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Winter in Western North Carolina brings specific challenges for commercial property owners. Arden businesses must understand how to prevent snow and ice roof damage. This knowledge helps maintain structural integrity and avoid costly repairs. Heavy snow loads and ice dams can compromise sturdy commercial roofs. Therefore, your business needs a reliable plan to protect its property when temperatures drop.
Integrity Roofing, LLC has served the Arden and Western North Carolina communities since 2017. We focus on both residential and commercial roofing. Our team brings a high degree of experience and dedication to every project. Additionally, we understand the specific climate challenges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our team provides thorough inspections to help your business remain protected. We focus on "Integrity in every roof" and offer:
Comprehensive commercial roof assessments to identify vulnerabilities before winter hits.
Experience in flat and metal roofing systems is common in Arden’s commercial districts.
Assistance with insurance claims for storm damage to help you manage the recovery process.
Local knowledge of Arden building requirements and weather patterns.
Snow and ice present several threats to commercial structures. Many Arden businesses use flat or low-slope roofing systems. These designs differ from residential homes with steep pitches. Consequently, they are more susceptible to snow accumulation.
Piled snow creates weight loads that can exceed building design capacity. Wet snow is particularly heavy. It weighs significantly more than dry, powdery snow. Dry snow typically weighs between 3 and 5 pounds per cubic foot. In contrast, heavy, wet snow can weigh between 15 and 20 pounds per cubic foot. Excessive weight can lead to structural strain or roof collapse.
Freeze-thaw cycles also pose a major risk. The sun or building heat melts snow during the day. This water refreezes at night. This expansion can widen small cracks in your roof membrane. As a result, leaks occur that are difficult to find. Ice dams are another common issue. On flat roofs, they typically form around drains or low spots. On sloped roofs, they form at the colder eaves. These dams prevent meltwater from draining. This forces water under roofing materials and into your building.
An effective defense against winter damage is a proactive inspection. Integrity Roofing, LLC recommends a thorough check of all components before the first snowfall. This helps your roof stay ready for the season.
During an inspection, we identify and repair existing leaks. Even a small leak can become a major problem when ice expands. We also check the flashing around HVAC units and vents. These areas often fail during the winter.
Finally, we check that the roof membrane is free of punctures. On flat roofs, these imperfections can trap water. This water freezes and causes the membrane to pull away. A professional roof maintenance inspection gives you peace of mind.
Arden businesses must monitor snow depth during winter storms. Commercial roofs handle specific loads. However, record-breaking snowfalls can push these limits. In Buncombe County, the minimum ground snow load is 15 pounds per square foot. This typically translates to a roof design load of 20 psf.
Watch for signs of stress during a storm. These signs include sagging ceilings or new cracks in drywall. You might also hear unusual creaking sounds. If doors or windows suddenly stick, the roof weight may be causing the frame to shift.
Plan for professional snow removal if accumulation becomes dangerous. Do not wait until the roof reaches its breaking point. Removing snow early is safer than clearing a massive accumulation later.
Ice dams are not exclusive to residential homes. They often form on commercial roofs. Heat loss from the building melts snow. This water then refreezes at colder eaves or drainage points.
To prevent this, you should improve attic or ceiling insulation. Better insulation keeps heat inside your building. It also keeps the roof surface cooler. This reduces the amount of snow that melts and refreezes.
You should also maintain proper ventilation. Consistent roof temperatures help prevent uneven melting. For businesses planning a roof replacement, install ice and water shields. These shields provide an extra layer of protection.
Effective drainage is the primary way to prevent ice damage. If water cannot leave the roof, it enters the building. Therefore, gutter and drain maintenance is important for Arden businesses.
Before winter, clear all gutters and drains of debris. Leaves and twigs can quickly clog these systems. This leads to standing water that freezes. You should also check that scuppers are clear. Scuppers are important for flat roofs.
In some cases, consider heat tapes or de-icing cables. These tools help problematic drainage areas that freeze. They keep a path open for meltwater. This prevents the buildup of heavy ice.
Removing snow or ice without proper equipment is dangerous. It can also damage the roof membrane. Professional services use the right tools and safety gear. This protects both the workers and your property.
When removing snow, professionals use plastic shovels or specific rakes. Metal tools can puncture a roof membrane. They also know how to leave a thin layer of snow behind. This avoids damaging the roof surface.
Never use salt or harsh chemicals to melt ice. These substances can corrode metal components. They also degrade roofing membranes over time. If you have concerns, contact Integrity Roofing, LLC at (828) 448-0855. For more information on professional standards, visit the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Modern commercial roofs typically hold 20 to 40 pounds per square foot. However, this varies based on the building's age. Older buildings may have lower weight limits.
Look for large icicles hanging from the roof edge. You may also see water pooling behind ice ridges. If you see water leaking inside, an ice dam is likely.
No, you should not use salt. Salt causes significant damage to roofing materials. Use only manufacturer-approved de-icing products.
Consider professional snow removal when accumulation reaches 50% of design capacity. For heavy, wet snow, this can be 6 inches. You should also call if you see structural stress.
Don't wait for the next winter storm to compromise your property. Integrity Roofing, LLC is ready to help Arden businesses prepare for the elements. We provide experienced inspections and repairs. Our team offers the local knowledge you need. Contact us online or call us at (828) 448-0855. Schedule your free commercial roof assessment to help protect your business.
January 21, 2026
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