Is Your Roof Prepared for the Cold & Snow?
It's that time of year again: the days are shorter, temperatures have dropped, and snow and ice have arrived. One of the most important things you can do to get ready for winter is to prepare your roof. Snow and ice can be very heavy and can weaken the structure of your roof. This can lead to a degradation of your roofing materials, making the roof more prone to leaks. In extreme cases, where a roof is in poor condition, it can even cause sections of the roof to collapse.
Five common roof problems caused by winter weather conditions:
- Ice Dams – These form when snow and ice accumulate on the roof edges, trapping water underneath and causing it to leak into your home.
- Missing Shingles – Heavy snow can cause shingles to come off the roof, leading to leaks and other issues.
- Cracked Flashing – If the flashing has been cracked from extreme cold or high winds, this can lead to damage in your home due to water seepage through these cracks.
- Clogged Gutters/Downspouts – Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up on your roof, which leads to further damage as well as icy conditions around your home’s foundation that could make it unsafe for you or visitors in the wintertime
- Moisture Build-up Underneath Shingles - This causes mold growth that may go unnoticed until repairs are needed later on after visible signs of wear have shown up on your roof or walls inside of your house
Below we provide a few helpful tips on keeping your roof in good shape and how to know when to call us for professional roof repair service.
Tip #1: Inspect Your Roof
When preparing your home for winter weather, one of the most important things you can do is inspect your roof. Snow and ice can be very heavy, so it's important to keep tabs on the condition of your roof, especially when bad weather hits. Walk around your home and examine your roof from the ground. Be on the lookout for missing or broken shingles, flashing damage, and signs that your drainage system or gutters are clogged.
Always inspect your roof from the ground, especially during the winter. If you suspect you have roof damage or need repair, schedule a comprehensive roof repair inspection with our team at Brown Roofing. Always leave roof inspections to the professionals.
This is also a good time to schedule your annual roof maintenance inspection if you have not already had one. With the help of our experienced roofers, we can help ensure that your roof is in good condition and can withstand the coming bad weather. During your inspection, we will go over your entire roofing system, paying careful attention to areas that are showing signs of wear or potential weak points. If we find any repair problems, we will review them with you and provide you with your repair options. We will also offer our expert guidance on keeping your roof in good condition throughout the winter season.
Tip #2: Clear Your Gutters
Your gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water damage, so it's important to make sure they're clear before winter weather hits. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, which can lead to damage to your roof. To help keep your gutters clear, we recommend having your trees and overhanging shrubs trimmed regularly. We also recommend scheduling a professional gutter cleaning with us, especially if your gutters are chronically clogged.
The weight of ice and snow can also cause gutters to pull away from your home, leading to even more serious damage, including major leaks. As ice and snow pull on your gutters, flashing becomes damaged, and water can make its way into your roofing materials. These leaks not only damage your home’s structure, but they can also lead to mold and mildew growth.
If you are having issues with your gutters, we recommend replacing your existing gutter system with the Gutter Shutter System, an innovative roof drainage solution that requires virtually no maintenance. This means you don't have to worry about risking your safety by climbing up a ladder in bad weather to get leaves and debris out of your gutters.
Tip #3: Don't Risk Your Home - Know Whom to Call
It's important to remember that your roof is the first line of defense for your home and all its precious contents. Don't take any chances - make sure you pay attention to your roof’s ongoing condition and know whom to call if there is trouble. Having an expert roofing team in your back pocket can help you stay calm and reassured, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
If you need help maintaining or repairing your roof this winter, don’t hesitate to contact Brown Roofing. Our experienced team has been helping homeowners and commercial property owners keep their roofs secure during winter storms since 1972. From roof inspections to post-storm emergency repairs, we have you covered - literally!
Please schedule an appointment with one of our roofers today by calling 1-203-723-1372 or reaching out to us.
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