With winter fast approaching, ensuring roofs are in good condition to withstand storms is critical. Heavy rains and winds can expose building interiors to leaks and flooding. High moisture can also contribute to unwanted mold or lead to dangerous levels of water absorption in goods.
As contractors, you work hard to build rapport with your customers. By helping them get ahead of these concerns, you’ll solidify your position as their go-to contractor, ensuring steady business year after year. This type of maintenance work can also keep your crews busy during the off-season if business slows.
Here are three ways R&S can help keep your customers’ investments safe:
1. Winterize Roof Accessories
A quick inspection of these key areas can save your customers major headaches this winter:
- Skylights – Over time, sun exposure can degrade even the toughest materials. While skylights offer great benefits, they can become a liability if left unchecked. A quick inspection can reveal potential weaknesses, allowing glazing to be replaced before leaks occur. R&S can assist—just send us photos of any concerns, and we’ll work with you to determine if replacements are needed.
View R&S Skylights Products - Roof Curbs and Other Penetrations – Roof curbs, made of steel or aluminum, are designed for long-lasting durability. However, failures can occur over time. Issues may range from simple recaulking at the curb connection to more complex problems like corrosion or poor drainage design. Poor flashing at the curb-to-roof transition is another potential issue. While such repairs may be more involved, protecting valuable inventory or machinery makes it a worthwhile investment.View R&S Curb Products
2. Ensure Proper Airflow
Managing moisture during winter is crucial for building health and safety. Here are key areas that warrant maintenance investment you can share with your customers:
- Mold and Mildew – Mold spreads quickly and can damage materials like drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, and even structural components. It’s also a health hazard, contributing to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
- Structural Damage – Excess moisture can lead to wood rot, rusting of metal components, and insulation breakdown, ultimately compromising structural integrity and leading to costly repairs.
- Indoor Air Quality – Proper airflow promotes healthy indoor air by removing humidity and airborne contaminants. High moisture traps pollutants, creating an uncomfortable, unhealthy environment for occupants.
- Condensation Control – Warm, moist air meeting colder surfaces create condensation, which can damage walls, windows, and equipment. It can also mimic leaks when water drips from skylights or pipes. Reducing temperature differences lowers condensation risks.
- Energy Efficiency – Good ventilation helps HVAC systems run efficiently. High humidity forces systems to work harder, increasing energy consumption and operating costs.View R&S Ventilation Products
3. Rooftop Safety
Snow loads can obscure roof dangers, such as light-transmitting panels, skylights, and tripping hazards. R&S provides a wide range of products designed to keep personnel safe when rooftop access is required during inclement weather.
Here are a few safety products that meet these requirements:
- Skylight Fall Protection – R&S provides OSHA-compliant fall screens for light-transmitting panels, as well as curb-mount skylight systems. These products can be retrofitted to existing units in various sizes.
- Roof Access Hatch Handrail Systems – These modular kits secure to existing hatches and include gates and ladder ups for safe entry and exit.
- GrateSafe® Roof Walkway- These anti-slip catwalk systems provide a stable walking surface and handrails to prevent falls while identifying walkway runs under snow loads. Learn more about how these systems promote safety during winter months in our blog post, Roof Walkway Systems Improve Safety During Inclement Weather.View R&S GrateSafe® Roof Walkway
Conclusion
By taking proactive steps to winterize roofs, ensure proper airflow, and enhance rooftop safety, contractors can protect their customers’ investments and maintain a healthy indoor environment. R&S is here to assist you in these efforts, ensuring you remain the trusted partner for your clients as the winter months approach. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help with inspections and safety solutions!
