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You've done every precaution possible before you left your property when winter arrived. Your reliable South Windsor CT professional roofers have de-winterized your roof. In addition, local plumbers ensured your pipes and other utility lines won't suffer from long-term damages that below-zero temperatures will always cause. Now that the holidays are over, it's time to perform a winter roof damage inspection and service for your roof as soon as you can.
Winter snow is beautiful, but it is brutal and can cause huge damage across your roof if left unattended. Some of the damages it can cause HeatTrak lists below to help you learn more about them.
1. Ice Dam Formation
When warm air rises from your heated living spaces, it warms the shingles of your roof and the snow that covers it. This leads to snow melting and dripping down to the colder edges of the roof where it refreezes as ice. Once the ice grows thick enough, it backs up further snow-melt behind it, causing water to seep under the shingles, and eventually into your home through leakage points. Leaks are made the more likely when backed up water freezes and thaws, working its way into nooks and crannies and expanding them. The number one way to prevent an ice dam is by insulating and ventilating your attic, but you can also lower the risk by cleaning out gutters and downspouts in late fall and using a roof rake to remove snow from the roof's edges. You can also install heat trace cables in the gutters to keep melting snow flowing, thus preventing backups.
2. Icicle Formation
Icicles often result from the same kinds of conditions that cause ice damming. While they may seem harmless, they can actually damage shingles and gutters as well as break and fall on those walking below. Eliminating roof-top air leaks and better insulation will reduce icicles as much as ice dams, but you can also carefully dislodge them with your long-handled roof rake or by climbing up near them with a ladder. Be sure the ladder is securely footed, not on ice, and never walk on an icy roof. (Continued)
If it's just maintenance and not exactly a major roofing issue, will I still need to call reliable South Windsor CT roofers for help? The truth is, it's best that you do. However, if you have time to spare during weekend and you've got reliable equipment on hand to help you, then you can perform these 10 winter roof maintenance tips as per H2H Organizing has listed below.
1. Trim the trees surrounding the house
Ensure you do a survey of your surroundings about the trees. It is quite risky to have trees with long branches dangling over your home. This is because they may quickly accumulate snow and break off onto your roof, thus creating damage. Therefore, get rid of such branches by trimming them. Also, trimming any dead tree limbs is effective in eliminating any pests such as raccoons, which may find their way to access your attic for warmth. Lastly, cut down any trees that may be growing leaning towards your house as they may ruin the shingles or the windows following the strong winds.
2. Remove roof debris
The main debris that accumulates on the roof is dead leaves and twigs. These can block scuppers and drains, thus creating ponds and putting unnecessary weight on the rooftop. You can hire a professional contractor to help clear the debris to avoid clogging your roof with leaves and snow during winter.
3. Clean your gutters
Check your roof’s open gutters to ensure there are no fallen leaves, pine needles, twigs, and debris as they can block the gutter’s path. Gutters are essential for draining rainwater and also for the melting snow. Clogging of the downspouts by the rain or melted snow is dangerous. This is because the overflow may lead to roof damage and damage to the interior walls of your house. (Continued)
However, if things get out of hand and you have barely enough time to spare, then you can always count on South Windsor CT's finest roofers. Slavin Home Improvements has always been watching out for our local community and its need for exceptional roofing. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.