CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ROOF THIS WINTER
Winter storms severely test the resilience of your home, and there is no part of a house more prone to snow and ice damage than the roofing. To help prevent wintertime roof damage, there are a number of important steps you can take. There is no way to eliminate the possibility, but you can minimize its likelihood by taking action before winter begins.
Roof Inspections
First, you should invest in a pre-winter roof inspection done by a roofing professional. This will discover any weaknesses like loose or missing shingles, loose or misplaced flashing, cracked caulk and tar, and potential leakage points around chimneys and vents. You should fix such problems before the first snow to prevent damage from worsening due to the freeze/thaw cycle. Immediately following winter, it is wise to have a second roof inspection to find and correct all winter damage.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, especially during the winter. If you have subpar roofing materials or your attic is badly ventilated, then you could be in need of emergency roof repair during winter. There are simple ways to prepare your roof for winter, such as inspecting attic ventilation and buying a roof rake. For more ways to protect your roof, continue reading below.
Keep your attic ventilated
Ventilation and insulation are incredibly important to the continued health of your roof during the winter. Insulation keeps the temperatures regulated, which will help lower your energy bills and combat cold outside temperatures. Ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup, which can damage your home and attic interior, as well as your roofing materials. Make sure your roof vents and other forms of ventilation are in good condition and are not blocked by insulation or other items in your attic.
Use a roof rake
When there is heavy snow on your roof, then you will want to use a roof rake. Heavy snow and ice can cause your roof to collapse, especially if it is a flat roof. If snow continues to build up, or if it melts and refreezes, then ice dams may begin to form. As ice dams form and then melt, they can cause significant water damage in your attic and the rest of your home. To prevent the buildup of snow and ice, use a roof rake with a telescoping handle. Refrain from using chemicals to melt the snow, because these can cause damage to roof shingles and other roofing materials.
REMOVE ENCROACHING TREES
Nobody likes dealing with roof damages resulting from falling trees, and that’s why it is recommended to remove low-hanging branches. Snowstorms are well-known to put pressure on trees, and since there will be ice buildup, there is a chance of branches breaking and damaging your roof. Branch removal can be done quickly, but if you feel the task is challenging, you can contact a professional. With help from experts, you can have peace of mind.
CLEAN THE ROOF REGULARLY
During winter, it’s never too late to remove debris from your roof. All you need to do is get your ladder and remove the dirt from your roof. First, you need to make sure it is safe before you clean your roof. It would also be best if you remembered that it is not something you will do once and wait until it gets dirty. To avoid further damage, it is recommended that you try as much as possible to clean it if you have time. If you find the task challenging, you can get in touch with a roofing professional. Roofing contractors will know how to clean without causing damages to your roof.
REMOVE SNOW
Most people can agree that it’s impossible to remove all of the snow on the roof, but you can remove the snow close to your gutters. This will help in reducing the strain on the gutters once the snow begins to melt. Also, you will reduce the chance of roof damage. You can get a shovel or rake and remove the snow.
CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS REGULARLY
One objective of cleaning the gutters regularly is to avoid putting pressure on your gutter system. Gutters and drainpipes are responsible for directing moisture away from your home’s foundation. Clogs could cause water to accumulate, placing pressure on the gutters while increasing the risk of roof damage. Water will freeze, melt, then freeze again, creating problems for you. Excess moisture may cause numerous issues within your home. That’s why you need to keep your gutters clean all the time to reduce the risk of damage.
GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
If you have any issues with your roof, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable roofing contractor for help. Roof repair or replacement is a significant investment, and you need to make sure that you’ve done your research before working with an expert.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
First, you should invest in a pre-winter roof inspection done by a roofing professional. This will discover any weaknesses like loose or missing shingles, loose or misplaced flashing, cracked caulk and tar, and potential leakage points around chimneys and vents. You should fix such problems before the first snow to prevent damage from worsening due to the freeze/thaw cycle. Immediately following winter, it is wise to have a second roof inspection to find and correct all winter damage.
When there is heavy snow on your roof, then you will want to use a roof rake. Heavy snow and ice can cause your roof to collapse, especially if it is a flat roof. If snow continues to build up, or if it melts and refreezes, then ice dams may begin to form. As ice dams form and then melt, they can cause significant water damage in your attic and the rest of your home. To prevent the buildup of snow and ice, use a roof rake with a telescoping handle. Refrain from using chemicals to melt the snow, because these can cause damage to roof shingles and other roofing materials.
