Preparing Your Commercial Facility for a Holiday Vacation

Extended building closures during holidays create unique roofing risks. Here's what to check before leaving your facility unoccupied.

Clear All Roof Drains

Clogged drains are the single biggest risk during extended closures. A blocked drain during a heavy rain event can create thousands of pounds of hydrostatic pressure on a roof not designed for ponding loads. Check and clear all drains and downspouts before closure.

Inspect Critical Flashing Points

Walk the roof and inspect all penetration flashings, particularly HVAC unit bases, pipe penetrations, and parapet caps. Any questionable sealant should be addressed before the closure — you won't be there to catch interior damage from a fresh leak.

Check Interior Leak Indicators

Before closing, document ceiling condition in any known problem areas. Consider placing buckets or absorbent materials under any areas with previous dripping issues to limit interior damage if a leak occurs while unoccupied.

Set HVAC for Low-Load Operation

Completely shutting off HVAC can cause condensation and humidity issues inside the building. Set heating to a minimum maintenance temperature (typically 50–55°F) rather than complete shutdown in winter.

Designate a Check-in Point

If the closure is extended (more than a week), arrange for someone to briefly inspect the building after any significant weather events — particularly heavy snow or rain. Catching a problem early limits damage.