Blog

Winter is Coming

No, we are not talking about Game of Thrones. For us in the northern hemisphere, winter will begin on December 21, the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. The ensuing winter months will test your roof system.

As the winter winds begin to blow and the temperatures drop, your building will be subjected to some of the most unforgiving conditions of the year. During a typical winter, snow and ice accumulate on your roof, adding tremendous weight and stressing the roof system. Frequent freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc, with water seeping into tiny cracks and crevices only to expand as it freezes and damages the roof system. Dramatic temperature fluctuations can cause the roof to rapidly expand and contract, stressing the roof system and damaging roof membrane seams. Extremely low temperatures can cause roof materials with poor low-temperature flexibility to crack and split.

 

Preventative not Reactive

Proper roof maintenance is essential for preventing a wide range of costly and disruptive problems. A roof is one of the most critical components of any building, serving as the first line of defense against the elements and protecting the entire structure and its contents from the damaging effects of the weather. However, over time, a roof will naturally begin to degrade and deteriorate due to constant weathering, and without regular upkeep and care, small issues can quickly snowball into major headaches. Instead of reacting to a leak problem, it is better to prevent it from happening in the first place.

 

It begins with an Inspection.

Being prepared is always the best course of action. Proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate can save building owners and managers significant time, money, and headaches. Being prepared starts with a roof inspection.

During a roof maintenance check, a trained professional thoroughly examines a roof for signs of wear, cracking, or deterioration. They also inspect the flashing around roof penetrations, walls, curbs, and other roof components to identify any problems. Drains are also inspected to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning properly. The entire roofing system must be inspected to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into major problems.

 

Take Action

Repairs of any problems identified during the inspection process should be scheduled as soon as possible and before winter arrives and weather conditions deteriorate. Roof maintenance is a crucial aspect of building asset management. It is critically important to promptly address any issues or problems identified during a roof inspection, as delaying repairs can often lead to much more significant and costly damage, especially as the winter months approach. As the weather turns colder and harsher, with freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and strong winds, any existing problems with the roof of a building will only be exacerbated.

 

Coating Systems and Sealants

Coating systems offer a highly effective and versatile solution for maintaining and repairing roofs. With easy application and long-lasting performance, coating systems have become an indispensable tool in the world of roof maintenance. From minor to major repairs, coating systems can be incorporated into a solution that will keep winter out and extend the life of your roof.

For roofs facing minor wear and tear, a simple coating application can revitalize the surface, filling in small cracks, sealing gaps, and restoring the leak-proof integrity. On the other hand, roofs requiring more extensive work can greatly benefit from a comprehensive coating system. These advanced solutions integrate multiple layers, such as primer coats, base coats, and topcoats, and may include fabric reinforcement to create a comprehensive defense against water intrusion.

 

Schedule a Roof Inspection Now

If you want to have your roof inspected by Acrymax for free before winter begins, call us at 800-553-0523 or email us at info@acrymax.com. Let us show you how our coatings and sealants can provide highly effective solutions for addressing your roof problems before they escalate into major, costly issues.