Weather affects us daily, but we don’t usually consider the deterioration and damage rooftops endure throughout the year due to weather-related events. Seasonal weather effects are notorious for bringing some of the harshest weather to restaurants across the nation. That is why all of Omni Containment Systems’ products were designed and built with these environmental elements in mind. Here at Omni, we have seen some messy rooftops that could not keep up with the elements. These common causes of severe weather effects can be brutal on managing grease, leaving a disaster on your rooftop. By taking the right precautions, you can ensure your rooftop is prepared for your environment and any elements that might be thrown your way.

Water

The number one enemy of your rooftop grease is water if you don’t have the proper grease containment systems in place. The structure of your roof is specifically designed to repel water; however, heavy downpours can wear down the protective layer of your roof over time, and when grease is mixed in it doubles the damage. In this case study, you can see that a pickle bucket was being used as a grease containment system. One big downpour caused the concoction of grease and water to overflow onto the roof, spreading out over the roof.

severe weather effects of grease

All rooftops factor in water, but not grease. That is why our grease containment systems allow rainwater to pass through while absorbing all the grease output from the fan. This is achieved by using our hydrophobic filters that safeguard your rooftop from grease and keep stormwater pollution free.

severe weather effects of grease

Temperature

Depending on your region’s weather patterns, your rooftop can experience crippling cold or extreme heat, and both can take their toll on rooftops. Can your grease containment system take on these brutal temperatures? Grease containment systems that are left in place should be engineered for your region’s weather patterns. That is why we carry six patented grease containment systems specifically designed for high and low temperatures, as well as other elements like wind and precipitation.

Fluctuations in temperature can cause thermal expansion in both cold and hot climates; this can loosen or tighten systems, leading to a damaged or unusable solution. The Grease Gutter containment system is comprised of UV-resistant extruded PVC straight sections and injection molded with UV-resistant polypropylene corners and corner flashings. The Grease Gutter’s hydrophobic filter has an outer sleeve that is comprised of UV and flame-resistant polyester skin to safeguard against extreme temperatures. The Grease Gutter utilizes galvanized zinc fasteners that keep your exhaust fan unit protected from thermal expansion.

Wind

Does your region experience strong winds? Strong winds can lift the edges of grease containment systems or blow them completely off. This leaves the roof susceptible to grease damage and structural deterioration. That is why we often recommend a system that stands up to higher wind speeds. A good option for this type of setting is the Grease Box grease containment system. It is 100% weatherproof and wind proof. It also features three tiers of our hydrophobic filters and is in an enclosed receptacle.

Finally, having a hinge on your rooftop’s fan is imperative. It helps protect service personnel who may service the fan. Did you know that the Super Hinge NFPA 96 compliant hold open retainer can also be used as a hold close retainer? By using this feature, these hinges can support the base of your exhaust fan during intense wind by ensuring your fan stays closed. This feature has even been used at prisons for security by adding a padlock.

super hinge

Conclusion

You must ensure that your grease containment equipment comes from experts in the kitchen exhaust cleaning field and that they are installed properly in order to avoid the damages of severe weather effects. The installer should consider any specific weather elements your region might experience on a regular basis. The Omni Containment Systems’ manufacturer guidelines must be followed exactly in order to keep warranty intact.  By taking the right precautions, you can ensure your rooftop is prepared for your environment and any weather that mother nature throws at you.