If you own or manage commercial property in Western PA, winter is coming for your roof whether you like it or not. And trust us, Pittsburgh commercial roofing and winter roof preparation are two things you don’t want to ignore—or procrastinate on.
Every year, we get calls in January from business owners dealing with ceiling leaks, ice dams, and “mystery” stains that are 100% not mysterious. These issues aren’t flukes—they’re the result of skipping basic prep before cold weather hits.
So let’s break down what winter roof prep actually involves, why it matters for commercial buildings in Pittsburgh, and how to avoid a five-figure repair bill that could’ve been handled for less than a grand in the fall.
What This Blog Covers
- Why winter is brutal on Pittsburgh commercial roofs
- What to check, fix, and prep before snow hits
- The best materials for winter performance
- Costs, risks, and what to expect
- Our take, based on years of freezing our boots off on rooftops
Want someone to handle it for you? New Look Exteriors can help.
Why Winter Roof Prep Actually Matters
Pittsburgh winters are inconsistent and harsh. One week it’s 55 and raining, the next it’s 12 degrees and snowing. That freeze-thaw cycle is the real problem—it expands tiny cracks into full-blown leaks and wears out aging commercial roofing fast.
Flat and low-slope roofs are especially vulnerable. When water has nowhere to go, it sits. It freezes. It melts. It refreezes. That’s when you start getting calls about ponding, sagging, and interior leaks that shut down offices or retail operations.
Quick Definitions
EPDM: Flexible synthetic rubber membrane. Excellent for flat or low-slope commercial roofs.
Flashing: Metal or membrane used to seal roof edges, vents, or penetrations.
Pipe boots: Seals around plumbing vent pipes. A common failure point.
Ponding: Water that collects and stays on a roof surface for over 48 hours.
What to Know Before You Start Repairs
Budget
Winter roof prep is usually far cheaper than winter roof damage. Expect:
- Minor commercial roof repairs: $750–$1,200
- Full roof replacement (per square):
- Asphalt Shingles: $600
- Metal (Standing Seam): $1,150
- EPDM: Around $600
Delaying often doubles or triples that cost when emergency labor or interior repairs are involved.
Permits and Code
Pittsburgh may require permits for structural roof work. We’ll walk you through what applies based on the scope of your project. Most surface-level repairs won’t need a permit. A full tear-off and replacement will.
Know Your Materials
EPDM is different from asphalt shingles, which are different from standing seam metal. Some materials can be repaired in cold weather. Others can’t be sealed below certain temperatures. If you’re not sure what your roof is made of, schedule an inspection before calling in repairs.
Winter Roof Preparation Checklist for Pittsburgh Commercial Properties
1. Schedule a Roof Inspection
Start with a detailed inspection—either drone or hands-on. Our team is certified by Owens Corning and experienced with both shingle and membrane systems. We’re not just looking for active leaks. We’re checking for:
- Early-stage cracking or blistering
- Failing sealant around roof penetrations
- Debris-clogged drainage systems
- Signs of ponding, sagging, or moisture retention
- Roof insulation or ventilation problems
This isn’t just about finding problems. It’s about predicting them before they cost you.
2. Clear Drains, Gutters, and Scuppers
Leaves and gunk from fall storms can clog up your entire drainage system. If water gets trapped and freezes, it builds pressure against your membrane or flashing—and that’s when leaks happen.
We install and maintain K-style and box-style gutters for commercial buildings and recommend doing this cleaning before Thanksgiving every year.
3. Inspect and Reseal Flashing and Penetrations
Flashing around skylights, HVAC units, and plumbing vents takes a beating during winter. Same for pipe boots—they shrink and crack in the cold. These small failure points account for a large percentage of the leak calls we get every winter.
4. Address Insulation and Ventilation
Your roof’s lifespan is directly tied to how well it breathes and retains heat. Too much heat escaping from inside causes snow to melt, slide, and refreeze at the edges—this is how ice dams form. We’re Owens Corning Top of the House Certified, which means we look at insulation and ventilation in tandem with your roof system.
5. Have an Emergency Plan
Roof damage doesn’t always wait until business hours. That’s why we offer emergency tarp services and help you document conditions before and after storms for insurance purposes. If you want to be ready, make sure your property manager knows who to call and what to look for.
Deep Dive: Best Roofing Materials for Cold Weather Performance
Here’s how common commercial roofing materials hold up in Pittsburgh winters.
| Material | Cold Weather Rating | Warranty | What You Should Know |
| EPDM | Excellent | Up to 30 years | Highly flexible in cold; minimal maintenance required |
| Dimensional Asphalt Shingles | Good | 50 years (Owens Corning) | Needs proper attic ventilation to prevent ice dams |
| Impact-Resistant Shingles | Very Good | 50 years | Adds hail resistance; good option if trees or wind are a concern |
| Standing Seam Metal | Excellent | 40-year finish (Goodview) | Sheds snow quickly; durable but higher upfront cost |
Pros and Cons Breakdown
EPDM Roofing
Pros: Flexible, cold-weather durable, easy to maintain
Cons: Needs professional install to avoid shrinkage
Architectural Shingles
Pros: Affordable, easy to source
Cons: Prone to ice dams if insulation is poor
Metal (Standing Seam)
Pros: Best winter performer, extremely low maintenance
Cons: Higher installation cost
We install all of the above, and we’re not in the business of pushing what doesn’t make sense. We’ll give you the honest take based on your roof’s layout, slope, and exposure to weather.
Your Pittsburgh Commercial Roofing Questions, Answered
How often should commercial roofs be inspected?
Commercial roofs in Pittsburgh should be inspected at least twice a year—once in the fall before winter and again in the spring after thaw. Inspections after major storms are also recommended to catch potential damage early.
What causes the most winter roof leaks?
The most common causes of winter roof leaks in Pittsburgh include cracked pipe boots, failing flashing, clogged drainage systems, and ice buildup due to poor insulation or ventilation.
Is it safe to replace a commercial roof in winter?
It is safe to replace a commercial roof in Pittsburgh during winter, as long as temperatures are 40 degrees or warmer. Some materials, like adhesives or sealants, may require specific conditions, but metal and shingle systems can often be installed safely with proper planning.
Will my insurance cover roof damage from winter storms?
Insurance policies typically cover roof damage from winter storms in Pittsburgh if the damage is sudden and caused by wind, hail, or heavy snow. New Look Exteriors assists with documentation, estimates, and direct communication with insurers.
Do commercial roof repairs require permits in Pittsburgh?
Commercial roof repairs in Pittsburgh generally do not require permits if they are minor. However, structural repairs or full replacements usually do. New Look Exteriors pulls all necessary permits and ensures compliance with local codes.
How long does a new commercial roof last?
A new commercial roof in Pittsburgh can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the materials used and the quality of the installation. EPDM and standing seam metal roofs tend to last longer than asphalt shingles.
Do you provide emergency services?
New Look Exteriors provides emergency roofing services in Pittsburgh, including temporary tarping and leak control, while we coordinate repairs or insurance approvals.
Real Talk: Don’t Wait for a Leak to Make a Decision
Winter prep is not optional for commercial properties in Pittsburgh. You can either plan ahead and handle it on your schedule—or wait until a leak forces your hand. We’ve been inspecting, repairing, and replacing roofs in Western PA since 2018, and we’ve seen what works—and what fails—when the weather turns.
At New Look Exteriors, we back everything with certified expertise, long-term warranties, and zero pressure. Whether you manage a warehouse in Crafton or a church in South Hills, we’re ready to make your roof winter-ready.
