Flat roofs are notoriously leak-prone, which is why it’d be a good idea to have them checked before winter. D-Wing Construction, a top roof installation contractor in the state, elaborates on why contractors strongly recommend doing this every year below. 



The Problem With Flat Roofs 

Flat roofs aren’t completely flat—they’re slightly elevated to allow rainwater to flow down the drains. However, if water or snow accumulates on the surface, leaks can start to appear. That’s because flat roofs aren’t designed to bear a lot of weight. Eventually, the stress from the added weight load can cause cracks to form or parts of the surface to collapse altogether. Water can then infiltrate your roof through these openings. 

How Pre-Winter Maintenance Can Help Prevent Flat Roofing Issues

By having your flat roof checked, contractors can identify issues and address them before they can worsen. We’ve listed below some of the common flat roofing issues our customers encounter in winter as well as their root causes: 

  1. Ice dams – Improper insulation is usually the main culprit behind ice dams or icicles forming at the edge of your roof. If your building doesn’t have enough insulation, warm air can rise to your flat roof, melting the snow on top. The melted snow then flows down to the edges of the roof—remember, flat roofs are still slightly elevated. As the melted snow approaches the cold edges of your roof, it freezes and deposits at the edge of the roof. 

  2. HVAC problems – Most building owners install their HVAC equipment on top of their roofs. Snow build-up and ponding water can damage them. 

Hire a Qualified Contractor 

Keep in mind that the warning signs for roofing issues are subtle and easy to miss. To make sure your roof undergoes a comprehensive inspection, only hired a qualified roofing contractor. 

Looking for experienced contractors in your area? 

D-Wing Construction, a contractor with nearly two decades’ worth of experience, offers a wide variety of premium exterior products, including windows and siding.  For inquiries, call us at (630) 688-5160 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Saint Charles, IL, as well as the surrounding communities.