Winter is Coming – Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for Snow?
November in Chicagoland is a month of transition. The crisp fall air, the days grow shorter, and the holiday season peeks just around the corner. While most of us are focused on turkeys, football, and twinkling lights, your commercial roof should be preparing for a very different challenge: snow load.
For businesses across Northern Illinois, heavy snow isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious structural threat. The weight of accumulated snow and ice can put enormous stress on commercial roofing systems, leading to leaks, compromised integrity, or even structural failure in worst-case scenarios. This is why November isn’t just another month; it’s our last time to play defense before winter hits.
The Weight of Winter: Why Snow Load Matters
If you’ve ever been in the state during the winter, you know that Chicagoland snowstorms are no joke. Snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot, and when it piles up on flat or low-slope commercial roofs (especially those made from Modified Bitumen, EPDM, or TPO systems), it can quickly push a roofing structure to its limits. Here’s what’s at stake if your roof isn’t ready:
- Structural Stress & Sagging – Snow accumulation creates uneven weight distribution, causing roof decks to sag and add stress to load-bearing elements. Over time, that pressure can warp structural components or, in extreme cases, lead to roof failure.
- Blocked Drainage – Ice dams and packed snow can block scuppers and internal drains. When meltwater has nowhere to go, it pools on your roof, seeps into seams, and finds its way inside.
- Hidden Damage Amplified – Small issues that seemed harmless in October. A tiny puncture or a loose seam can become a major problem under the pressure of snow and ice. Freeze-thaw cycles only make things worse, forcing moisture deeper into vulnerable areas.
Our Winter Readiness Checklist
November is the time to act. A few smart steps now can save you from costly repairs, business disruptions, emergency service calls, and dangerous conditions down the line. Here’s how to prepare your commercial roof for winter snow load:
- Inspect the Structure: Check for any signs of sagging, soft spots, or areas that may struggle to handle heavy snow.
- Clear & Test Drainage Systems: Ensure all scuppers, gutters, and internal drains are free of obstructions and functioning properly.
- Seal Vulnerable Areas: Address any flashing, seams, or membrane issues before they’re buried under snow.
- Reinforce Roof Access Points: Confirm that ladders, access hatches, and walkways are secure and safe for winter maintenance crews.
- Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection: Our team at Waukegan Roofing conducts thorough, multi-point inspections designed to identify weak spots and help you develop a snow management plan for your building.
Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
Every year, businesses across the state face expensive, avoidable damage because they didn’t prepare for winter snow load. A small investment in the fall can mean the difference between business as usual and an emergency during a storm. At Waukegan Roofing, we’ve spent over 100 years helping commercial property owners weather Illinois winters with confidence. From preventative maintenance to snow removal support, our team ensures your roof stands strong—no matter how heavy the snowfall.
Winter is coming. Is your commercial roof ready? Contact Waukegan Roofing today to schedule your November winter-readiness inspection. Protect your property before the first snowflakes fly with Waukegan Roofing – Chicagoland’s premier commercial roofing prof
