The plows have cleared the streets, schools are reopening, and life is getting back to normal. But for your commercial roof, the real threat may just be beginning.
Maryland may have finally dug out from this week’s snowstorm, but freezing temperatures now pose an entirely new set of risks for commercial and industrial roofs across the region. While the storm may be behind us, the combination of lingering snow, deep freeze, melt-refreeze cycles, and hidden storm damage can quickly turn into costly structural problems.
The stakes are high: A $500 inspection now can prevent $50,000+ in interior damage and emergency repairs down the line.
At Cole Roofing, our Service Team is fully mobilized and continuing operations throughout the cold snap to help protect your building after the snow ends.
Why Your Roof Is Still at Risk in Freezing Temps
Even after active snowfall stops, your roof can experience:
1. Freeze, Thaw Damage
As daytime temperatures rise slightly, snow begins to melt—only to refreeze overnight. This cycle can cause:
- Membrane cracks
- Separated seams
- New punctures
- Stress around flashing, penetrations, and RTUs
These issues commonly appear after storms and freezing weather. Freeze-thaw cycles typically peak in late January through February, meaning damage that starts small this week can become catastrophic by month’s end.
2. Dangerous Snow Load on Weakened Structures
Even compacted or partially melted snow still adds weight—and frozen, water-logged snow can be heavier than fresh powder.
If your roof saw 10–12 inches of accumulation or more than 20 lbs/sq ft, a professional evaluation is strongly recommended.
3. Ice Blockages at Drains & Scuppers
Cold temperatures turn meltwater into ice inside drains, gutters, and downspouts. This creates:
- Pooling water that refreezes into damaging ice sheets
- Backups that force water beneath membranes
- Risk of interior leaks long after the storm
4. Ice Dams: The Silent Threat That Forms After the Storm
Here’s what many building owners don’t realize: ice dams often form after a storm, not during it.
As buildings warm slightly, roof edges freeze first, trapping water behind them. This standing water then finds its way beneath membranes, causing the interior leaks typical of freeze events. By the time you notice ceiling stains or dripping, significant damage may already be underway.
What Your Building Needs Now: Post-Storm Freeze Protection
1. Roof Condition Check After the Freeze
A post-storm inspection is essential to identify damage masked by snow. Our technicians look for:
- Membrane tears, cracks, or brittle sections
- Lifted seams from freeze-thaw expansion
- Flashing separation
- Stress around vents, pipes, and HVAC units (common failure points after severe weather)
2. Ice Removal & Drain Clearing
With ongoing freezing temps, we continue:
- Safe, non-damaging ice removal
- Clearing drains, scuppers, gutters, and downspouts to prevent freeze-induced backups
- Heating cable assessments/installations if future storms are expected
3. Emergency Leak & Damage Repair
If you spot interior leaks, ceiling stains, or hear unusual popping sounds, your roof may be under active freeze stress.
Our team provides:
- Emergency tarping
- Fast leak mitigation
- Repair of freeze-induced punctures and split seams
4. Snow & Ice Load Mitigation Around Critical Areas
Even though the snowfall has stopped, clearing snow and ice around:
- Drains
- RTUs
- Parapet walls
- Low spots
…can prevent localized overload and drainage failures.
When to Call a Professional Immediately
If you notice any of the following, your roof needs immediate attention:
- Sagging ceilings or bowed roof decking
- Ice buildup around drains or scuppers
- Persistent ponding that freezes overnight
- Interior leaks or stained ceiling tiles
- Loud popping, cracking, or creaking noises
- Ice dams forming at the roof edges
These symptoms suggest structural strain or active freeze damage. Delaying service can turn a manageable repair into a structural emergency.
Act Now: The Window for Prevention Is Closing
With more winter weather possible in the coming weeks, now is the best time to:
✔ Ensure drains are clear
✔ Address membrane vulnerabilities
✔ Remove lingering ice risks
✔ Schedule preventative maintenance
Timeline matters: Conditions will continue to deteriorate through February’s freeze-thaw cycles. The damage your roof sustains this week will compound with each passing cold night.
Our team remains fully operational in freezing conditions and can help you stabilize your roof before temperatures rise and cause further complications.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Whether you need post-storm freeze inspections, urgent repairs, ice removal, or preventative winter maintenance, Cole Roofing is ready to respond throughout Maryland.
📞 410-242-0600
📧 info@ColeRoofing.com
Stay warm, stay safe, and let us help keep your roof protected as the freeze continues.