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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR FLAT ROOF FOR WINTER

A flat roof gives your home a sleek, modern profile, but it comes with its own share of special considerations.  Although most “flat” roofs actually feature a slight pitch, they still collect more rain, snow and debris than traditional roofs, making them a safety liability.  Caring for your flat roof in winter requires more prevention – best performed in autumn – than it does wintertime labor.  Even in warm regions, you can take measures to bolster your roof against winter wind and rain.

There is a common myth among homeowners that flat roofs are less structurally sound and therefore more dangerous than sloped roofs.  This is categorically untrue.  Flat roofs are just as strong and water-resistant as sloped roofs.  However, that resiliency does require a little help.  Keeping your roof in good shape throughout the winter falls into two categories: Preparation and Maintenance.

Preparation: Be Proactive

Get Cleaning

The snow has yet to fall, but that doesn’t mean you should sit around and wait for it to happen.  Leaves and twigs and other debris can become a real issue if left alone throughout the winter.  For starters this material can and will freeze which means when snow does fall, it will take longer to melt.  Likewise, frozen leaves and other autumnal detritus will put a heavy burden on your roof, especially when water begins to pool on top of them.  If those leaves are not cleared, it could lead to structural damage that will require lots of time and money to fix.

Sweep the roof clear of debris, such as leaves, twigs and small branches.  Excess debris encourages water pooling, which puts stress on the roof and increases the chance of leaks.  Don’t apply too much pressure when you sweep, as this may damage the roofing membrane or remove the protective coating.  Remove leaves, dirt and debris from the cage-like drain hub and surrounding area by hand.

Drainage!

Clearing the roof is good, but if your drains are clogged then it will all be for not.  Be sure to pay extra close attention to any drain hubs or other drainage areas around your roof and make sure they are good and clean.  Likewise, it is recommended that you use a high-powered hose to clean out any drains.  And, if that doesn’t work, then take a plumber’s snake and run it through those drains.  It is imperative that you make sure you break up any clogs. If you don’t, then you could be the person this winter with an ice rink on their roof. Trust us, it’s not as fun as it sounds.

Tree Prep

While this is true of any roof type, it is especially important for people who own homes with flat roofs.  If there are any branches that hang over your roof cut them down, either on your own or by hiring professionals.  High winds, heavy wet snow, and frigid temperatures can turn even the strongest of boughs into brittle twigs ready to snap at the next big gust.  And for your sake and your homes, make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Give these trees a haircut and avoid the fall out, literally.

Cut back limbs that hang over the roof before winter hits.  This reduces your chance of broken limbs damaging your roof and helps cut back on debris, which in turn, prevents clogged drain spouts and pooling water.

Inspect, Inspect, Inspect

Alright, your roof has been cleared and cleaned.  The trees have been cut back and the skies overhead are clear, what’s next?  Simple, the last step to preparing your flat roof for winter is to make sure that it is physically ready for the season.  Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert to do this, just check for the following things:

• The obvious: check your roof for holes and indentations.  Basically, if there’s a hole, patch it up.  If there’s a spot on your roof that’s as soft as a ripe banana, call an expert.

• Checking the edges: You need to check the roof’s caulking along the flashes.  Don’t know what that is?  It’s ok.  Those are just fancy terms for where the roof meets the wall.  If you notice water damage on your ceiling right near the wall or in the corner of the room (this is typically where water damage occurs) then that means you may need to reseal that area.  If you have experience with this then go on ahead and fix it up.  If not, you may want to call in an expert.  Prolonged water damage could lead to mold in your walls and ceiling and if that goes ignored for too long it could lead to bigger issues.

• The not-so-obvious: Keep an eye out for “blisters” on your roof.  What this means is looking for areas where water has gotten under your roof.  If you touch these spots and they feel mushy, like a blister, then that means the spot needs to be cut up, dried out, and resealed.