Commercial Roof Snow Removal in Chicago & the Midwest

What Is Commercial Roof Snow Removal?

Commercial roof snow removal is the professional process of safely clearing accumulated snow, ice, and slush from flat and low-slope commercial roofing systems. Unlike residential roofs that rely on steep pitch to shed snow naturally, the flat and low-slope roofs found on warehouses, manufacturing plants, retail centers, hospitals, schools, and office buildings allow snow to accumulate with nowhere to go. Without timely removal, this accumulation can exceed the structural load capacity of the building, cause ice damming along roof edges and drainage systems, create ponding water during thaw cycles, and accelerate the deterioration of roofing membranes.

Professional roof snow removal requires specialized knowledge of commercial roofing systems, snow load engineering, and safe work practices at elevation. The goal is not simply to clear snow but to reduce the load on the structure while preserving the integrity of the roofing membrane beneath. This requires trained personnel who understand how different roofing materials respond to cold weather stress and who use equipment specifically designed to avoid damaging the roof surface during removal operations.

Windward Roofing and Construction has been providing commercial roof snow removal services across Chicago and the greater Midwest since 1984. Our teams combine decades of hands-on roofing expertise with a thorough understanding of building structures, snow load dynamics, and the unique winter conditions that affect commercial properties throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.

Why Roof Snow Removal Is Critical for Commercial Buildings

Commercial building owners and facility managers often underestimate the risks that accumulated snow and ice pose to their roofing systems and the structures beneath them. Snow is deceptively heavy, and the dangers increase significantly when combined with the freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven drifting, and ice formation that characterize Midwest winters. Understanding these risks is essential for protecting your building, your occupants, and your investment.

Structural Overload and Collapse Risk

The most serious consequence of unmanaged roof snow is structural overload. Fresh, light snow weighs approximately 3 to 5 pounds per cubic foot, but as it compacts, absorbs moisture, and refreezes, that weight can increase dramatically. Wet, packed snow can weigh 20 pounds per cubic foot or more, and solid ice weighs approximately 57 pounds per cubic foot. A large commercial roof measuring 50,000 square feet with just 12 inches of wet snow accumulation can be supporting more than one million pounds of additional load that the structure was never intended to carry on a sustained basis.

Most commercial flat roofs in the Chicago area are engineered to support a minimum live load of 20 to 25 pounds per square foot, in accordance with local building codes and ASCE 7 standards. However, this capacity accounts for uniform loading. In reality, wind causes snow to drift against parapets, around rooftop mechanical units, and in valleys, creating localized loads that can be two to three times the average depth across the rest of the roof. These drift zones are where structural failures most commonly originate. Older buildings, structures with long clear spans, and buildings with lightweight steel bar joist framing are particularly vulnerable to snow load collapse.

Ice Dams and Drainage Blockage

Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof melts the bottom layer of snow, which then flows toward colder roof edges and refreezes. On commercial flat roofs, ice dams most commonly form around perimeter edges, scupper drains, and internal roof drains. Once a dam forms, meltwater backs up behind it with no path to exit the roof. This standing water can work its way beneath flashings, into seams, and through any vulnerability in the roofing membrane, causing interior leaks that damage ceilings, insulation, inventory, equipment, and building contents.

Blocked roof drains are one of the most common causes of commercial roof leaks during winter. When drains freeze over, the entire drainage system becomes inoperable. Subsequent melt events have nowhere to go, and the resulting ponding water adds additional weight to an already stressed structure. A single inch of standing water across a 20,000 square-foot roof adds more than 100,000 pounds of load. Windward Roofing addresses this issue directly by clearing drain areas as a priority during every snow removal visit.

Membrane Damage from Freeze-Thaw Cycling

Chicago and the upper Midwest experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter months. Temperatures can swing above and below freezing multiple times in a single week, causing snow to melt, pool, and refreeze repeatedly. This cycling is particularly destructive to commercial roofing membranes. Water that seeps into membrane seams, flashing joints, or small imperfections expands when it freezes, widening the defect with each cycle. Over the course of a single winter, minor issues that would otherwise go unnoticed can develop into significant leaks.

TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing systems are all susceptible to freeze-thaw damage, though the specific failure modes differ. TPO and EPDM membranes can experience seam separation when ice forms in lapped joints. Modified bitumen can crack at the cap sheet overlap when repeatedly flexed by thermal cycling. Built-up roofs may develop alligatoring and blister growth. Keeping the roof clear of excessive snow and ice reduces the duration and severity of freeze-thaw exposure and extends the service life of the membrane system.

Ponding Water and Long-Term Deterioration

Flat commercial roofs are designed with minimal slope, typically one-quarter inch per foot, to direct water toward drains. When snow and ice block these drainage paths or when structural deflection under snow load creates low spots, water ponds on the roof surface. Ponding water is one of the leading causes of premature roof failure on commercial buildings. It accelerates UV degradation of membrane materials, promotes biological growth, increases the weight load on the structure, and provides a constant source of moisture that seeks out any pathway into the building.

Even after the visible snow has melted, ice layers can remain trapped beneath insulation or within low areas of the roof, continuing to cause damage well into the spring. Proactive snow removal throughout the winter months prevents these conditions from developing and ensures that drainage systems remain functional when temperatures rise.

Chicago and Midwest Winter Conditions

The greater Chicago area and the upper Midwest present some of the most challenging winter conditions for commercial roofing systems in the United States. Understanding the local climate is essential for developing an effective snow management strategy for your commercial property.

Chicago receives an average of approximately 36 inches of snowfall per winter season, though individual seasons can vary dramatically. Lake-effect snow generated by Lake Michigan can produce intense, localized snowfall events that drop several inches in a matter of hours, often catching building owners off guard. The surrounding Midwest states see similar or greater totals, with cities like Milwaukee averaging over 50 inches and areas of Michigan regularly exceeding 60 inches per season.

Beyond total accumulation, the pattern of snowfall matters significantly for commercial roof safety. The Midwest is characterized by multiple snow events throughout the season rather than a single sustained snowpack. Each event layers fresh snow on top of previously compacted accumulation, and the intermittent warm periods cause partial melting and refreezing that increases snow density and ice formation. This pattern of repeated loading and freeze-thaw cycling is far more damaging to commercial roofing systems than a single heavy snowfall event followed by consistent cold temperatures.

Wind is another critical factor. Chicago is well known for its wind patterns, and rooftop wind speeds are significantly higher than ground-level readings. Wind drives snow into drifts against parapets, mechanical curbs, and elevation changes on the roof, creating localized loads that can far exceed the uniform snow depth across the rest of the surface. A roof that appears to have manageable snow coverage at first glance may have drift zones where accumulation is three or four feet deep and placing enormous stress on the structural members beneath.

These combined factors mean that commercial buildings in Chicago and across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana require a proactive approach to roof snow management. Waiting until a problem becomes visible from the ground is often waiting too long. Regular monitoring and timely removal are the keys to preventing costly damage and dangerous conditions.

Windward's Commercial Roof Snow Removal Process

Windward Roofing has developed a systematic approach to commercial roof snow removal that prioritizes building safety, membrane protection, and rapid response. Our process has been refined over four decades of winter operations in the Chicago market and is designed to deliver consistent, reliable results for every client.

Weather Monitoring and Proactive Communication

Our snow removal operations begin well before the first flake falls. Windward Roofing maintains a dedicated weather monitoring program that tracks forecasts, storm systems, and snowfall accumulations across our entire service area. When significant snow events are predicted, we proactively contact seasonal contract clients to confirm response plans, review building access details, and coordinate scheduling. This advance communication ensures that our crews can be dispatched efficiently as soon as conditions warrant removal.

For buildings enrolled in our seasonal monitoring program, we track cumulative snowfall and temperature patterns throughout the winter. When accumulation approaches action thresholds based on your building's specific structural capacity and roof type, we initiate removal without waiting for a client call. This proactive approach is especially valuable for property management companies and corporate facility teams that oversee multiple buildings across a wide geographic area.

Rapid Dispatch and Crew Mobilization

When removal is triggered, Windward dispatches trained crews with the appropriate equipment for your building's roof type, size, and access conditions. Our crews are pre-assigned to geographic zones across the Chicago metro area and the greater Midwest, minimizing travel time and ensuring rapid arrival. For seasonal contract clients, we maintain guaranteed response times that ensure your building receives attention when it matters most.

