3 Things You Need to Know About Snow and Your Flat Roof

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In the summer, a flat roof can be a glorious place to hang out and take in the view with friends. In the autumn, it requires regular cleaning to keep the leaves out of the gutter. But how should you maintain your flat roof in winter? Is it a problem if snow is building up? What should you do if there is a big storm?

If you have only recently installed a flat roof on your house, or moved to a house that has a flat roof, here are three things you should know about how snow impacts your flat roof so that you can provide the best possible care and maintenance. 

1. Snow Provides Extra Insulation

We tend not to think of snow on top of a roof as a good thing, but the truth is that when you have a flat roof, a build-up of snow can actually be beneficial. Snow acts as an insulator, which means that a thick layer of snow on your flat roof can actually reduce your heating bill and help you conserve energy. 

Some homeowners may choose to get up on their flat roof with a shovel to clear off the snow, but this is not only unnecessary, but can also lead to damage to the membrane. The most sensible way to respond to a flat roof covered in snow is to simply let it be. 

2. Flat Roofs Need to Be Inspected More Regularly

One of the trade-offs between a flat vs. sloped roof is that while a flat roof is easier to maintain, it also requires more maintenance. You don't necessarily need to be up on your roof after every storm, but you should check in at least once a month to see whether debris is building up. Fallen branches and garbage carried on the wind can lead to scrapes and scratches, so you'll want to regularly check that your membrane is intact.  

If you do notice any tears or rips in the membrane that mean you need to get your roof repaired in Ajax in the middle of winter, call an Ajax roofer who specializes in flat roofs. 

3. Good Drainage is Essential

Did you know that your flat roof isn't actually flat? Flat roofs are designed to have a gentle slope so water doesn't pool on the roof. Depending on the design of your roof, the slope may end in a gutter at one end, or it may slope in toward a central drain or series of drains. 

This can cause problems when there is a lot freezing and thawing, because the drains can get clogged with ice, leaving water to collect on your roof deck. While snow provides an extra layer of insulation, ponding water is a dangerous thing to have on top of your house. 

If heavy snows are alternating with days where the temperature rises above zero, you may want to make sure your drains are operating as they should, and that any build-up of ice is broken so the water can be channeled away from the house.

A flat roof offers a lot of distinct benefits, but if you want to enjoy them you'll need to make sure you're taking the necessary measures to ensure that your roof stays effective through the winter months by inspecting it regularly, making sure the drains are working as they should, and calling an Ajax roofer if you notice any damage.