How Commercial Roofs Handle Snow in Murfreesboro

Snow might not bury Murfreesboro, North Carolina, every winter, but even smaller amounts can still affect commercial buildings. When snow does come through, it sticks around just long enough to cause problems if a roof isn’t built to handle it. That is especially true with flat or low-slope roofs, which are common on larger structures like retail buildings, schools, or offices.

That is why knowing how commercial roofing in Murfreesboro works during winter is more than just a good idea, it helps prevent avoidable problems. Whether you are running a business or maintaining a property, knowing how your roof responds to snow can give you the heads-up you need before something gives way.

How Snow Affects Commercial Roofs in Murfreesboro

Snow here usually comes in small, scattered doses. Most of the time, it is not thick or deep, but we do see some wet snow or slushy buildup when the temperature hovers around freezing. Ice storms and cold rain can also show up a few times each season. On roofs with little or no slope, all that moisture tends to collect instead of sliding off like it would on a steeper surface.

Flat and low-slope roofs do not have gravity working in their favor, so water and snow can sit for longer. That extra weight adds stress to the roof structure, especially in the middle where support is weakest. When snow starts melting during the day and refreezes at night, that cycle slowly wears away protective layers.

What might look like a harmless dusting of snow can lead to:

• Water sitting too long and adding weight

• Melting snow seeping into seams or weak areas

• Ice buildup locking clogged drains in place

It does not take a long winter to push your roof past its limit if it is not designed the right way to start with.

Key Commercial Roofing Features That Help with Snow

Most commercial roofs in this area are designed with what we call snow load in mind. That means they are planned for the type of winter weather we usually see, even when that includes heavy rain and light snow piles. The materials used and how the roof is built all play a big role.

Some key features that make a difference include:

• Reinforced roof decking to carry the weight of snow buildup

• Protective membranes like TPO or modified bitumen that resist cracking in cold, wet conditions

• Internal drains or scuppers built to move water off the roof quickly and keep it from pooling in one place

TPO and modified bitumen are popular picks for roofs that need to deal with rain, snow, and shifting temperatures. They stay flexible in the cold and help guard against leaks or slow damage. Internal drains are just as important. A flat roof with poor drainage is one snowstorm away from ponding water or worse.

The whole system works best when the slope, material, and drainage are planned together. That is what helps the building hold up through mid-winter storms instead of suffering damage when the melt begins.

Common Snow-Related Issues and What to Watch For

Even though the snow might disappear in a day or two, the problems it causes often stick around longer. One of the first things to watch for after a snowfall or ice event is standing water. It can collect in low spots or get stuck behind clogged drains. Once that happens, it does not take long before the roof surface starts to soften or wear down.

Signs that snow or ice did some damage include:

• Water standing for more than 48 hours without draining

• Drains clogged with slush, leaves, or debris

• Seams that start to crack or show moisture around them

• Sagging parts of the roof that do not bounce back once snow melts

Freeze-thaw cycles are another issue. Water sneaks into small cracks, freezes at night, and expands. That small push slowly opens seams or splits flashing without any obvious warning. We have seen issues show up weeks after a storm, right when people think the worst is over. That is why keeping an eye out during unpredictable weather means catching problems early, before they create costly leaks or failures.

Why Regular Monitoring Matters in Winter

It does not take a full inspection every time it snows. Quick walkthroughs and peeks at the roof after bad weather can help catch trouble early. It is often easier to spot a blocked drain or soggy seam before it turns into a major leak inside the building.

Some good winter habits include:

• Clearing leaves and snow from around drains and scuppers

• Looking for sagging spots that were not there before

• Watching for water flowing the wrong way or puddling where it should not

• Checking flashing and seams during occasional warm-ups

When you pay attention after storms or cold snaps, it is easier to catch problems while they are still small. The longer water sits on a roof, the more likely it will find its way through. That risk goes up when the roof is not checked regularly or small issues are saved for later. Simple checks after a snow or ice event go a long way toward protecting whatever is underneath.

Even small actions can prevent snow or ice from turning into major problems. Just clearing a drain or checking one low spot can block water from causing damage inside the building later. It is a matter of developing consistent routines, especially when weather is unpredictable and storms pop up out of nowhere. Paying attention to the roof is a simple way to get ahead of leaks and keep everything inside dry and safe.

Keeping Your Commercial Roof Strong All Winter

As a local commercial roofing contractor serving northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, Edwards Roofing Inc installs and repairs TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen roofs. Our team takes pride in using quality materials and builds every roof to handle area weather, including snow and winter rain. With over 20 years of experience, we’re dedicated to protecting your property and keeping your business running smoothly during peak winter months.

For Murfreesboro businesses, focusing on drainage, watching for snow weight, and proactive inspections all play a part in safe, efficient roof management. These measures help prevent leaks and costly shutdowns, so your building stays safe from winter surprises.

Keeping your building safe during winter starts with paying attention to how snow impacts your roof, especially if it is flat or has a low slope. We focus on proactive planning, proper drainage, and reliable upkeep so snow and ice do not develop into bigger issues later. When you want confidence in your roof’s performance this season, take a closer look at how we handle commercial roofing in Murfreesboro. Edwards Roofing is here to help you spot problems early and make sure your roof is prepared for whatever winter brings. Get in touch today to discuss your roofing needs.