How To Protect Your Roof This Winter
January 24, 2017
We’re right smack dab in the dead of winter, but we’ve got you covered. This
great 2016
article from our contributor Edis Oliver, an engineer and long-time roofing expert with
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, provides some great advice on how to get your roof
through the rest of the winter.
He reminds facility managers, especially now after a few snow and ice storms (and here
in the Midwest, more than our share of winter rainstorms as well), to check overhanging
trees and branches to make sure they’re not ready to break under the weight of recent
precipitation.
Also, if you have a steep sloped roof, or sections of roof with a steep slope, be sure to
check your snow guards to make sure they haven’t come loose. As well, if you’re really
far north, make sure snow and ice haven’t backed up behind them to levels of dangerous
weight.
Oliver also suggests limiting roof access only to those who absolutely must be on the roof
during the winter. And even for those essential personnel, use extra caution. The roof will
be slippery, icy, and wet. But now is the best time to make a mid-winter inspection to
ensure all rooftop equipment is still securely fastened, and there are no obvious punctures
or unsecured pieces of equipment.
Finally, if you haven’t recently, take a good look at
your roofing warranty and be sure
understand what is and isn’t covered. That way if something bad happens over the course
of the rest of the winter, you’ll know the appropriate course of action.
This Quick Read was submitted by Greg Zimmerman, Editor of Building Operating Management, greg.zimmerman@tradepressmedia.com.
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