How to Protect Your Rooftop HVAC Unit From Severe Weather
Roof-mounted HVAC units are exposed to elements like hail and strong winds all year round, resulting in significant damage across the country. Fortunately, through preventive design and routine maintenance, you can protect this expensive equipment and minimize downtime for your business.
- High Winds: During a high-wind event, pieces of equipment that are not secured become susceptible to sliding, lifting and overturning. To prevent this from occurring, HVAC units should be securely attached to a curb that is connected to the roofing structure. If an equipment-to-curb connection fails to provide uplift resistance, use high-strength, corrosion-resistant cables instead. All service panels should also be fastened properly so they do not become dislodged over time.
- Hail: Business owners often utilize hail guards to protect their roof-mounted HVAC units from the onslaught of hail. Hail guards are specially designed to cover outdoor equipment while allowing for sufficient airflow. There are many protection systems available on the market today, though coil-based hail guard systems and hail guard netting seem to be the preference in hailstorm scenarios.
- Snow & Ice: During winter, snow and ice tend to collect around rooftop HVAC units, which increases the load on commercial roofs. One effective method to reduce the risk of leaks due to improper drainage on roofs is to slope the roofing insulation during the construction process. If the commercial roof was designed with improper slope, re-roofing of the building can resolve the issue. This will enable rainwater or snowmelt to run off the roof and into a drain during severe winter weather.
Dittmer Air and Heat is a premier source of top-rated residential and commercial HVAC solutions. Give us a call at (321) 637-0170 to learn more about our products and services. You may also fill out our online form to schedule an inspection with one of our technicians.