Prepare and Protect: Safeguarding Your Oklahoma Commercial Roof Against December Weather

December in Oklahoma brings more than just holiday cheer—it often signals the arrival of harsh winter weather, including freezing rain, heavy ice, rapid freeze-thaw cycles, and strong winds. For commercial property owners, these conditions pose a serious threat to flat and low-slope roofs, leading to costly damage and operational downtime.

At CMAC, we understand the unique winter vulnerability of commercial properties across Oklahoma. Proactive maintenance and preparation now are the keys to protecting your investment before the worst of the cold weather hits.

The December Threats to Your Commercial Roof

Oklahoma’s winter weather exposes commercial roofs to specific dangers:

1. Freeze-Thaw Cycling: Water that pools on your roof during the day freezes overnight, expanding cracks, weakening seams, and lifting flashings. As this cycle repeats, minor damage quickly becomes major leaks.

2. Ice and Snow Loads: Heavy accumulations of snow or ice place immense stress on the structural integrity of your roof deck, especially on older buildings. Improper drainage exacerbates this risk.

3. High Winds: Winter storms often bring powerful gusts. These winds exploit loose edges, damaged coping, or compromised seams, leading to uplift, tears, and extensive system failure.

4. Impaired Drainage: Frozen gutters, downspouts, and clogged internal drains prevent melted snow from exiting the roof, increasing ponding water and the risk of catastrophic leaks once temperatures rise.

Three Steps to Proactive Winter Protection

Business owners can significantly mitigate these risks by taking crucial steps before the deep freeze settles in.

1. The Comprehensive Winter Inspection: A professional CMAC inspection is your first line of defense. Our experts thoroughly examine every critical component that can fail in cold weather, including:

• Seams and Flashing: Checking all heat-welded and adhered seams for lifting, shrinkage, and micro-cracks caused by prior thermal stress.

• Penetrations: Inspecting the areas around vents, HVAC curbs, and skylights where water often finds an entry point.

• Membrane Condition: Looking for blistering, puncturing, or deterioration that will be exploited by ice expansion.

  
  

2. Clearing and Securing Drainage Systems: It is essential that water has a clear path off your roof. Ensure all debris, leaves, and dirt are removed from gutters, downspouts, and internal drains. A clear drainage system is the single most effective way to prevent the formation of destructive ice dams and ponding water.

3. Strategic Repairs and Maintenance: Based on the inspection, any necessary maintenance should be completed immediately. This includes:

• Seam Repair: Re-welding or sealing compromised seams to ensure a watertight bond against freezing water.

• Flashing Adjustment: Securing any loose or cracked metal flashing and coping before high winds can rip them away.

• Protective Coatings: Applying fluid-applied coatings to protect aging membranes, adding an extra layer of waterproofing and UV resistance against the low winter sun.

  
  

Don't wait until a December disaster forces a costly emergency repair. Investing a small amount of time and resources now can save your business thousands of dollars and prevent operational interruptions later in the season. CMAC is here to help you weather the Oklahoma winter confidently.

Connect with CMAC Commercial Roofing in Oklahoma Today!

📞 405-777-7660 For more information, visit our website: www.cmacroofing.com/oklahoma