes blockages. Water can pond in low areas, freeze overnight and expand, creating cracks or splits in older membranes. High winds can lift flashings or disturb cladding ends, allowing moisture ingress just when you least expect it.
These issues often begin imperceptibly. A small crack appears first, then an ice dam forms, then water enters, insulation is compromised, and corrosion begins. Without inspection and corrective action, minor faults can develop into major failures.
Winter Commercial Roofing Inspection and Maintenance
To keep winter risks in check, NWIR emphasise three key activities:
Inspection: Before the coldest months arrive, schedule a full roof assessment. Use drone surveys or MEWPs to check high or inaccessible areas. Look at the membrane condition, fixings, cladding seams, gutters, outlets and insulation signs inside the building.
Clearing and maintenance: Remove debris, clean gutters, check outlet freezing points and flush drainage systems. Address any ponding immediately. Ensure safety lines and access routes are clear and functional.
Repair and protect: Identify areas of concern and act quickly. If a membrane shows fatigue, a flashing is lifting or moisture is detected via scanning, deal with it before winter fully sets in. Also consider protective coatings or treatments if your roof is nearing the end of its service life.
Why Winter Commercial Roofing Care Pays Off
Spending time and resources on your roof now saves you money later. Delayed action often results in higher repair costs, business interruptions and even warranty invalidation. A winter-ready roof means:
- Fewer leaks and less internal damage during storms or thaw cycles
- Reduced risk of structural issues from snow load or freeze-thaw movement
- Better retention of insulation performance, lowering energy loss
- Compliance with warranty terms, as many require upkeep and documented inspections
- Planned maintenance instead of emergency repair, reducing disruption and cost
NWIR’s Winter-Ready Approach
At NWIR, we combine experience with technology to keep your roof in top shape through winter. Before the season hits, we perform a full inspection and condition report, including drone imagery, moisture scanning and thermal imaging as needed. We plan access, schedule minimal-disruption maintenance and address vulnerabilities proactively. Our team works safely at height and in challenging conditions, delivering solutions that align with your operational needs.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
- Arrange a roof survey now, preferably before freezing temperatures become the norm.
- Inspect drainage systems and clear any blockages; check gutters, outlets and internal drains.
- Look for loose flashings, lifted cladding, damaged membranes or signs of ponding.
- Document everything, including photos, condition reports and maintenance logs. This helps with budgets, warranties and decision-making.
- Schedule preventative maintenance rather than reactive repairs. Winter is not the time to be paying emergency call-out fees.
Winter does not just test your building’s exterior; it tests your roofing strategy. With the right inspection and maintenance plan, you can minimise risk and protect your assets and operations. NWIR can help you prepare, maintain and protect your commercial roof this winter, so you are ready before problems arise rather than reacting after they occur.
Contact us today or call 0800 046 1500 to discuss your roof care needs and arrange a winter-ready inspection.