After the winter we’ve had, it’s hard to imagine green grass
and flowers. If you’re like me and have forgotten what they look like, you
might be taken by surprise when all of this snow finally starts to melt.
To avoid being stuck doing roof maintenance instead of
smelling the spring flowers, follow these simple steps to ensure you’re prepared
to handle the meltdown.
1. Clear out the drains.
Be sure water can flow freely to them by
removing any ice, snow or debris accumulation near the drains. This is the most
basic way to ensure that all of the excess water has a place to go and doesn’t
pool on the roof surface causing water damage.
2. Remove snow and ice at roof to wall
transitions.
Often these transition points are a natural
place for water to pool. They’re also often home to seams in your waterproofing
materials which could be one of the weaker points in the roof system. Clearing
off the ice and snow buildup can help prevent the development of leaks.
3. Remove snow and ice at penetrations and
curbs.
Similar to number two, this area commonly
contains seams that may be more susceptible to water damage. Often these areas
are shaded from the sun and can be one of the last places to melt. Clearing the
ice and snow will help to speed up the melting process.
4. Inspect structural components that might be
distorted due to supporting increased load.
Unfortunately the increased load on
your roof system can cause damage throughout the long winter months. If that is
the case, you’ll want to repair these areas before they become major problems
to your facility.
Following these few steps will ensure that you’re ready to
handle the melting snow and ice. Just remember to exercise caution when
removing snow and ice from your roof so that you do not puncture or tear the
membrane; or more importantly endanger yourself.
If winter took its toll on your roof and you’re experiencing
leaks, we’re here to help! Construction Services Group, a StructureTec Group
Subsidiary, has a 24/7 Emergency Leak team that is equipped to handle those
pesky leaks so you can continue with business as usual.
