The time is upon on us when we start to think about how the snow, ice
and winter winds affect the exterior of our homes, leaving a mess of roof repairs
in our futures. To avoid expensive roof damages to your home this
winter it is important to be aware of common roof issues that arise in
the winter. The sooner an issue is fixed after it arises the more money
and time you will save yourself in expensive repairs.
The first
issue that is prevalent in winter is developing a leak where the
flashing or drains are located. If your roof is on a slop you may notice
a leak at the flashing as well. The best way to combat leaks is with
maintenance and an inspection prior to the winter weather. Homeowners
can hire a roofing contractor to
come out and do a maintenance check on the roof. They will inspect
flashing, drains and vents to ensure that the roofing is sealed down
properly and nothing is loose or coming up that would allow water to
seep underneath the shingles.
Another thing to look for when it
comes to your roof is structural damage. This can happen so gradually
that you don’t even realize damage has been done until it is too late.
That is why it is so important to inspect the roof regularly so that you
are familiar with changes. When ice or snow builds up on your roof it
keeps the heat from efficiently heating your home this is why it is so
important that a professional inspects the roof to ensure you have
plenty of properly ventilation spots throughout the attic. Proper
roofing and attic ventilation can eliminate structural damage to the
roofing structure of your home.
The last issue to address when it comes to winter roof repair is
ice damming. Ice damming is the problem that exists when water freezes
along the roof line and in the gutters. The problem is when the ice
starts to melt and the water is not able to properly drain. This leaves
the water searching for a place to go which inevitably is under the shingle roofing which causes major damage. Keeping the ice from occurring is the best way to stop this issue and can be done using a roof rake.
A
regular inspection of your roof will have you avoiding major expenses
and roof repairs down the road. Becoming aware of common issues and
consequence that arise with harsh winters can prevent minor
inconveniences from turning into major catastrophes.
