Buffalo winters are no joke. And if you’re managing a commercial property in Western New York, your roof needs to be ready long before the first lake-effect snow hits.
Winter can be brutal on flat roofs. Blocked drains freeze solid. Small gaps expand into major leaks. And that heavy snow? It piles up fast.
At Grove Roofing, we believe in staying ahead of the season — because reacting too late usually means more damage, more cost, and more downtime for your building.
Here’s a straightforward, actionable checklist to help you get your roof winter-ready. It’s the same proactive approach we take with our own service clients, and it’s designed to prevent problems before they start.
Manage Drainage and Water Flow
Fall debris builds up fast. And if your drains are even partially blocked heading into winter, you’re risking standing water, ice dams, and serious damage.
Here’s what to do:
- Clear all gutters, downspouts, and roof drains. Leaves and gunk don’t need much time to clog things up.
- Run water through drains to test flow. A visual check isn’t enough, especially if ice is already starting to form.
- Inspect scuppers and overflow drains. If your primary system freezes, you’ll be glad to have backups that actually work.
- Secure all downspouts. They should discharge away from the foundation and stay attached during freeze/thaw cycles.
Inspect Rooftop Equipment and Penetrations
Most roof leaks start around rooftop penetrations, not in the open membrane field. That includes HVAC units, vents, skylights, and access hatches.
Check these critical areas:
- HVAC units and curbs. Look for cracked sealant, worn flashing, or gaps. These are some of the top sources of winter water intrusion.
- Vents, pipes, and conduit. Inspect boots and collars. Summer heat can make them brittle—now’s the time to replace them.
- Skylights and access hatches. Confirm the seals are tight and lenses aren’t cracked. These can leak and leak heat.
Control Heating Costs Through the Cold Months
Winter preparation isn’t just about preventing leaks, it’s also about retaining heat. Even minor breaches in the roof system can lead to significant energy loss and higher heating costs.
Be proactive with:
- Wet insulation checks. Look for soft spots or discoloration. Wet insulation can lose up to 90% of its R-value.
- Perimeter seals. Roof-to-wall joints, parapets, and expansion joints are notorious for letting warm air escape.
- Gaps around penetrations. Small air leaks drive up heating bills fast.
- Roof coatings. If your system has a reflective or protective coating, check for cracking or peeling.
Snow and Ice Management for Safety and Integrity
Buffalo snow isn’t just deep, it’s heavy. Planning ahead can prevent structural stress, slips, and emergency service calls.
Take these steps now:
- Check snow retention systems. If your roof uses snow guards or fences, make sure they’re secure and intact.
- Review snow load capacity. Know your roof’s limits—and make sure your snow removal crew does too.
- Inspect roof access and safety gear. Ladders, tie-offs, hatches—everything should be ready for use in rough conditions.
- Set an emergency snow removal plan. Don’t wait until January when crews are booked out. Pre-schedule your vendor and confirm response times.
Check Your Documentation and Schedule Preventive Repairs
Winter makes even small problems harder to fix. Finish the season strong by addressing known issues before the weather turns.
Finish with:
- Photo documentation. Capture the current roof condition before winter hits. It helps track changes and supports future warranty claims.
- Log inspections and repairs. Keep records of what you’ve checked, fixed, or flagged for future work.
- Fix small issues now. Reseal flashing. Replace brittle boots. Patch insulation. Cold weather makes even small problems worse—and harder to fix.
Winter in Western New York is tough on commercial buildings. A well-prepared roof can mean the difference between smooth operations and expensive downtime.
Taking the time now to inspect, repair, and prepare protects your facility—and helps extend the life of your roof system. And if you’re unsure where to start, we can help.
At Grove Roofing, we’re a call away when there’s a problem, but we’re always taking steps to help you avoid them altogether. We offer detailed roof assessments, preventive maintenance, and snow removal planning for commercial roofs across Western New York. Want us to take a look before the snow hits? Contact us to schedule your inspection and get winter-ready.