The winter months are very hard on roofs. Wind, snow and ice exert pressure on the shingles, which can damage them and make the roof leak. In extreme cases, heavy snow can collapse a roof or bring down a tree branch and severely damage a roof. Here are some things you can do to protect your roof this winter and reduce the need for major repairs in the spring.
Fix Any Weak Areas
Loose, curling or missing shingles should be repaired before winter sets in. High winds can loosen them further leaving spaces for melting snow to leak through. This is especially important it your area has experienced very windy days in the fall. The weight of the snow will make any existing roofing problems worse. You can avoid more extensive repairs in the spring …show more content…
After an exceptionally heavy snowfall, you may need to shovel the snow off the roof. Use a plastic shovel because metal can damage your shingles. If you can’t get onto the roof, use a roof rake and remove as much snow as you can reach. However, keep in mind that climbing on an icy, snow-covered roof is dangerous. Protecting your roof is not worth risking an injury. Many roofing contractors offer snow removal services in addition to roof installations and repairs, so call a professional to do this if you are not physically able or if you are uncomfortable with the idea of walking on the roof.
Prevent or Remove Ice Dams
You’ll know you have ice dams when you see large, thick icicles or ice masses stuck to the side of your house. In addition to keeping your gutters clean, the most effective way to prevent ice dams is to have adequate insulation between your living space and the roof – usually in your attic. If the warm air of your living space keeps the roof warm enough, it will make the snow melt. When it gets cold enough outside, the melted snow will freeze and form a dam. Install or replace your attic insulation to create a barrier so the snow will be less likely to melt and
Fix Any Weak Areas
Loose, curling or missing shingles should be repaired before winter sets in. High winds can loosen them further leaving spaces for melting snow to leak through. This is especially important it your area has experienced very windy days in the fall. The weight of the snow will make any existing roofing problems worse. You can avoid more extensive repairs in the spring …show more content…
After an exceptionally heavy snowfall, you may need to shovel the snow off the roof. Use a plastic shovel because metal can damage your shingles. If you can’t get onto the roof, use a roof rake and remove as much snow as you can reach. However, keep in mind that climbing on an icy, snow-covered roof is dangerous. Protecting your roof is not worth risking an injury. Many roofing contractors offer snow removal services in addition to roof installations and repairs, so call a professional to do this if you are not physically able or if you are uncomfortable with the idea of walking on the roof.
Prevent or Remove Ice Dams
You’ll know you have ice dams when you see large, thick icicles or ice masses stuck to the side of your house. In addition to keeping your gutters clean, the most effective way to prevent ice dams is to have adequate insulation between your living space and the roof – usually in your attic. If the warm air of your living space keeps the roof warm enough, it will make the snow melt. When it gets cold enough outside, the melted snow will freeze and form a dam. Install or replace your attic insulation to create a barrier so the snow will be less likely to melt and