Get our experienced snow removal crews on your roof today.
Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Roof Snow Removal
We do not service single-family residences.
Be proactive! Don’t wait for winter’s repetitive snow/thaw cycle to cause leaks or catastrophic damage to your property. When this process repeats, the icy layer becomes too heavy for the roof to support. This is referred to as excessive snow load, which can damage your roof’s structural integrity and possibly result in a roof collapse. Safety is paramount, and that includes the safety of building occupants. NRP meets/exceeds OSHA safety regulations.
Get our experienced snow removal crews on your roof today to:
- Perform weights and measures
- Clear drains of snow
- Eliminate ice from gutters and scuppers
- Remove snow
Rooftop snow removal services are available 24/7.
Contact NRP today to request rooftop snow removal for your facilities.
Check Availability: Commercial Roof Snow Removal
FAQ's on how winter weather impacts a commercial roof.
Why does snow and ice need to be removed from my commercial roof?
It is common knowledge that heavy snow and ice can increase the risk of a collapsed roof. However, the dangers of snow and ice do not end there. As ice breaks away from your roof, it can take parts of your roof with it. This is especially true for commercial low slope asphalt and shingle roofs. Depending on the age of your building and the type of roof, you may require emergency repair services or additional framing to prevent a compromised roof. Moisture issues, over time, can dramatically affect the strength of the structural elements of your roof.
As temperatures fluctuate and the roof lets off heat, it causes snow and ice buildup to freeze and thaw. This freeze/thaw cycle can trap a great deal of moisture on your commercial roof. The continuous cycle of freezing and thawing can weaken seams and flashing, causing them to split and crack. This can cause leaks which causes water damage to the interior of your building and mold growth. Over time, it can leak into your commercial roof and damage the interior of your building. Standing water can penetrate your roof system and cause moisture issues. The expansion of trapped moisture freezing in a roof can further cause irreparable damage.
Do commercial buildings have a maximum weight capacity?
Yes, commercial buildings have a maximum weight capacity, and heavy snow and drifts can put a dangerous level of stress on your roof’s structural integrity. One cubic foot of snow weighs between 12 and 20 pounds. A single cubic foot may not seem like an extreme amount but spread over a 10,000-square-foot roof, the weight can equate to 50 tons of snow. Even if your commercial roof is rated for local snowfall, this amount of weight can take its toll. Your roof isn’t all that will suffer from the effects of the added weight. Melted water can flow into the gutters and freeze overnight when the temperature drops, causing gutters to clog, resulting in a backup of water. The ice and water can also cause damage to your gutter, resulting in a leak or even unsightly dents.
Are ice dams common on commercial roofs?
Yes. An ice dam forms as the snow melts on a sloped commercial roof. As it begins to run down the roof, it can hit a cold section of the roof. The eaves of a commercial roof are typically cooler than the main section of the roof, which causes melted snow to freeze to ice. If left undetected, all the ice accumulation creates a dam which prevents melted snow from draining off the roof. Just like pooling water on a flat roof, this can lead to roof leaks.
How does wind damage a commercial flat roof?
Many commercial buildings have flat roofs to accommodate mounted HVAC systems. While we call the roof flat, there is still a slight pitch to direct water off the roof so that it does not pond on the surface and rot out the roof. Yet, when you add the extra element of wind, the roof can sustain enough damage to allow moisture to get underneath the felt sheets, bitumen, or single-ply roofing materials. It is best to check for areas where the seal between strips of commercial roofing material might become loose, signs of standing water or water damage, or sections like rusted flashing and metal fasteners. It doesn’t take much wind to cause significant damage to a flat roof system. A damaged roof can lead to building damage, endanger the people working or shopping in the building, and put your company at risk for significant structural damage and lost productivity if it collapses or becomes damaged during the winter months. Avoid these potential disastrous scenarios by preparing your commercial roof for the unique challenges of winter weather.