Here Is Why You Should Definitely Winterize Your Roof Before Leaving South Windsor CT For The Holidays

Fall is just about to leave and Christmas is just around the corner. True enough, plenty of families from South Windsor CT are going to leave their homes for the holidays. While we wish you a warm and lovely vacation, it's essential to check up on your roof's condition before you leave. In addition, we highly recommend -- as your trustworthy and dependable South Windsor CT roofers -- to have roof winterization and your entire home winterized before you go.

Roof winterization is a well-known process that prevents extreme cold and snow from ultimately causing massive damages against your roofing system. It's not just preventing any possible rain and snow from leaking into your attic and causing all kinds of damages in your living areas. Roof winterization is making sure every aspect of your roof's composition, condition, and component is working in the best way possible before you leave.

What Does Roof Winterization Entail?

True enough, roof winterization is similar to your average regular roof inspections. Most South Windsor CT homeowners schedule it as their second roof inspection if they put their roofs on a bi-annual routine inspection (the first being in Spring to reverse and repair the possible damages winter has brought).

Facilities Net explains that winterizing the roof for both residential and commercial properties involves the following roofing parts:

The inspection should identify the problems at their initial stages. Verification is also essential to extend the service life of the roof system: If the defects are not correctly identified or properly repaired (or not repaired at all) they can contribute to roof failure.

Irrespective of the membrane covering, all roof systems are comprised of similar components. The materials for the components are the only variations. The roof system components are:

• Structural deck (substrate)
• Insulation
• Membrane
• Surfacing
• Flashings
• Metal terminations

All of these components synchronize into one functional system. Each component has its own failure modes, and although failure of one component may not lead to failure of the entire system, each component must be inspected. It is imperative that the inspector pay close attention to each component and that all of the identified defects be immediately corrected. (Continued)

Once a trusty roofer has gone through the routines of inspection, they will brief you on the possible damages your roof might suffer in its existing condition. Then, the roofers will talk about the best courses of action to prevent it from worsening.

Facilities Net also explains the best preventative methods to avoid massive damages and extensive roof winterization problems. You can read more about them below.

There are other, often overlooked trouble spots that could contribute to problems if they are not corrected prior to the onslaught of winter weather. For instance, facility managers should be cognizant of extensive debris on the roof surface. Debris can be detrimental to the roof system in a variety of conditions. Certain types of debris can puncture the membrane or flashing material — a condition that can be intensified by the weight of snow or ice. Debris may also clog roof drains, impeding proper drainage.

Roof drains, scuppers, and gutters should be cleaned of all debris and obstructions. Avoiding impediments to drainage flow in winter months is especially critical because the resulting ponded water may freeze. This creates a live load over an extended period of time. The additional weight to the structure may result in roof collapse. This is an extreme case, but roof disasters like this have certainly been known to happen, especially with heavy live loads.

Removal of the snow or ice from the roof system may be required, if there is an excessive amount of accumulation, to eliminate live load weight or free a path to roof drains. If facility managers decide to conduct these types of operations, they should be certain that the roof membrane is not damaged in the process. It is best to use plastic shovels and not to remove snow all the way down to the membrane surface. The intent is to remove weight, not to provide walkable surface such as on a public sidewalk. Any leaks that do occur in the winter months should be properly repaired. (Continued)

Professional Roofing Inspections and Maintenance Done Right

In all cases, this justifies the need to have excellent roofing services to perform inspections and maintenance correctly and accurately. You can count on us at Slavin Home Improvements to provide excellent roof inspections and maintenance before you leave your home for the holidays. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!