Winter roof maintenance is a necessary procedure to prevent defects caused by snow and ice destruction. From ice dams, leaks, and structural stress, winter may result in expensive repairs to poorly maintained roofs. Homeowners are performing preventive measures to keep the roof safe through the cold months and also prepare it for a new season.
7 Ways to Avoid Snow Damage on Your Roof
Here are ten ways to prevent your roof from damage caused by snow:
- Regularly clear snow: Clear off any snow accumulation from the roof as it mounts excess weight that may damage the structure.
- Install ice and water shields: These protective barriers are usually installed along the edges of the roof to stop water from seeping underneath the shingles, further preventing leaks when ice dams form.
- Keep gutters cleaned up: Clogged gutters lead to the formation of ice dams. Hence, gutters should be cleared of debris for the free flow of water to prevent backup.
- Install heated roof systems: Ensure you install heating cables at the eaves of the roof to melt the snow and ice and provide insulation against ice dam formation.
- Prune overhanging branches: Snow and ice can cause branches to snap and fall onto your roof. Prune back overhanging trees to minimize breakage and debris in your gutters.
- Roof rake: Use a roof rake, which is a long-handled rake, to clear snow from the roof edges after a snowfall without damaging your shingles.
- Hire an expert: Since snow and ice buildup is bad for the roof, pay a professional to remove snow and also check for possible damage, particularly if you have a steep roof.
Tips for Prepping Your Roof for Spring
Like winter, homeowners need to prepare their roofs for spring. Here are great tips to follow:
- When snow melts, check out the damage done during the winter, such as ice dam damage, missing shingles, or leaks.
- Clear the gutters because debris could cause melted snow to back up, which could result in leakages.
- Make sure attic insulation is foolproof to prevent heat loss and condensation buildup that can create moistness and mold problems.
- You should also examine the durability of the flashing around the chimney and vent to make sure there are no leaks of water.
- Remove moss, algae, or lichen build-up developed during the winter because they cause damage to shingles and trap moisture.
- Inspect the roof valleys for debris under which water may pool and cause damage if left unattended.
- Cut down leaning branches, which may damage your roof.
- Attics should be well ventilated to prevent heat accumulation which could eventually cause premature deterioration of roofs.
How Bay State Exteriors Can Assist
Let Bay State Exteriors handle your routine roof maintenance and prepare your home for the coming weather. You are one call away from protecting your family and your home. 857-389-5284