Croydon Roofing Company Discusses Dangers of Winter on a Flat Roof
Posted by: Brunwin Professional Roofing Services Ltd
Date Posted: Jan. 2, 2017
A flat roof can make a Surrey or Croydon home or commercial establishment look ultra-modern, but along with the aesthetical advantage comes a list of special considerations, especially during winter. While most flat roofs actually have a slight pitch, they can still collect more rain and snow than traditional roofs. This makes them a safety liability whenever the temperature drops. Below is a list of the damages that a harsh winter season can deal to a flat roof:
Ponding/bowing
Snow can accumulate on your flat roof, and this can put a lot of unwanted weight on the structure. This excessive downward pressure can cause the roof to bow, which can lead to ponding under the roof structure. Ponding not only causes wear and tear on the roof materials-it can also hamper the smooth operation of the HVAC and other electrical systems.
Repetitive freezing/thawing
Over the course of winter, snow can repeatedly melt and freeze. This means that your roof's moisture content is expanding and contracting constantly, and if your roof has cracks and crevices, ongoing expansion and contraction can make these bigger, thus subjecting your roof to further damage.
Leaks
With increased moisture content, water may soon find its way into the building. Leaks tend to develop over time, and though they may appear quite small in the beginning, the can result in costly damage not only to the roof, but the entire structure itself. If worse comes to worst, the roof can collapse, which can put everyone in the building at risk.
With increased moisture content, water may soon find its way into the building. Leaks tend to develop over time, and though they may appear quite small in the beginning, the can result in costly damage not only to the roof, but the entire structure itself. If worse comes to worst, the roof can collapse, which can put everyone in the building at risk.
- Clear away large amounts of snowfall from the roof surface as soon as you see them.
- Remove ice dams immediately.
- Use de-icing products suitable for your specific type of roof membrane.
- If you are unsure about clearing away the snow yourself, hire a professional Surrey and Croydon roofing company to safely and efficiently remove the buildup.
Maintaining your flat roof is critical to the integrity of your home or commercial establishment, as well as the safety of the people in it. Take these preventive measures to ensure your flat roof can handle the worst that the winter weather can throw at it. For questions regarding the care of your flat roof during the winter, contact a trusted Croydon and Surrey roofing company such as Brunwin Professional Roofing Services Ltd.
Sources:
Property advice: The problem with flat roofs, Telegraph.co.uk
How to Care for a Flat Roof in the Winter, SFGate.com