Top Winter Roof Repairs for Rhode Island Commercial Roofing
The winter weather in the Greater Providence area can wreak havoc on your commercial or industrial roof. Maintenance and repair of roofing are required to get the most out of your investment. Scheduled roof maintenance in Providence can help to tackle small issues before they become big problems, however emergency winter roof repairs should be taken care of immediately before they cause a lot of damage. The snow and ice, along with freezing temperatures and winds, can create quite a few problems with your Rhode Island commercial roofing. The freeze and thaw cycle can create additional problems that could ultimately result in a roof replacement if you are not careful.
Some of the most significant problems for commercial roofing in New England include:
- Flashing Leaks – Sloped roofing is vulnerable to this type of leak. Those strips of metal that are placed along the edges, corners, and ridges of your roof can start to pull away from the roofing material and cause water leaks. You might even see those strips around specialty items such as skylights and any chimneys that are present. These flashings should be inspected twice each year to prevent leaks during the rain or when snow and ice begin to melt.
- Condensation Issues – It is basic science: when warm air and cold surfaces come together, condensation naturally occurs. Buildings that are not properly insulated can be prime candidates for condensation. Mold, mildew, and damage to drywall are just some of the issues that can happen after condensation. Have your roof checked twice each year to make sure that there aren’t any issues that could result in condensation. Ventilation issues, which can also lead to condensation, can also result in ice dams, which can seriously damage your roof and lead to early replacement.
- Gale Force Winds – Rhode Island and Massachusetts both get more than our fair share of strong winds. Wind storms can pick up enough speed that they can loosen up roofing materials and knock them right off. If you notice any roofing materials on the ground around your commercial building after a storm, contact a Rhode Island commercial roofing contractor for roof maintenance in Providence. Winds can rip off an entire roof, especially if it is old or was not properly installed. Prevent major winter roof repairs by having your roof inspected by a professional at least twice each year in the spring and again in the fall.
- Icicles – While they might look “pretty” to the untrained eye, icicles are actually responsible for a lot of structural damage and personal injury each year. Maintenance repair for roofing can be necessary after a serious bout with icicles, which are formed by warm, sunny days that are followed by sub-freezing nights. Most icicles form as the result of clogged gutters or downspouts as the melting snow pours over the side of the building and then freezes in place. Excessive weight from icicles can cause damage to roofing materials and gutters. Take care of gutter maintenance before the first snow hits and check them again afterward to make sure there isn’t any blockage.
- Ice Dams – We mentioned these earlier, but ice dams are caused by condensation and melting snow. When the upper areas of a sloped roof begin the thaw and the snow begins to melt, but the lower portion of the roof is still frozen, the melted liquid re-freezes again at the bottom part of the roof and creates a dam. This can affect the lower portion of the roof and the gutters, causing water to pool behind the dam. When this happens, water will ultimately leak into the structure through the natural cracks and joints in the roofing material. Thousands of dollars of damage can occur in just one freeze and thaw incident.
What You Can Do
The best thing to do about winter roof repairs is to take care of them right away. If you aren’t experiencing any problems but want to get ahead of any seasonal issues before they occur, contact a Rhode Island commercial roofing company like A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing and ask us to come out to perform an inspection. We can check the condition of the roofing materials and provide you with any needed preventive roof maintenance in Providence and the surrounding area. We will provide you with a comprehensive update about the current status of your roof, along with any suggestions for repairs, maintenance or upgrades.
If you are interested in talking with one of our representatives about the maintenance and repair of roofing in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, give us a call at 401.654.4128. Our team will come to your property and perform a full assessment of your building so we can discuss your goals and immediate needs. We are a full-service roofing company that has earned a solid reputation during our many years of experience in the New England commercial roofing industry.