Engelmann Construction

The Challenge: Snow Load, Ice, and Active Leaks

This particular property began experiencing leaks into an occupied office space below following multiple snow events. As snow accumulated and temperatures fluctuated, freeze-thaw cycles created ideal conditions for water intrusion. Ice dams and trapped moisture found their way through existing weaknesses in the roof system, ultimately making their presence known inside the building.

Situations like this are common during harsh winters. Snow itself is not always the problem. It is the combination of snow load, melting, refreezing, and inadequate drainage or aging materials that leads to failure.

One of the first questions property owners often ask in these situations is whether snow should be removed from the roof. While it may seem like a logical step, roof shoveling can often do more harm than good if not executed properly. Improper techniques can damage the membrane, disturb flashings, or even create new pathways for water infiltration. In most cases, controlled management and monitoring are the safer approach unless structural concerns are present.

Immediate Response: Leak Mitigation and Monitoring

Given the active leak conditions, our focus shifted to interior protection and short-term mitigation. Temporary measures were implemented to manage water intrusion and minimize disruption to the occupied office space. At the same time, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the existing roof system to identify the root causes of failure.

As expected, the roof showed signs of age-related deterioration compounded by winter stress. Rather than pursuing repeated temporary repairswhich often become costly and ineffective over timethe building owner made the strategic decision to move forward with a full restoration solution.

The Plan: Spring Installation of a High-Performance Silicone System

Because winter conditions prevent proper installation of fluid-applied systems, timing is critical. Silicone coatings require dry substrates and favorable temperatures to properly adhere and cure. With that in mind, we worked closely with the client to develop a plan that bridges the gap between immediate needs and long-term performance.

The property is now scheduled for installation as soon as consistent spring weather allows for proper application. The selected solution is a 20-year silicone restoration system from GAFa proven approach for extending the life of existing roof systems while delivering high-performance waterproofing.

Why Silicone? A Smart Restoration Strategy

Silicone roofing systems are particularly well suited for situations like this one. Rather than requiring a full tear-off, the system is applied directly over the existing substrate once properly prepared, creating a seamless, fully adhered, watertight membrane. This membrane may be fully renewed again at the end of the 20-year serviceable life span, providing an environmentally responsible and economically advantageous solution.

• Excellent Water Resistance Silicone is highly resistant to ponding water, a common issue on low-slope commercial roofs.

• Seamless Protection Fluid-applied installation eliminates seams, one of the most common points of failure in traditional systems.

• Cost Efficiency Restoration avoids the cost and disruption of a full roof replacement.

• Long-Term Performance With proper installation, a 20-year system provides reliable, warrantied protection.

For this client, the ability to transition from reactive repairs to a proactive, long-term solution was critical.

From Winter Challenges to Spring Solutions

Projects like this highlight an important reality in commercial roofing: winter is less about installation and more about strategy. While the weather may limit what can be installed, it provides a clear view of where systems are failing. Leaks that appear during snow and ice events often reveal underlying issues that may not be as visible during milder seasons. Addressing those issues thoughtfully and planning the right solution is what ultimately delivers value.

By taking action now, this client has moved from an emergency response situation to a fully planned capital improvement, ensuring their building will be protected for decades to come.

Looking Ahead

This past February brought snow, ice, and leaks to our region, but also provided the opportunity to identify problems, implement smart planning, and set the stage for a high-performance roofing system implementation. As we move toward spring, our focus now shifts from mitigation to execution. This project is already queued for installation at the first appropriate weather window, enabling us to move forward quickly once conditions allow for proper installation.