Each crew is led by a foreman with extensive experience in commercial roofing systems and winter operations. The foreman conducts an on-site assessment before work begins, evaluating snow depth, drift patterns, ice conditions, drain locations, and any rooftop hazards. This assessment determines the removal strategy, equipment selection, and crew deployment for that specific visit.

Safe Snow Removal Techniques

Windward Roofing uses a carefully controlled removal process that eliminates structural risk while protecting the underlying roofing membrane. Our approach incorporates several key principles that distinguish professional roof snow removal from the kind of aggressive clearing that causes membrane damage.

First, we work from the perimeter inward, clearing parapet edges and drain areas before addressing the main field of the roof. This ensures that meltwater has a clear path to exit the roof as removal progresses and prevents additional ponding during the operation. Drains, scuppers, and overflow outlets are cleared of ice and debris as a first priority on every visit.

Second, we remove snow in controlled layers rather than attempting to strip the roof to bare membrane. Our crews take the bulk of the accumulation down to approximately two to three inches above the membrane surface, leaving a thin protective layer of snow that acts as a buffer between removal tools and the roofing material. This practice is standard among professional commercial roofing contractors and is the single most important step in preventing tool-related membrane damage during winter operations.

Third, we stage removed snow carefully. Snow is not pushed off roof edges unless the ground-level area below has been cleared and barricaded. For most buildings, snow is relocated to designated areas on the roof surface or lowered to the ground using controlled methods. This prevents injury to pedestrians, damage to vehicles and landscaping, and liability exposure for the building owner.

No-Damage Guarantee

Because Windward Roofing is first and foremost a commercial roofing contractor, we understand the value and vulnerability of the membrane systems we are working on. Our crews are trained roofers, not general laborers. They can identify membrane types on sight, recognize vulnerable details and flashings, and adjust their techniques accordingly. We stand behind our work with a no-damage guarantee: if our snow removal operations cause any damage to your roofing system, we will repair it at no charge. This commitment is possible because our crews have the skills and discipline to work on rooftops without causing the very problems that snow removal is intended to prevent.

Equipment and Methods

The tools and techniques used for commercial roof snow removal must be matched to the specific roofing system being cleared. Using the wrong equipment can cause punctures, tears, scuffing, and compression damage that compromises the membrane's waterproofing integrity. Windward Roofing maintains a dedicated inventory of roof-safe snow removal equipment and trains every crew member on proper tool selection and usage.

Plastic Scoops and Foam-Edge Pushers

For direct contact with the roof surface, our crews use high-density polyethylene snow scoops and foam-edged snow pushers. These tools are rigid enough to move heavy snow efficiently but smooth and non-abrasive enough to glide across membrane surfaces without scratching, scuffing, or gouging. Metal shovels, ice scrapers, and steel-edged tools are strictly prohibited on membrane roof surfaces. Each tool is inspected before every shift to ensure that edges remain smooth and free of nicks or burrs that could catch on membrane seams.

Roof Rakes and Extended-Reach Tools

For initial snow reduction on large roof areas, we use commercial-grade roof rakes with telescoping handles that allow crews to pull snow from a standing position. These rakes are fitted with roller heads or plastic blades that prevent the tool from digging into the membrane. Roof rakes are particularly effective for reducing the top layer of deep accumulation quickly, making it safer and more efficient for crews to then work on the roof surface to complete the removal.

De-Icing and Ice Management

When ice dams or frozen drainage systems are encountered, Windward Roofing employs controlled de-icing methods to restore drainage function. We use calcium chloride-based de-icing products applied in strategic locations such as drain bowls, scupper openings, and along ice dam formations. Calcium chloride is effective at temperatures well below zero degrees Fahrenheit and is less corrosive to roofing materials and metal components than sodium chloride (rock salt). De-icing products are applied in measured quantities to target specific problem areas rather than broadcast across the entire roof surface.

In severe cases where thick ice layers have formed, our crews use low-pressure steam equipment to melt ice away from drains, flashings, and critical details without subjecting the membrane to mechanical impact. This approach is more time-intensive but eliminates the risk of membrane damage that comes with chipping or prying frozen ice from the roof surface.

