Weather is hard of a roof, especially the icy, cold months. Protecting your roof from the winter elements is essential for maintaining the interior and exterior of your abode. Snow, ice damming, high winds, and extremely cold temperatures test shingles and other roofing construction to the limits.
Damage caused by snowfall and ice increases the risk of water damage inside the walls and ceiling in the warmer, melting months. Once the fluid gets into your home, it can ruin drywall, top and floor materials, wiring, insulation, and increase the risk of mould formation. Taking care of your roof in the winter will help eliminate many issues in the future. To protect your roof, you should:
1. Remove Excess Snow
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy roof is to remove the snow that falls throughout the season. Getting rid of the white stuff off your house top will lower the risk of water getting into your place when it starts to melt. It will also lower the chances of ice forming around your eves.
A lot of heavy snow on the top of the roof can also put a lot of strain on the structural integrity of your building. If the snowfall is too heavy, your roof could collapse. Therefore, to keep your house in good shape from top to bottom, it is important to get rid of the excess white stuff on top of your residence. If you cannot access the snow from the ground using a snow removing device, hire a team of professional roofing contractors to do it for you.
2. Good Insulation and Ventilation in the Attic
Having good insulation and ventilation in the attic is also important to keep the ice from forming on top of the eves. The ice forms when the warm interior air melts the snow sitting on the cold exterior surface. By insulating and properly ventilating your attic, you will improve the airflow in the top region of your structure so there are less warm air pockets and areas for the ice to form.
3. Keep Eaves Clear
Yearly cleaning of your eves will help prevent the ice from forming because the water will have somewhere to drain. Remove fallen leaves and debris in the fall and excess white stuff during the cold weather months to keep your home’s drainage system clear year long.
4. Eliminate Ice Build Up
Ice dams, gutter ice, and ice jamming in your downspouts can cause significant problems to the exterior and interior of your home. The weight of the frozen water can rip gutters from your home, causing damage to the outside. The weight and water can also damage the shingling materials, especially if the shingles are older.
Melting ice creates excess water on the surface. If it cannot properly drain from the roof and eaves, the liquid could make its way into the interior of your home causing water damage in the walls and ceiling. By keeping your gutters and drainage spouts clear of snow and other debris, you will reduce the risk of ice building up on your roof and eaves.
Your roof is your home’s first and most important defense against Mother Nature’s wrath. A well maintained roofing construction and drainage system protects the interior of your home from water damage and the mould that can form.
It is important to take care of your shingles and eaves all year, especially in the winter months. Proactive and preventative maintenance will help keep your roof and home in good condition for many years.
