Freeze/Thaw Can Decimate A Commercial Roof
Once this snow passes we should be good to go for spring. Doesn’t it seem like we have been saying that for the past 9 months or so? It seems like this winter will never end. Of course, the moment we get hit with a heatwave it will be as if it never happened. This fluctuating weather can be depressing, exciting, and all sorts of other emotions all rolled into one. As rough as it is on us humans, weather like this can be even more brutal on your commercial roof. At S&S Roofing we are extremely well-versed in the particular roofing damage that occurs in our unique climate in New Jersey. You could say that 30 years of experience has taught us exactly what needs to be done, and we intend to keep it that way.
Springtime in New Jersey
Spring is a great time for the weather, one minute it could be sunny and 80 degrees, the next it could be snowing sideways with subzero temperatures. You know what they say about New Jersey weather, “if you don’t like it, just wait a minute.” The problem this time of year is the extreme temperature fluctuations that are possible. It is not uncommon for it to be below freezing at night and pleasantly warm during the day. While this makes for great sleeping weather, it can destroy a commercial roof.
The Freeze/Thaw Cycle
The freeze-thaw cycle begins in the summer months when thunderstorms roll through the area and dump rain on the top of your building. During this time, if your roof is not adequately sealed or damaged, water will work its way into the small cracks and crevices that should be sealed. This is especially true if your roof has drainage issues and is allowing standing water to remain on the roof. Standing water is one of the biggest killers of a commercial flat roof. Once the water infiltrates the roof, it provides a path for more water to flow into the little crevices. This process begins to rot materials like wood and can even flatten insulation, creating severe problems. As this cycle continues for the remainder of the summer, more and more water makes its way into the little pockets. In the fall, we generally get our first below-freezing temperatures of the season. At this time, the standing water in the pockets on the roof will freeze. When water freezes, it expands, further damaging the roof, essentially breaking the roof from the inside out. This freeze-thaw cycle continues throughout the winter and its damage becomes evident as leaks start to appear.
Help Is Here At S&S Roofing
What can you do about the freeze-thaw cycle? Simple, regular inspections can pinpoint problem areas and allow S&S Roofing to form a plan for repair or resealing your roof. We are now utilizing infrared imaging to discover problem areas on commercial roofs without needing to tear off sections to check for damage. This non-invasive testing not only saves you money but is highly accurate at determining potential issues. Those little cracks that water can seep into your roof are much easier to find with this technology. For a quick reseal, if your roof is in good enough shape, we would recommend our liquid applied roofing system. This technique is extremely good at getting into the cracks ordinary roof sealants may miss. If it has been longer than you can remember since you have had your commercial roof inspected, now is the time to contact your local commercial roofing experts are S&S Roofing. Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services, or schedule an inspection!