Your Guide To Maintaining Your Roof over the Winter
Keep your family safe from the elements this winter and all year long with a solid and well maintained roof. Roof care may be tedious, but it is crucial to ensure the long term health of your roof, and overall structure of the house.
To prevent structural damage to the roof itself, it is important to take the proper measures for snow removal and winter maintenance. As beautiful as the snow is when it crystalizes and falls to the ground in the winter, it can severely damage the roof if you’re not careful. It’s always a good idea to have your roof inspected for peace of mind, and sound solutions. Avoid climbing onto the roof during the winter as the slippage from snow and ice can be dangerous. Instead, walk around the outside of the house and look for places where the roof may be sagging. If you see anything, calling in a professional can help alleviate any questions or concerns you may have. A qualified roofer can spot leaks and other damages after a thorough inspection, warn you of whatever risks there may be, and what you’ll want to look out for.
If you do try to tackle the roof yourself- you will want to note how much snow has accumulated, and whether your roof is the right height to use a roof rake. This allows you to remove the snow while standing, as these types of rakes have telescoping poles which can stretch to reach certain roofs if they’re low enough. Call a contractor immediately if you don’t feel comfortable clearing snow, or there’s an overload of snow accumulated. They will come with the right tools and equipment to handle the job.
How Can Snow Damage a Roof
A few snowflakes here and there shouldn’t be anything to be too concerned about. However, when it comes to snow accumulation over time, the heavy weight of the snow can cause a tremendous amount of stress to the roof. This stress can weaken the roof, and melting ice water may make its way into your home. This can create ceiling stains, and leakage into your walls and insulation leading to a more expensive repair.
For preventative measures, if you start to notice water freezing over, you will want to remove whatever ice build up there is. Ice has a density fifteen times greater than snow, which can be very hazardous if left alone. The sooner you can detect the signs of damage, the greater your chances of preventing further problems.
Is There Too Much Heavy Snow on Your Roof?
Most roofs can withstand 20 pounds per square foot of snow. The amount of stress bearing down on your roof depends on the type of snow. Fresh powdered snow has much less density and can weigh just 3 pounds per square foot. A good rule of thumb is to clear snow after every half foot of snow. Winter is the most dangerous time to work on the roof, take safety precautions and call a roofing expert if there’s too much snow built up, or ice dams dams develop.
Most Common Roof Issues in The Winter and How to Deal With Them
Hanging icicles can be an indicator of ice dams developing along the eaves of the roof. Ice dams may form due to uneven heating on the roof and cause your roof to start leaking or caving in (in more extreme cases). Ice dams can cause damage to your shingles, open up cracks in the roof, and pry off your gutters.
To prevent ice dams you can install heat cables to melt the snow before the dams develop, improve attic insulation and ventilation, and continue to use the roof rake.
Don’t let the roof go unchecked, continue to consistently check up on the condition of your roof and watch for signs of damage.
Snow Removal for Roofs in New Hampshire
Conde Roofing offers professional Snow Removal throughout Winter. Once the temperature drops, you start to run a higher risk of freezing issues.
Meet the Conde Roofing Team – We are a fully insured and reliable team of experts with over two decades of experience. We have the dedication and drive to help solve your roofing needs and tackle your toughest roofing issues and concerns.
Contact us for more snow & ice related questions here.
