Snow on your roof may look beautiful, but it can cause damage to your roof if it isn’t removed as soon as possible. Snow creates a tremendous weight on your roof, and if left on the roof for too long, it can deteriorate its structure. Afterward, if the snow melts, it can form an ice dam, which can damage your gutter and pour water into your house. If you don’t perform regular winter roof maintenance, your roof is at risk of severe damage.
If you live in areas that experience snow, you should consider taking the necessary steps to ensure that your roof is safe during the winter. Letting contractors, like roofers in Alexandria, inspect and give you the appropriate recommendations will help ensure that your home is safe during the winter season.
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To keep your roof safe during the cold season, here are some things you should do:
- Conduct Roof Inspection
Regular inspections by a trained roofing professional are essential for the safety of your property. A trained roofing professional should inspect your roof at least once a year or every two years. This will allow you to spot any problems before they cause significant damage to your roof during the winter season.
Professionals will check for any possible leaks on your roof. It’s essential to seal any leaks as even a small leak from the roof can cause structural damage to your ceiling and eventually, your walls and floor. If not sealed, you’ll need to repair or replace everything that’s damaged, which will cost much more than the initial repair. Furthermore, the roof’s interior can suffer due to leaks or mold, which can be a source of respiratory problems for building occupants and lead to expensive hospital bills.
- Keep Gutter Clean
One of the most important things you should do to protect your roof during the winter season is to keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Clogged gutters could prevent melting snow and ice from draining out of your roofs. When melted snow and ice are accumulated on your roof, it will melt into large pools of water, which can seep inside your roof and go into your ceilings. The collected water can also freeze over and cause ice dams which can be a hazard and cause further damage to your roof.
It is essential to wear protective gear when cleaning the gutters, including eye protection and gardening gloves. You would also need a ladder to reach every area of the drain. Make sure that your ladder is standing on level ground to avoid falling.
- Clear Out Snow
If you’re expecting to experience snow for extended periods, removing accumulated snow regularly on your roof is crucial to prevent the roof from collapsing. Removing snow regularly will help prevent any structural damage. It’s recommended to remove snow from the roof if it accumulated to about six inches or more.
It’s also essential to remove the snow properly if you’re doing it yourself. Don’t go up and use a shovel to remove the snow as you risk falling from heights. It’s recommended to hire a professional contractor as they have the proper equipment to remove snow from your roof. They also have the appropriate safety training to handle this type of work.
If you can’t afford to hire a professional, you should have the proper tools to remove snow from your roof. You should have a specifically designed snow rake if you have sloped roofs. Using inappropriate tools can damage your roof, mainly if your roof is shingled. Refrain from using any chemicals that can melt the snow, as these chemicals can also damage your roofing materials.
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- Check For Pests
If left untreated, these pests can damage your roof and walls. Many of these animals make nests in your attic or walls and can cause severe problems to your property. Rats and mice can gnaw through wiring and other structural components.
Some of these pests can be attracted to the warmth of your home, especially during the winter months. These pests can claw their way inside your home, damaging your roofing materials. They can also damage parts of your sidings, leading to moisture damage on your home’s exteriors. You’ll know when pests have already gotten inside your home when you notice weird smells and noises coming from your ventilation system.
When you see any signs of pest infestations in your roof during the inspection, it’s best to call a professional to clear them out before the winter comes. A professional can deal with these tasks better because these animals can be wild, and they might bite or scratch you.
Final Thoughts
Before the winter season comes, you should know some of the signs your roof needs repairing. Preparing your roof before the snow comes will ensure your home’s safety in the entire winter period. Conducting regular inspection, removing debris on the gutters, and clearing out pests is critical in keeping the structural integrity of your roof. Lastly, don’t let snow accumulate on your roof during winter, regularly remove it before it causes the roof to collapse.
