January 4, 2016
4 Problems Your Flashings Could Face This Winter
Flashings are an integral and vital component of your roofing system. They protect the joints of your roof and provide a seal against water. These joints protected by flashings are vulnerable to a wide range of threats including high winds, extreme temperatures, and damage from aging.
The winter poses a unique threat to your commercial roofing system, and flashings must be properly maintained to ensure that you have no damage during the winter months. Melting and refreezing water during the winter places undue stress on flashings, and high winds can cause further damage over time.
The following are the four biggest problems your flashings could face this winter.
- Heavy Winds
- Heavy Snow
- Improper Sealing
- Aging Materials
Winter storms bring heavy winds that can quickly lead to costly damage to your roofing system. Any penetrations in the roof are vulnerable to high winds and can lead to loosening of flashings.
Winds can cause debris to be blown onto your roof. With enough force, this creates tears in the materials, increasing the risk of leaks and further damage.
The weight of heavy snow also causes damage to your roof and flashings. Flashings can be pulled away or loosened as a result of the drift of heavy snow.
When the snow melts, water becomes trapped and lead to the formation of ice dams. This forces water underneath the roofing system and through its flashings, causing damage to the interior of the roof.
If the materials of your rooftop have been improperly sealed, the winter winds can cause significant damage. The materials used when installing a roofing system are critical to its performance during the winter season.
Sealants and mastics must work in cold temperatures. Using cold-weather caulks prevents unwanted damage during the winter season. If the materials used during installation aren’t appropriate for cold temperatures, it could lead to costly damage during and after winter.
Roofing materials can wear down with time. If your roof’s flashings are old, they may not work well with newer materials. If any corrosion, cracking, or thinning occurs, you must make sure that it is replaced when re-roofing your building.
Flashings can be replaced when applying a tear-off roof replacement. They can also be installed over previous flashings when performing a roof-over installation. In any case, you should have your flashings inspected for issues related to aging in order to prevent further damage.
These four problems could impact your flashings during the winter season. Heavy winds and snow create undue stress on the roofing materials and causes tearing and leaks to occur.
The quality of the sealing performed during installation will also impact how well your roof withstands cold temperatures, heavy winds, and moisture. Knowing what to look for helps you determine the best flashing solution for your needs. You’ll protect your building’s roofing system and reduce the costs related to maintenance and repair.
Contact the Empire Roofing team today to see how we can help you build, maintain, and prevent problems with your roof.
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