Winter in Florida might not bring heavy snow or freezing temperatures, but it still poses unique challenges for commercial roofs. With fluctuating temperatures, strong storms, and increased rainfall, even mild winters can lead to winter roof problems. And this is particularly worrying because winter roof problems can weaken roofs and make them more susceptible to hurricane damage. For businesses in Florida, understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and worker safety, and protecting your investment.
While Florida’s winters are less extreme than in northern states, they come with their own set of risks. From heavy rainstorms to temperature shifts, these factors can lead to winter roof damage if not managed proactively.
Winter storms in Florida often bring high winds, heavy rains, and hail, which can:
Inadequate drainage and damaged flashing can make roofs even more susceptible to these issues. Strengthening your roof with proper reinforcements, such as hurricane straps or enhanced sealants, can help it withstand winter storm damage as well as hurricanes.
To protect your roof from storm-related damage:
Taking proactive steps can minimize winter roof problems and keep your commercial property safe during Florida’s mild but unpredictable winters. However, we get asked lots of questions about what’s really necessary in our climate. So here are some common questions we get asked by commercial property owners and managers in Florida.
Covering turbine roof vents in Florida is generally unnecessary. Turbine vents help ventilate hot, humid air, even in winter, preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of mold. Instead of covering vents, ensure they’re in good condition and free from debris.
Flat roofs are especially vulnerable to leaks due to water pooling. In fact, extensive damage from repeated water pooling is one of the most common reasons commercial property owners end up needing us to replace their flat roof. Here’s how to protect your flat roof, so you can avoid a costly replacement project:
If your flat roof is leaking, it’s likely water has been pooling on your roof for quite some time, so it’s important you resolve the root cause as soon as possible if you want to extend the life of your roof. We can repair most commercial flat roofs including built-up roofs, EPDM roofing, and metal constructions.
In some areas, roof repairs can be tricky to do in winter. Thankfully, Florida’s winter weather shouldn’t prevent you from addressing roof issues. In fact, winter is generally a really good time to detect and remedy roof issues, which is great news as timely repairs can save you from costly problems later.
For most roofing materials, installation and repairs require temperatures above 40°F. Fortunately, Florida’s winter temperatures usually stay well above this range, making winter repairs feasible.
It’s worth noting, though, that while Florida’s mild temperatures allow roofing professionals to perform repairs year-round, rain may delay certain projects. So, if you notice a problem with your roof, it’s a good idea to book in a professional assessment as soon as you can to minimize the impact of any repair delays due to the weather. Addressing damage promptly prevents leaks and structural deterioration, which will save you money in the long run, so don’t delay!
Winter isn’t just a good time to do roof repairs. In Florida at least, winter can also be a great time to upgrade your roof, especially if you’re planning for long-term energy efficiency. And if your roof is damaged beyond repair, you should have no trouble replacing your roof in winter. Just be aware, the best time to replace your roof is always before damage becomes extensive and causes more serious structural damage, so don’t procrastinate on that front! Thankfully Florida winters shouldn’t be a reason for delay.
We often get asked if it’s possible to install a metal roof in winter, since this is one of the most popular roofing types for commercial properties. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading or replacing your current commercial roof, you can absolutely have a new metal roof installed in winter in Florida. The lack of freezing temperatures means roofing contractors can perform new installations right through winter. As with repairs, though, there are some parts of the process that may be delayed slightly due to rain.
Good roofing contractors can structure your project to minimize weather-related delays. But it’s always a good idea to ask your roofer what your project’s timeline is and how weather might impact it. They should also be able to share advice on minimizing the impact of the roof installation project on your operations, including if the timeframe is extended due to rainy conditions.
Florida’s winters may be mild in terms of temperature, but heavy rain and winter storms can still cause a variety of winter roof problems including everything from mild leaks to whole roof sheets being torn off. Winter-proofing your roof ensures it’s ready to handle unpredictable weather throughout the winter period. It can also help protect your roof from hurricane damage during hurricane season.
Perhaps the best thing about winter-proofing your commercial roof is that it can also maintain or improve your business’s energy efficiency. This has a raft of benefits, not least of which is increased comfort for your staff and reduced heating and cooling costs.
If you want to protect your roof from the need for costly replacement and also reduce your heating and cooling costs, schedule a free roof inspection now, so you can catch any damage and issues before they grow into costly problems!
