Maintenance Archives

Snow, Ice, and Your Roof: The Ultimate Guide to Winter Readiness

Written by admin-359123210October 8, 2023

Winter is a season that brings with it the beauty of snowfall, the comfort and joy of the holidays, and the promise of new beginnings with the start of a new year. However, for business owners, it also brings the challenge of ensuring that their premises, especially the roof, are ready to withstand the harsh weather conditions that Northern Michigan winters can bring. In this guide, we will break down the critical items you should be aware of as a business owner to ensure the winter readiness of your business’s roof.

The True Impact of Snow and Ice

Snow and ice have a significant impact on the structural integrity and overall safety of your business’s roof. The accumulation of snow can lead to excessive weight on the roof, while ice can cause water damage and create hazardous conditions. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks and take proactive measures to mitigate these issues.

Regular Roof Inspections

Regular roof inspections are a cornerstone of maintaining a safe and functional roof during the winter months. It’s advisable to have a professional roof inspection conducted in the fall, before the onset of winter. This inspections will identify any existing issues such as leaks, loose shingles, or other damage that could be further aggravated by snow and ice.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your roof clean and well-maintained is essential for preventing problems during the winter months. This includes cleaning out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, removing debris from the roof, and repairing any damage. A clean, well-maintained roof is less likely to suffer damage from snow and ice accumulation.

Snow Removal

Prompt snow removal is crucial to prevent excessive weight and potential collapse of your roof. It’s advisable to have a snow removal plan in place, which may include hiring a professional snow removal service. Additionally, it’s important to know the weight capacity of your roof and monitor snow accumulation to ensure it stays within safe limits.

Ice Dam Prevention

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining off the roof. They can cause water to backup behind the dam and leak into the building, causing water damage. Proper insulation and ventilation can prevent ice dams.

Investing in a High-Quality Roofing System

Investing in a high-quality roofing system with good insulation and a waterproof membrane can significantly reduce the risks associated with snow and ice. At Springfield, we can determine the best roofing system to fit your business’s needs. We specialize in flat and low sloped roofs, sloped roofs, and metal retrofit roofs that minimize tears offs and help resist snow build up.

Emergency Preparedness

All this said, even despite your best efforts, emergencies can still occur. It’s important to have an emergency response in place, including who to call for repairs and having a budget set aside for unexpected expenses. Being prepared for emergencies will help minimize the impact on your business, ensure a swift recovery, and further prevent damage to your business.

Educating Your Staff

For many businesses, roofs are “out of sight, out of mind” until problems arise. Educating your staff about the importance of roof maintenance and winter readiness is also crucial. Ensure that your team knows the proper procedures for snow removal, reporting potential issues, and responding to emergencies. Additionally, it’s critical that your team is safe when stepping foot on the roof – even in tough weather conditions. Springfield Smart Ladder Rests are a simple, low-cost, maintenance-free way to provide a stable, secure ladder fall-protection system.

Winter readiness is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and functional business environment. By taking proactive steps to prepare your business’s roof for even Michigan’s toughest season, you can ensure the safety of your staff, minimize damage and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Need to get prepared for the upcoming winter? Contact our team of experts today at 231-263-5300 to get started.

3 Tips to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Spring

Written by SpringfieldMarch 29, 2023

It’s no secret that America’s beloved (and definitely qualified) groundhog meteorologist saw his shadow and winter is here for a bit longer than we all might enjoy. However, it’s time to start thinking warm thoughts and preparing your commercial roof for spring. Consider these three tips as you head into preparing your business for those warmer months.

Springfield Tip #1: Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Before starting any work, it’s important to conduct a safe and thorough inspection of your commercial roof to identify any areas that may be prone to debris accumulation. Once you’ve identified these areas, you will need to determine if you can safely remove the debris and/or clear drainage systems to ensure proper water flow.

Springfield Tip #2: Clearing Debris

Damp leaves are putting your commercial flat roof and drainage system at risk. If you can safely remove debris that may have accumulated over the winter months, you should do so. Winter debris, such as leaves, branches, and other various items, can block your drainage systems and cause water to accumulate on your commercial roof. If left unchecked, this can often lead to leaks, water damage, and even structural damage.

Springfield Tip #3: Address Any Damage

At Springfield, we always say, “A well-maintained roof lasts twice as long as those that do not.” It’s no secret that Northern Michigan winters are tough on your commercial roof between the elements and temperature fluctuation. Even the smallest moisture in just the tiniest place can cause severe damage if left unattended. Repair any leaks and address any issues with flashing or other roofing components – your roof (and wallet) will thank you.

While these tips are a great way to spring into seasonal roof maintenance, nothing beats a professional inspection. Springfield understands the problems that can be caused by a Michigan winter, and more importantly, can identify potential issues that may have gone unnoticed. Call our team today to see how our roofing experts will ensure your roof is in good condition and ready to withstand the challenges of the upcoming season.

Timing Is Everything

Written by SpringfieldSeptember 28, 2017

Why does my building leak 2 days after it rains? How come my building doesn’t leak all winter and then as soon as it starts to look like spring, it leaks like crazy? Why do I experience roof problems when the parent company is visiting from out of state? Why does my building have “gi-normous” and dangerous looking ice daggers during the winter? Why does a new roof cost so much?

If you have ever experienced any of the above with your industrial/commercial facility, it is time to call Springfield Inc. for a professional evaluation of your building which includes looking at the building envelope, insulation, ventilation, and various other issues. Experienced roofing project managers along with our on-staff professional engineers can help you with an awareness of your current rooftop conditions. Knowing the facts will help you move forward with your capital budget planning and you may be surprised to learn that a majority of our clients can find initial and immediate relief from roofing issues with small, relatively inexpensive repairs. At Springfield, we love to make your existing roof last absolutely as long as possible so that you may focus your money on growing your business and adding employment opportunities to hard working men and women in our beautiful state of Michigan.