Winter Commercial Roofing Problems Texas Businesses Should Watch For

Winter in Texas may not bring months of snow and ice, but it does bring sudden temperature drops, unpredictable cold fronts, freezing rain, and storms that can put serious stress on commercial roofing systems. These conditions often reveal hidden issues that weren’t noticeable during warmer months—and for businesses, that can mean leaks, downtime, and costly repairs.

At Birdcreek Roofing, we work with commercial property owners across Texas, and every winter we see the same patterns: roofs that looked fine in the fall start to show signs of wear, ponding water becomes a bigger threat, and aging systems weaken under rapid temperature swings. Understanding the most common winter commercial roofing problems can help you spot issues early, prevent damage, and keep your building protected all season long.

Below are the biggest problems Texas businesses should be on the lookout for this winter—and how Birdcreek Roofing can help you stay ahead of them.

1. Rapid Temperature Swings That Cause Membrane Shrinking and Cracking

Texas can go from warm to freezing in just a few hours. These temperature swings cause roofing membranes—especially TPO, PVC, and EPDM—to expand and contract more rapidly than they’re designed to. Over time, this movement can lead to:

• Separated seams
• Cracks in the membrane
• Gaps around penetrations
• Exposed insulation

When the membrane shrinks during cold weather, it becomes more brittle and easier to tear. Small openings that form in winter often turn into full leaks during the next rainstorm. Regular seasonal inspections can help identify stress points before they become active leaks.

2. Ponding Water that Freezes and Adds Weight to Flat Roofs

Flat commercial roofs are especially vulnerable to ponding water. During winter, this pooling water can freeze, increasing weight and stressing the structure. Even a thin layer of ice dramatically increases the load on low-slope roofing systems.

Winter ponding water can also:

• Block drainage systems
• Speed up membrane deterioration
• Increase the chances of leaks during thawing
• Create slipping hazards around the building

When water freezes and thaws repeatedly, it forces its way into seams, flashings, and small cracks, expanding them over time. Ensuring drainage systems are clear and functioning properly is one of the best ways to reduce winter roof damage.

3. Damaged or Clogged Drains

Winter weather often brings debris washed onto the roof by wind or rain. When drains clog, water has nowhere to go—creating ponding and eventual leaks. A clogged drain can allow water to sit for days or weeks, weakening the membrane under the constant weight.

Signs your commercial roof drains may need attention include:

• Standing water 48 hours after rain
• Overflow marks or staining around drains
• Slow drainage during storms

We recommend having drains inspected at the start of the winter season to avoid surprises.

4. Flashing Failure Caused by Cold Weather

Flashing protects the most vulnerable points of a commercial roofing system—edges, skylights, HVAC units, walls, and penetrations. Cold weather often exposes weaknesses in flashing because, as materials contract, gaps begin to form.

Common flashing-related winter problems include:

• Loose fasteners
• Cracked sealant
• Separated edges
• Water intrusion around penetrations

Most winter leaks we see originate from flashing failure, not the membrane itself. Repairing flashing early helps avoid larger issues later.

5. Freeze–Thaw Damage That Expands Existing Weak Spots

Even in Texas, freeze–thaw cycles are common during winter storms. When water seeps into small cracks or seams and then freezes, it expands. This widening effect leads to:

• Worsening cracks
• Membrane blisters
• Loose seams
• Deepening punctures

This cycle repeats every time temperatures fluctuate, turning tiny vulnerabilities into major leaks. Catching small issues early prevents the freeze–thaw cycle from causing more damage.

6. HVAC-Related Roof Problems That Get Worse in Winter

Commercial roofs support many HVAC units, vents, and exhaust systems. These penetrations are naturally weak points for leaks, and winter temperatures make them even more vulnerable.

Common HVAC-related winter roof problems include:

• Separated flashing around units
• Condensation that freezes and melts
• Cracked sealants around penetrations
• Vibration from units loosening connections

Even a minor gap around an HVAC curb can lead to interior leaks during winter storms. Seasonal inspections are the best way to prevent these issues.

7. Brittle Roofing Materials That Crack Under Pressure

Cold temperatures make older roofing membranes more brittle. When membranes lose flexibility, they are much more likely to crack under foot traffic, debris impact, or thermal movement.

Older roofs should be inspected before winter because:

• They’re more vulnerable to splitting
• Repairs become more difficult in cold weather
• Leaks spread faster through compromised materials

Replacing worn-out sections before winter ensures the entire system stays watertight.