Winterize Your Commercial Flat Roof Before It’s Too Late

Lilian Jourieh
Nov 1
3 min read

November has arrived in Alberta, and building owners and property managers face an important decision: Take action now or risk costly winter roof emergencies. The window for preparing your commercial flat roof is limited, and waiting may be a matter of spending a small amount today or facing a larger issue down the road.

Why November Matters for Edmonton Roof Repairs

Weather in Edmonton is notoriously harsh. The early winter months often bring freeze-thaw cycles, drastic temperature reductions, and wild weather systems that can stress every point of weakness in your flat roof system. What may seem like an uncomplicated flat roof repair in November, could become completely impractical and costly by December when temperatures get colder.

At MTM Roofing Services, we’ve seen it happen too many times. A property manager calls us in January with water leaking through the ceiling and thousands of dollars in interior damage after seeing a minor problem in the fall and deciding it can wait. In actuality, winter doesn’t wait, and you shouldn’t either.

Your Flat Roof Might Be Hiding Problems

November is the ideal month to look into your commercial flat roof, even if it appears to be in good condition from the outside. Damaged membranes, weak seams, and tiny cracks that don’t seem like much in the summer can turn into bigger issues when snow builds up and ice forms.

Another serious problem is drainage issues. Leaves, dirt, and debris from fall can clog your drains, creating pools of water that turn into ice.

Why Waiting Costs You More

Delaying roof maintenance until spring isn’t just inconvenient, it’s also expensive. Winter roof repairs are more expensive because they are more difficult to do in freezing conditions. In addition to paying for emergency services, you also have to deal with possible internal building damage, such as damp insulation, damaged ceilings or ruined inventory.

Also, leaks in the roof can result in more serious issues than just water damage. They can disrupt your business operations, upset tenants, and even force temporary closures. The cost of delays can easily increase before you know it.

What “Winterizing” Your Roof Actually Means

Winterizing your roof isn’t as complicated as it sounds, it just takes the right expertise. During a roof inspection, our team examines everything: the membrane, flashing, seams, drainage, and structure.

Most of the time, minor problems found during inspection can be fixed right away. Patching membrane, tightening flashing, or unclogging a drain could all be necessary. It’s quick, inexpensive, and can help you save a lot of stress later.

November is also a good time to consider replacing an older roof that has persistent problems. It’s a bigger investment, but sometimes it’s smarter (and cheaper long-term) than patching up a system that’s already on its last leg.

Why Working With a Local Edmonton Team Matters

Local expertise is important, and MTM Roofing Services knows Edmonton weather inside and out. We have experienced every roofing system and have witnessed every kind of roofing damage imaginable.

Our team has helped countless local property owners winterize their commercial roof and avoid those mid-January panic calls.

Final Thoughts

The temperature gets colder every day, which makes roof repairs more difficult. November is your last real window to make sure your roof can handle another Alberta winter.

Now is the time to act if you have noticed leaks, drainage issues, or just haven’t had an inspection in a while. MTM Roofing Services offers honest assessments and repairs to protect your building before winter hits. Schedule your inspection today for peace of mind.