Snow's effect on commercial flat roofing systems

Commercial flat roofing in Vancouver is designed to withstand the effects of snowfall during our winters here on the west coast. However, that doesn’t mean we forget about it entirely. There are definitely some concerns to address in order to avoid unwanted surprises and unnecessary damage.

One of the primary concerns is the inevitable freeze/thaw cycle. This is where accumulations of snow start to melt in the daytime temperatures. Then overnight, that water freezes and expands. If it made its way into cracks on your flat roof, the freeze/thaw cycle will make the cracks larger and much worse. Compounding damage begins accruing to your roofing material and internal building structures.

Another concern is snow blocking and damaging rooftop structures like HVAC units, drainage systems, ventilation, etc. The freeze/thaw cycle turns blockages into ice which interferes with access and/or causes damage to these systems.

Additionally, we are all familiar with the danger of snow and icicles falling off roofs. This scenario needs to be prevented to avoid injury to people or to adjacent, lower-lying flat roofs. 

If your roof was not in good shape heading into winter, then you also need to be concerned about the weight of snow on your building. Snow needs to be kept in check to avoid serious structural damage to the building’s integrity.

You can try to remove the snow yourself, however that is not something we recommend. Instead, hire professional roofing contractors like Laurentian Roofing. We know how to safely remove snow without damaging other structures on your roof, including the roofing membrane, vents, pipes, and drains.

Laurentian Roofing are BBB-accredited roofing contractors you can trust. Give us a call for worry-free snow removal on all of your flat roofs. 604-345-7663