When Minnesota winters roll in, flat roofs face some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Heavy snow, ice dams, fluctuating temperatures, and pounding winds put enormous stress on commercial roofing systems. For property managers, these seasonal challenges can mean the difference between a building that weathers the winter without issue—or one riddled with leaks, costly emergency repairs, and frustrated tenants.

The good news? With proactive preparation, you can prevent most winter roofing issues before they ever occur. Winterizing a flat roof isn’t just about shoveling snow—it’s a comprehensive strategy that includes inspection, maintenance, drainage improvements, and emergency readiness. In this post, we’ll walk through everything property managers should do to protect their flat roofs this winter.

Why Winterizing Flat Roofs Matters

Flat roofs are widely used in commercial buildings because they are affordable, practical, and provide space for HVAC units and other equipment. But winter introduces unique threats:

– Snow Load Stress: Accumulating snow can weigh thousands of pounds, risking structural damage.
– Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Melting and refreezing water creates cracks in membranes and expands small flaws.
– Ice Dams: Heat escaping from inside the building melts snow, which refreezes near edges, trapping water on the roof.
– Drainage Issues: Blocked drains lead to ponding water, which quickly freezes and worsens membrane damage.

Failing to prepare means facing higher repair costs, tenant complaints, and business disruptions. Proactive winterization protects not just the building—but also your investment, reputation, and bottom line.

Step 1: Conduct a Pre-Winter Roof Inspection

The first and most important step is a thorough inspection by a professional roofer. Even minor issues can become major problems once snow and ice arrive.

A pre-winter inspection should cover:
– Roof Membrane: Look for cracks, blisters, punctures, or loose seams.
– Flashing & Seals: Ensure flashing around penetrations (vents, HVAC, skylights) is tight and sealed.
– Drains & Gutters: Confirm they’re clear and undamaged.
– Roof Edges: Inspect for gaps where wind and moisture could infiltrate.

Pro Tip: Document your inspection with photos and written notes. Not only will this help prioritize repairs, but it also strengthens insurance claims if damage occurs later.

Step 2: Clean and Clear Debris

Leaves, branches, dirt, and trash may seem harmless, but they can clog drains and create ponding water that freezes into ice sheets. Clearing debris ensures water flows properly off the roof.

– Remove all organic material from the surface.
– Check downspouts and scuppers for clogs.
– Trim nearby tree branches to minimize ongoing debris buildup.

This step is quick and inexpensive but pays huge dividends by preventing water blockages during storms.

Step 3: Improve Drainage Systems

Flat roofs live and die by their drainage systems. If water can’t escape, it will pool, freeze, and cause leaks.

Drainage preparation includes:
– Inspecting internal drains, scuppers, and gutters for cracks, corrosion, or misalignment.
– Installing heating cables in gutters or downspouts to prevent ice blockages.
– Confirming slope is adequate for water runoff.

Pro Tip: If you’ve had ponding issues in past winters, consider installing tapered insulation systems to improve slope and reduce standing water.

Step 4: Check Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Winterization isn’t just about stopping leaks—it’s also about controlling heat flow. Poor insulation leads to heat loss, which increases energy bills and contributes to ice dam formation.

– Inspect roof insulation for damage or wet spots.
– Seal gaps around HVAC units and roof penetrations.
– Ensure roof hatches and skylights are airtight.

Improved insulation keeps warm air inside, snow frozen in place, and energy costs manageable.

Step 5: Plan for Snow and Ice Management

Minnesota winters guarantee snow—often a lot of it. That means property managers need a safe snow removal plan.

– Hire Professionals: Snow removal on flat roofs should never be done by untrained staff. Using shovels, salt, or heavy equipment improperly can damage membranes.
– Use Roof-Friendly Tools: Professionals use plastic shovels or snow blowers with non-abrasive blades.
– Know Your Load Limits: Every roof has a weight capacity. Partner with your roofer to monitor snow loads and schedule removal before weight exceeds safe limits.

Pro Tip: Create a written snow management agreement in advance with your roofing contractor. This ensures fast response when heavy storms hit.

Step 6: Emergency Preparedness

Even with the best planning, emergencies happen. Having a clear plan reduces downtime and protects tenants.

– Have a Roofer on Call: Establish a relationship with a local contractor before winter starts.
– Stock Emergency Supplies: Keep tarps, buckets, and wet/dry vacuums on hand.
– Tenant Communication: Have a notification process in place to update tenants if leaks occur.
– Insurance Documentation: Keep records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs to support claims.

Step 7: Partnering with a Professional Roofing Company

For property managers, one of the smartest decisions is to form a maintenance partnership with a trusted roofing company.

Benefits include:
– Scheduled inspections before and after winter.
– Priority emergency response during storms.
– Peace of mind knowing experts familiar with your building are on standby.

Right Now Roofing & Restoration specializes in flat roof systems built to withstand Minnesota’s toughest winters. Partnering with us means fewer surprises, lower repair costs, and confidence that your property is protected.

Winter is coming—don’t wait until the first snowfall to think about your commercial flat roof. By inspecting, cleaning, improving drainage, checking insulation, and creating snow and emergency plans, property managers can prevent costly issues and keep tenants happy.

Schedule your winter prep inspection today with Right Now Roofing & Restoration—and ensure your building is ready for everything a Minnesota winter throws at it.

Visual Aid Suggestion: Flat Roof Winter Prep Checklist

Create a simple checklist graphic for property managers, with items such as:
– Roof inspection complete
– Debris cleared
– Drains/gutters checked
– Insulation verified
– Snow removal plan in place
– Emergency contacts updated

This can double as a downloadable PDF lead magnet.

FAQs

Q: How often should I inspect my flat roof in winter?
A: At least once before winter, once after major snowstorms, and again in spring. More frequent inspections are ideal if your building has a history of leaks.

Q: Can my maintenance crew handle roof prep instead of hiring a roofer?
A: While basic cleaning can be done in-house, professional inspections and repairs are critical to catch hidden issues and ensure safety.

Q: What’s the average cost of winter prep vs. emergency repairs?
A: Preventative winter prep typically costs a fraction of emergency repairs. For example, a routine inspection and maintenance may cost a few hundred dollars, while emergency flat roof repairs can run into the thousands.

Q: Is snow removal always necessary?
A: Not always. It depends on the roof’s load capacity and the type of snow. Your roofing partner can determine when removal is required to prevent overload.

Justin Hansen

Justin Hansen is a seasoned professional in the roofing and siding industry, boasting over 15 years of hands-on experience. Starting his career in residential roofing, Justin quickly established a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship. His commitment to quality and excellence propelled him into more complex commercial projects, where he consistently delivered outstanding results.