Winter is just around the corner, but there are still things you can do to protect your roof from the plunging temperatures and heavy snow. The fluctuating temperature of your home and your local climate can melt the snow, freeze it again, and more. You can prepare your roof for these risks ahead of time, keeping your home safe throughout the season. Here are some tips on what you should do now.
Remove Leaves from the Roof and Gutter
The number one thing you want to do is remove any excess leaves that have fallen into the gutter before the snowfalls. Dry leaves keep snow banked up against your home and on your roofing materials.
If it is already snowing where you are, take the time to scoop out the snow and leaves from your gutters to save yourself from headache later on in the season. You can use hot water or hand warmers to temporarily melt the ice if the leaves have frozen over already.
Prevention
Ice dams are caused when the heat in the house melts the snow on the roof as it melts and runs off in the gutter. This melting ice can then refreeze as it makes its way down to the ground, causing tiny icicles to form and collect at the base of your gutters. If this happens repeatedly, it causes a blockage and can cause snow to be trapped and get under the shingles causing humidity to get into the home. To prevent this from happening, remove ice from the roof and any excess snow before it freezes.
Snow Weight
Another winter storm is on its way and you're getting nervous about the roof. Snow has a high water content, which means it will be heavier than hail or rain when it accumulates on your roof. This can cause a lot of stress on the roof structure, which may result in an even more dangerous collapse of your home's top level. This is the primary reason why you want to remove snow as fast as possible after a snowstorm. Get your broom and sweep it away as soon as the snowstorm stops.
Get a Roof Inspection Before the First Snowfall
Many homeowners don't find out about their roof issues until the snow has fallen and they start to notice water coming in. If you want to avoid these problems, get a roof inspection before it snows. The more you know about your home's protection from the elements, the better prepared you'll be for anything that might come your way! This is especially important if your roof is 10-15 year old or more. Older roofs might look ok from your yard, but there’s a chance you have hidden damage that can lead to leaks.
Care for The Gutters
The winter is a difficult time for any homeowner who has to deal with ice and freezing temperatures. The good news is that there are ways to combat the ice that naturally forms on gutters and downspouts in cold winter months, such as by scraping it off or using chemical treatments. Be sure to check gutters and spouts daily during the winter and remove any ice formation so the snow can quickly melt off the roof. Piled on snow or heavy icicles can actually tear gutters away from homes, so be sure to address these issues as quickly as you can.
The snowfall in the winter season transforms our homes into beautiful snowy scenes, but it brings with it many potential risks. Enjoy your winter by taking the time to implement some preventative measures now that will keep your roof functioning as it should all winter long.