What Are Common Problems Commercial Roofs Face During the Winter?
Winter can be one of the toughest seasons for any commercial roofing system, especially in New Jersey where freezing temperatures, snow, ice, wind, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles put roofs under constant stress. While a well-installed commercial roof is designed to withstand harsh weather, even the best roofing systems can develop problems if they are not properly maintained.
Many of the most expensive commercial roof repairs begin with small issues that worsen throughout the winter months. A minor seam separation, clogged drain, or damaged flashing may not seem like a major concern in the fall, but after weeks of snow and ice accumulation, it can quickly turn into a costly leak or structural problem.
At R Stevens Commercial Roofing Inc. your local commercial roofing company, located at 1312 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052, we help commercial property owners throughout Northern and Central New Jersey prepare their roofing systems for winter and respond quickly when problems occur. Understanding the most common winter roofing issues can help protect your investment and reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs.
Snow Accumulation
One of the biggest challenges commercial roofs face during the winter is the weight of accumulated snow.
Unlike many residential roofs that have steep slopes, commercial roofs are often low-slope or flat. This design makes them more susceptible to snow buildup because the snow does not naturally slide off.
Heavy snow places tremendous stress on the roofing system and the building’s structural components. While modern commercial buildings are engineered to support expected snow loads, excessive accumulation combined with ice and standing water can increase the risk of structural damage.
Property owners should monitor snowfall throughout the winter, particularly after multiple storms occur in a short period of time.
Ice Dams
Although ice dams are more commonly associated with residential roofing, they can also develop on certain commercial buildings.
Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes near roof edges or around drainage systems. This trapped ice prevents water from draining properly, allowing it to back up beneath roofing materials.
As water works underneath membranes or flashing, leaks may begin developing inside the building.
Proper insulation, adequate drainage, and regular maintenance greatly reduce the risk of ice dam formation.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
New Jersey frequently experiences temperatures that fluctuate above and below freezing during the winter.
These repeated freeze-thaw cycles can be especially damaging to commercial roofing systems.
Water enters tiny cracks or gaps in roofing materials during warmer daytime temperatures. When overnight temperatures drop below freezing, that water expands as it turns into ice.
As the ice expands, the cracks become larger.
Over time this process can lead to:
- Split seams
- Cracked flashing
- Damaged sealants
- Membrane deterioration
- Larger roof leaks
This is one of the primary reasons routine roof inspections before winter are so important.
Ponding Water
Flat commercial roofs are designed to drain efficiently, but clogged drains, blocked scuppers, or poor roof slope can cause water to collect on the surface.
During the winter, ponding water creates additional concerns.
Standing water may freeze into thick sheets of ice that place additional stress on roofing materials. As temperatures fluctuate, the ice melts and refreezes repeatedly, accelerating roof deterioration.
Long-term ponding can also weaken insulation and shorten the overall lifespan of the roofing system. Learn more about roof leak repair or read on to learn more!
Damaged Flashing
Flashing protects the areas around rooftop penetrations such as HVAC units, skylights, vents, pipes, and parapet walls.
Winter weather can cause flashing to:
- Pull away from walls
- Crack
- Warp
- Separate from roofing materials
Once flashing becomes compromised, water has an easy pathway into the building.
Because flashing problems are often difficult to spot from the ground, professional inspections are recommended before and after winter.
Roof Membrane Shrinkage
Many commercial roofing systems use single-ply membranes such as EPDM, TPO, or PVC.
As temperatures drop, roofing materials naturally expand and contract.
Over time, repeated temperature changes may cause the roofing membrane to shrink, placing additional stress on seams and fasteners.
If left unaddressed, membrane shrinkage can lead to:
- Open seams
- Wrinkles
- Loose edges
- Fastener movement
- Increased vulnerability to leaks
Routine maintenance helps identify these issues before they become serious.
High Winds
Winter storms often bring strong winds that can damage commercial roofing systems even when snowfall is minimal.
Wind may:
- Lift roofing membranes
- Loosen flashing
- Remove edge metal
- Blow debris onto the roof
- Damage rooftop equipment
Once wind creates an opening in the roofing system, water infiltration becomes much more likely during future storms.
After severe wind events, a professional roof inspection is always a wise investment.
Clogged Roof Drains
Commercial roofs rely heavily on drainage systems to move water away from the building.
During the winter, drains frequently become blocked by:
- Leaves
- Twigs
- Ice
- Snow
- Dirt
- Roofing debris
When drains become clogged, melting snow has nowhere to go.
This leads to ponding water, ice buildup, and an increased risk of roof leaks.
Routine cleaning before winter helps ensure drainage systems continue functioning properly throughout the season.
Hidden Roof Leaks
One of the biggest challenges with winter roofing problems is that many leaks remain hidden for weeks or even months.
Water may enter beneath the roofing membrane and travel significant distances before appearing inside the building.
By the time interior ceiling stains become visible, insulation may already be saturated and structural components could be deteriorating.
Early detection through regular inspections helps prevent these hidden problems from becoming major repairs.
Damage Around Rooftop Equipment
Commercial buildings often contain numerous rooftop components, including:
- HVAC systems
- Exhaust fans
- Solar panels
- Satellite equipment
- Vent pipes
- Mechanical units
Snow and ice frequently accumulate around these penetrations.
As temperatures fluctuate, the seals surrounding rooftop equipment may crack or separate, allowing water to enter the building.
These areas should always be carefully inspected before winter arrives.
Interior Moisture Problems
Roof leaks during the winter can create more than just roofing damage.
Moisture entering the building may cause:
- Ceiling damage
- Mold growth
- Damaged insulation
- Electrical issues
- Slippery floors
- Damaged inventory
- Equipment failures
For businesses, these issues can disrupt operations and lead to costly downtime.
Addressing roofing issues quickly helps minimize these risks.
How to Prevent Winter Roofing Problems
Fortunately, many winter roofing issues are preventable with proactive maintenance.
Property owners should consider the following best practices:
- Schedule professional roof inspections in the fall.
- Repair minor roofing issues before winter arrives.
- Keep drains, gutters, and scuppers clear.
- Remove debris from the roof regularly.
- Monitor snow accumulation after major storms.
- Inspect the roof following high winds or severe weather.
- Address leaks immediately rather than waiting for warmer weather.
- Establish a preventative maintenance program with a qualified commercial roofing contractor.
Preventative maintenance is almost always less expensive than emergency roof repairs or premature roof replacement.
Protect Your Commercial Roof This Winter
Winter weather is unavoidable, but major roofing problems don’t have to be.
With regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and prompt repairs, commercial property owners can significantly reduce the impact that snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and winter storms have on their roofing systems.
At R Stevens Commercial Roofing Inc., we provide expert commercial roof inspections, preventative maintenance, roof repairs, and roof replacement services for businesses throughout West Orange, Essex County, and surrounding communities across New Jersey. Whether your building has an EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, metal, or built-up roofing system, our experienced team can identify potential problems before they become expensive emergencies.
If your commercial roof hasn’t been inspected recently or you want to ensure it’s ready for another New Jersey winter, contact R Stevens Commercial Roofing Inc. today. A proactive approach now can help protect your building, extend the life of your roof, and save your business thousands of dollars in future repair costs.
