The work that our roofs do for us in winter is often taken for granted. While we remain comfortably seated indoors during the most brutal of weathers outdoor, the roof ahead braves the elements and provides security.
Flat commercial roofs are designed to withstand additional weight. However, heavy snow and the low temperature still present huge dangers for the roof. You might hear loud popping sounds and see the visible bend in the metal supports that suggest a deformity. These are all signs of heavy snow exceeding the load that your roof can carry.
The heavy snow load can lead to the following consequences that you need to be wary of.
Weakened Materials
Snow and ice can deteriorate the roofing material. It can result in bending and buckling flashing and can lead to widening gaps between the joints and the seams. Ignoring the weakened roofing results in exacerbation of other forms of weaknesses, which includes depressions in the surface and membrane cracks?
Leaks
Depressions in the roof host water from the melting snow, which accumulates in the depressions leading to further problems. The water then leaks through the gaps or any unsealed areas and can result in grave dangers for the structure of your house.
Thermal Shocks
Some areas are prone to vary temperatures throughout the day. The weather is at extremes during the afternoon and the night, and the different weather conditions lead to thermal shocks for the house.
The heat during the daytime warms the roof while the drop in temperature during the night time causes the temperature to dip below the freezing point.
Given the dangers that lie ahead, you must choose the right type of roofing. While flat commercial roofing is a great idea, it needs proper maintenance for smooth operation. Lack of maintenance can lead to the problems mentioned above.
