Protect Your Roof this Winter
During winter, one of the most dreaded tasks is dealing with snow removal for an extended period of time. However, it is a necessary task that will end up saving you money and preventing the headache of serious home damage.
Combating issues like ice damming, snow accumulation, and icicles can be dangerous, and expensive. Slush can back up into your gutters and the weight of the snow can pull your gutters away from your home. Moisture can find its way into areas that area meant to be dry, resulting in the buckling and serious damage of your roof.
Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take in order to protect your roof this winter:
- Make sure your attic is well ventilated
During the winter, if ventilation is poor, water can reach the cold underside of a roof and condense. If this goes neglected, moisture can build up, damaging your roof, insulation, and interior drywall. In order to combat these issues, you’ll want to keep your attic temperature closer to the outside temperature to prevent snow from getting into the pattern of melting and refreezing. If you are unsure of what temperature to keep your attic at, consult your local building code authority for their expertise.
- Keep a Roof Rake on Hand
In order to prevent serious damage from heavy snow, you’ll want to keep a roof rake on hand. A roof rake will prevent excessive snow and ice buildup that can cause both property damage and personal injury. Heavy loads of snow and ice can contribute to a roof collapse, especially on flat roofs. Additionally, the excess in moisture can contribute to ice dams and water damage within your home. Use the roof rake to combat these issues and protect your home from serious damage. Look for models with sturdy telescoping handles and built-in rollers. The built in rolls will keep the blade safely above the shingles.
DIY Quick Tip: Avoid using salt or chemical snow melt to melt ice on your roof. You may not realize it, but these can erode your shingles and gutters and potentially void the roofing manufacturer’s warranty!
- Consult a Professional
If you are unable to use a roof rake and want to avoid injury, you can hire a professional to fix the problem before it leads to expensive repairs. A professional will also be able to point out areas of concern and suggest ways to combat some of your problem areas.
- Protect Your Family
Often overlooked, vents and chimneys can become blocked with heavy snow and ice. This is important to take into consideration when evaluating your home. If left neglected, these
How Do You know if there is a Problem?
An indication that there is an excessive snow load on your home is when doors and interior walls begin to stick. That signals that there’s enough weight on the center structure to disrupt the door frame. Check bedroom doors and closets and examine the drywall around the frames for visible cracks. Take precaution and protect your roof this winter.
