Winter weather can prove to be a challenge for your roof. Snow and ice can cause long-term damage that spells trouble for your budget. But with a little preparation and know-how, a homeowner can help mitigate these issues before they become real problems. Learn more about how to protect your home with these simple tricks and tips.
Safety First
The most important thing to remember is to avoid getting on your roof at all costs. Especially when considering the hazards of snow and ice, walking on your roof without the proper safety equipment and training creates a high-risk scenario for injuries. Remember to conduct all activities from the safety of the ground and to contact your roofer for anything that requires access to your home roofing structure.
Staying Prepared
The best way to avoid harsh seasonal conditions becoming an expensive problem is to schedule a regular maintenance and winter preparation check with your roofing contractor before the weather changes. This will help keep your roof conditions up to date and assess any areas of concern while they are still small enough to be easily dealt with. Issues like poor insulation, lack of ventilation, and warped or damaged seals can quickly exacerbate high-cost repairs. Get them dealt with now rather than later. Keep track of your local weather. Watch for reports of ice, extreme winds, and heavy snowfall, all of which can prove to be damaging to your roof. By keeping an eye on changing conditions, you can make more effective choices and gather any supplies you may need before it becomes a dire emergency.
Know the Problem Areas
Indoor heating rises up through the ceiling, increasing the temperature of the roof and causing snow and ice to melt. The water travels until it reaches a temperature that is below freezing and then resolidifies. This builds up over time, creating an ice dam that continues to back up as the temperature fluctuates. Ice dams have a tendency to build up around gutters, drainage spouts, and intersecting corners, which allows the ice touching the roof to melt again and start seeping in through cracks. Breaking these ice dams and keeping your roof clear of snow can help keep this from becoming a serious issue.
Grab Your Supplies
Snow Rake – this simple, inexpensive tool is a snow shovel with an extendable pole that allows you to remove excess snow from your roof without traversing the slipper conditions yourself.
Ice Pick – use an ice pick to chip away at areas where you can see ice build-up along the gutters and downspouts of your home. While you may need to use a ladder to do this, be sure to exercise safety precautions to avoid slipping and falling.
Melting Crystals – stock up on ice-melting products that contain ammonium sulfate and calcium magnesium acetate. You can sprinkle this on your roof to help cut down on ice and snow build-up before/after a storm.
These simple considerations and solutions won’t keep a blizzard from blowing through town. But they will go a long way toward reducing roof repair costs down the line and preventing damage to your home during the winter season. Remember to stay safe and call Wagner Roofing for professional, quality care for your roof.