METAL ROOF MAINTENANCE IN WINTER – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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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.

 

METAL ROOF MAINTENANCE IN WINTER

 

Winter is here!  Your metal roofing protects you from all sorts of weather conditions, so it’s time to give it some care for the cold seasons.  We know you want your home to be damage-free during the winter season, and you can achieve that by conducting proper metal roof maintenance.  Whether you have a standing seam metal roof, corrugated metal roofing, or any other metal roofing materials, the things that you need to know to help your roof stand in the chilly season are right here!

SNOW RESISTANCE

When snow falls on asphalt shingle roofs, it can quickly accumulate and needs to be shoveled off to avoid roof damage.  Unlike shingle roofs, metal roofs’ naturally slick structures allow snow to slide off easily.  This means metal roofs are less likely to experience large amounts of snow to build up on the roof, which can cause a roof to collapse.  This natural “slickness” can help you avoid shoveling snow off by hand, but you’ll need to install snow guards to help melt snow off the roof safely.

A snow guard is a device installed on a roof to help ice and snow melt off slowly and in an organized way.  Metal roof snow guards help prevent snow avalanches, which is where heavy snowfall suddenly and forcefully slides off of the roof.  Snow avalanches can cause serious damage to property and can injure people, so installing snow guards can help evacuate snow off the roof in a gradual, predictable manner.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Temperatures can drop way below freezing in the winter, so keeping in the heat of your home or building is important for your comfort and for your monthly energy bill.  Depending on the design you choose, having a metal roof in winter weather can provide extra insulation to keep warm air from escaping your building.  This can help keep you warm and toasty inside and lower your monthly energy bill by taking the load off of your heating system.

LONGEVITY

Metal roofs are sturdy.  There’s no doubt about that!  Their durability means they can withstand the harsh conditions that often come with winter weather.  Unlike other roofing materials, metal roofing doesn’t become brittle in the cold.  It doesn’t deteriorate easily, so it stays looking brand new for years on end.  Additionally, shingle roof homeowners often worry about accumulated snow on the roof causing damage.  Metal roof homeowners have less worry about this.  With metal roofs and snow, heavy snow simply slides off of metal roofs, so the structural integrity of the roof is not threatened or weighed down by excess snow.

MAINTAINING YOUR METAL ROOF IN WINTER

Proper maintenance in the winter can help keep your metal roof efficient during even the coldest winters.  Below are tips for maintaining your metal roof in the winter:

  • CLEAN GUTTERS

    • Most of the leaves have fallen by the time winter hits, so it’s the perfect time to clean out your gutters.  The buildup of leaves and dirt in gutter systems can damage a metal roof, so removing debris can help promote your roof’s longevity.

  • BRUSH AWAY EXCESS SNOW

    • While metal roofs do a great job of guiding snow off of the roof, depending on the shape of your roof snow and debris can gather in trickier corners or ridges.  Simply use a brush to gently sweep away snow or any debris.  A metal roofing professional can help with this process to ensure it is done efficiently and safely.

  • Roof Cleaning

    • Cleaning is always the first step for proper maintenance and it helps to increase the lifespan of the metal roof.  Some people may ignore the condition of their roof because it is the overhead part of the building and is never on sight at all times.  However, they never imagine how critical it would be one day when the roof suddenly collapses.  It is the obligation of every homeowner to ensure that the family and property is safe.

      When cleaning your metal roof, make sure you clean every part of it from the vents to the gutters and then the roof itself.  Remove every debris and snow piles from it and ensure you do it carefully not to tamper with the painting.  Heavy snow piles on the roof may result into formation of dents and this will be a sign of danger to your property.  However, metal roof is very strong and will give you some allowance of time to prepare for the cleaning and removal of the snow.  You will also have some time in between your cleaning schedules.

  • Proper Venting and Insulation

    Venting and insulating your house properly will help you to save on energy costs during the winter. You can still decide to upgrade and install additional insulation.  Perfect insulation goes hand in hand with perfect venting. There is nothing as good as living in a warm house and comfortable house during the winter.

  • TRIM TREES AND BRANCHES

    • The constant rubbing of a branch or limb on a metal roof can damage the finish. Trim your trees to keep loose branches away from your roof’s surface. This will also help keep the gutters clean.

  • Check Your Attic Insulation

    • Snow tends to melt when the metal roof is warm and refreeze when the roof temperature is below 32°F, and this causes ice dams to form.  When the dam forms, snow begins to build up around the edges of the metal roof and other roof structures.  Before winter, make sure that your attic is properly insulated because this can effectively prevent ice dams from developing.  Additionally, it allows for improved airflow throughout the home, which adds to the comfort of your home. Call a professional to properly insulate your attic before it gets cold.

  • Check Exterior And Interior Roof Conditions

    • Even if you’re not an expert roofer, looking at your metal roof may help you identify a minor issue before it becomes a major one.  Walk around your property and look at the areas of your roof that are visible to conduct an exterior examination of your roof. Keep an eye out for any indications of wear and tear, corrosion, or broken gutters.  Examine your roof’s underside as well.  Look for any holes or rips in the metal roofing system that might be letting water in.  Check the beams and rafters that support your metal roof to see if there are any signs of rot, insect infestation, or damage.

  • Put Your Guards Up

    • Metal roofs do a great job shedding snow and ice, but in heavy snowfall, that can be a danger to those below when large clumps of snow and ice give way suddenly and without warning.  Even in climates where snow accumulation is rare, it’s always a good idea to have snow guards on your metal roof that help keep frozen precipitation in place and cause it to melt or slid off in small pieces rather than dangerous chunks.  Snow guards can be installed on existing metal roofs; contact a qualified contractor or roof to ensure proper installation.

Metal roofs are incredibly snow and winter-friendly in many aspects.  They can help protect your home or building throughout the roughest winters, and proper maintenance can keep your metal roof lasting for many years to come.