Controlled Removal to Prevent Membrane Damage

Every aspect of our equipment selection and removal methodology is designed around one principle: protect the membrane. Commercial roof membranes represent a significant investment, and even minor damage during snow removal can lead to leaks that cause far more costly interior damage. Our crews follow strict protocols that include never dragging equipment across exposed membrane surfaces, never using impact tools to break ice on the membrane field, always maintaining the protective snow buffer layer above the membrane, and immediately reporting any pre-existing damage discovered during removal so that it can be documented and addressed before spring.

Emergency Snow Removal Services

Not every snow event can be anticipated, and some storms exceed all forecasts. When a blizzard, lake-effect event, or prolonged multi-day snowfall creates an emergency situation on your commercial roof, Windward Roofing is available around the clock to respond. Our 24/7 emergency line at (844) 880-8844 connects you directly with our dispatch team, who can mobilize crews for emergency load reduction.

Emergency snow removal situations include visible deflection or sagging of the roof deck, accumulation that exceeds your building's known load capacity, interior signs of structural stress such as cracking sounds, bowing walls, or doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to operate, complete blockage of all roof drainage systems, and any situation where building occupants may be at risk due to snow or ice conditions on the roof.

In emergency scenarios, our crews focus on rapid load reduction rather than complete clearing. The priority is to remove enough snow to bring the structural load back within safe limits as quickly as possible. This typically means clearing the heaviest drift zones and the areas directly over the longest structural spans first, then systematically working across the remainder of the roof. Once the emergency load reduction is complete, we can return to perform thorough clearing and drain restoration during normal operations.

Windward Roofing strongly recommends that building owners and facility managers develop an emergency action plan for excessive snow accumulation before winter begins. Knowing your building's structural capacity, having roof access plans in place, and maintaining a relationship with a qualified snow removal contractor are all essential components of winter preparedness for commercial properties.

Understanding Snow Loads: When to Call for Removal

One of the most common questions facility managers ask is how to determine when snow accumulation has reached a level that requires professional removal. The answer depends on several factors specific to your building, including the structural design capacity of the roof, the type and condition of the roofing system, the density of the accumulated snow, and the presence of drifting or ice formation.

Snow Load Calculations

Structural engineers express roof snow loads in pounds per square foot (psf). The ground snow load for Chicago, as established by ASCE 7, is 25 psf. However, the actual load on a roof depends on exposure, thermal conditions, building geometry, and drift factors. A building with large parapets, numerous rooftop mechanical units, or adjacent taller structures will experience significantly more drifting and higher localized loads than a building with a clean, open roof profile.

As a general guideline, one foot of fresh light snow weighs approximately 3 to 5 psf, one foot of settled or compacted snow weighs approximately 10 to 15 psf, one foot of wind-packed or wet snow weighs approximately 15 to 25 psf, and one inch of solid ice weighs approximately 5 psf. These figures mean that a roof with 18 inches of compacted, partially frozen snow and a 2-inch ice layer at the bottom could be carrying 25 to 30 psf or more, potentially exceeding the design capacity of the structure.

When to Call Windward Roofing

We recommend contacting Windward Roofing for a snow load assessment or removal when any of the following conditions apply: accumulation of 6 or more inches of wet or heavy snow, accumulation of 12 or more inches of light dry snow, visible drifting against parapets or rooftop equipment exceeding 24 inches, ice buildup around drains or at roof edges, any interior signs of structural stress or water intrusion, and whenever you are uncertain about the safety of the load on your roof. It is always better to call early and have a professional evaluate the situation than to wait until an emergency develops.

Industries and Building Types We Serve

Windward Roofing provides commercial roof snow removal services for a wide range of building types and industries across the Midwest. Each building type presents unique considerations in terms of structural capacity, rooftop equipment, access requirements, and operational priorities.

Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Large warehouse and distribution facilities have some of the longest clear spans in commercial construction, making them particularly susceptible to snow load-related structural issues. These buildings often feature lightweight steel bar joist roof structures designed for efficiency rather than excess capacity. A snow event that might be manageable on a heavily reinforced concrete structure can push a long-span warehouse to its structural limits. Windward Roofing works with warehouse and logistics operators across the Chicago region to maintain safe roof conditions throughout the winter and ensure that operations continue without interruption.

Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing plants often have complex roof profiles with multiple levels, equipment platforms, exhaust stacks, and mechanical curbs that create drifting zones and complicate access. Snow removal on manufacturing facilities requires careful planning and coordination with plant operations to ensure safety and minimize production disruption. Our crews are experienced in working around active rooftop mechanical systems and follow all confined space, lockout-tagout, and site-specific safety protocols required by the facility.

Retail and Shopping Centers

Retail buildings and shopping centers present the added challenge of maintaining safe conditions for customers and employees during and after snow events. Roof snow removal must be coordinated to avoid dropping snow or ice into parking areas, pedestrian walkways, or loading zones during business hours. Windward Roofing schedules retail snow removal during off-peak hours whenever possible and uses controlled lowering methods to avoid ground-level hazards in high-traffic areas.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare campuses have zero tolerance for operational disruption. A roof failure or leak in a healthcare setting can force patient relocation, damage sensitive medical equipment, and compromise sterile environments. Windward Roofing provides priority response for healthcare clients and coordinates all rooftop activities with facility engineering staff to ensure compliance with infection control and operational continuity requirements.

Schools and Institutional Buildings

Schools, universities, government buildings, and other institutional properties serve large populations and are subject to strict safety standards. Many institutional buildings in the Midwest were constructed decades ago and may have structural capacities that are lower than current code requirements. Windward Roofing works with school districts, municipal facilities departments, and university physical plant teams to develop seasonal snow management plans that protect buildings and the people inside them.

Seasonal Contracts vs. On-Call Service

Windward Roofing offers two primary service models for commercial roof snow removal, each designed to meet different needs and budgets. Understanding the advantages of each option helps building owners and facility managers choose the approach that best protects their property.

Seasonal Snow Removal Contracts

Our seasonal contract program provides comprehensive, worry-free snow management from November through March. Seasonal contract benefits include priority dispatch with guaranteed response times, proactive weather monitoring and automatic dispatch when thresholds are reached, pre-negotiated per-visit pricing locked in before the season begins, a dedicated account manager who knows your building and its specific requirements, pre-season roof inspection to identify and document conditions before winter, and post-season inspection to assess any winter-related wear and plan for maintenance or repairs. Seasonal contracts are the recommended option for any building where timely snow removal is essential to protecting the structure, maintaining operations, or complying with insurance or lease requirements. The majority of our commercial clients in the Chicago metropolitan area rely on seasonal contracts to ensure their buildings are protected throughout the winter.

On-Call Snow Removal Service

For buildings with lower risk profiles or those that require removal only after unusually heavy events, Windward offers on-call service. On-call clients can contact us after a snow event to request removal, and our crews will respond based on current availability. On-call service is billed at standard per-visit rates, and response times are subject to overall demand across our service area. While on-call service provides flexibility and lower upfront commitment, it does not include the guaranteed response times or automatic monitoring that seasonal contracts provide. During heavy snow seasons when demand is high, on-call clients may experience longer wait times for service.

Why Choose Windward Roofing for Snow Removal?

Many companies offer snow removal services, but very few combine the commercial roofing expertise, structural knowledge, and winter operations experience that Windward Roofing brings to every project. When you hire a general snow removal contractor for your roof, you are trusting people who may have no understanding of the membrane system beneath the snow, no training in roof-safe removal techniques, and no ability to assess or repair damage if it occurs. When you hire Windward, you are working with professional commercial roofers who happen to specialize in winter services.

Our crews know the difference between a TPO membrane and a modified bitumen cap sheet. They understand where flashings are most vulnerable, how drain systems are constructed, and what warning signs to look for that indicate structural stress or membrane deterioration. This knowledge allows them to remove snow efficiently while protecting the roofing system and to alert building owners to conditions that require attention before they develop into emergencies.

Windward Roofing and Construction has served the Chicago commercial roofing market since 1984. Our reputation is built on reliability, quality workmanship, and a genuine commitment to protecting our clients' buildings. We are fully insured, OSHA-compliant, and equipped to handle snow removal on buildings of any size, from single-story retail spaces to multi-acre industrial complexes. Contact us today to discuss your winter roof protection needs and learn how a seasonal snow removal program can safeguard your commercial property through even the harshest Midwest winters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roof Snow Removal