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Writer's pictureBob Priolo

Winterize Your Roofs

Did you know clogged gutters may lead to ice dam build-up along the eaves that can cause moisture to wick up under the roof system. This will end with deterioration of the structure and more costly repairs. The weight of the ice could deform the gutters or cause them to falloff of the building.


WHAT CAN YOU DO TO GET READY FOR WINTER AND GET BETTER:

  1. Pull out your Preventive Maintenance Manual and open to ROOF MAINTENANCE

    1. What does it say?

    2. What are you DOING?

    3. Does it need updated or revised?


  2. NOW is the time to WALK EACH ROOF and prepare a checklist of activities:

    1. Review safety protocols prior to anyone climbing onto a roof

    2. Identify overhanging trees and vegetation dropping leaves on your roof

    3. Coordinate with Campus Grounds for strategic tree pruning

    4. Blow off all leaves from roof surface

    5. Inspect snow guards and attachments

    6. Photo document all standing water for remediation

    7. Identify repair work that needs done now and in the Spring


  3. Clean out all roof drains, scuppers, gutters and downspouts

    1. Clean all debris out of drains and gutters

    2. Flush out the drains, outlet piping and downspouts with water as possible

    3. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, moisture wicking and roof damage.


  4. Research how to use drone video footage to capture maintenance data

    1. Drones provide a quick and safe overview of your roof square footage

    2. Is a licensed drone pilot available to your team?

    3. Drone footage can help target and prioritize your efforts

    4. Update written protocols and checklists as appropriate



Believe it or not, this task is also an opportunity for team building. Preventive Maintenance Tasks can sometimes get overlooked by the day-to-day emergencies, so have some Fall Fun with your team by dividing the campus into Zones and coming up with low-cost incentives for those who finish their roof maintenance first.



Clogged Roof Gutters
Clogged Roof Gutters

Metal Roof with Clogged Gutters
Metal Roof with Clogged Gutters

Ponding Water Frozen Over Clogging the Roof Drain
Ponding Water Frozen Over Clogging the Roof Drain

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