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How to Avoid Winter Roof Damage

roofer-admin • Jan 05, 2022

The winter season can be harsh on your roof, so it’s important to take precautions to protect it from the elements. By taking proper precautions, you can help ensure that your roof stays in good condition all winter long. Here are a few tips for avoiding winter roof damage.

Tips to Prevent Winter Roof Damage

Remove Snow Build-Up

The biggest threat to your roof during the winter is snow build-up. As it accumulates on your roof, you need to take steps to remove it before it gets too heavy for your roof’s structure and causes damage. A roof rake is the best tool for removing snow from your roof, and you can buy one at most home improvement stores.

Flat roofs are especially susceptible to damage from heavy snow loads, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them and take steps to remove the snow as soon as possible.

When removing snow from your roof surface, since removing large amounts of snow from a rooftop can be difficult, we recommend hiring professional assistance if possible so they can safely get rid of accumulated layers of thick ice and compacted snow with shovels or blowers.

Remove Ice Build-Up to Prevent Ice Dams

As you scrape away the snow, check your roof for ice build-up as well. When ice forms for a long period of time, it can be especially hazardous. Gutters are the most common locations of ice accumulation. Icicles, while lovely for the holidays, are a significant hazard to your roof. You can quickly prevent icicles from developing by sweeping them away with a broom or even your snow rake. Please remember to exercise extreme caution while removing ice from your roof.

Keep Gutters Clear

Be sure to also keep gutters clear of debris so that melting snow has a place to go and doesn’t back up into your roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze along the edge of the roof, leading to ice damming.

Monitor Winter Weather Conditions

Keep an eye on the weather conditions and be prepared for extreme weather changes. Heavy snow, sleet, and ice can all do damage to your roof if you’re not careful. If you know a winter storm is coming, take steps to protect your roof in advance by removing any excess snow or ice.

Prevent Poor Roof Drainage

Poor roof drainage is often the root of winter roof damage. If water can’t flow off your roof properly, it will eventually find its way in and cause problems. Be sure that your roof has proper ventilation and a sufficient number of downspouts to move water away from the building.

Handle Roof Damage Quickly

If you do experience roof damage, be sure to take action quickly. Roof leaks can lead to water damage inside your home and should be fixed as soon as possible. Trustworthy professionals such as our experienced team at Crossover Roofing are qualified to handle all of your roof repair needs.

Warm Air Leaks

During the winter, warm indoor air can escape through cracks and holes in your roof. This often leads to ice dams that damage the shingles of your house. You’ll need to find these leaks and seal them as soon as possible. Some common culprits include vent pipes, chimneys, and exhaust fans installed around your home. These should be properly sealed with caulk or spray foam insulation to prevent cold outdoor air from leaking inside during the winter season!

Check for Leaks or Cracks in the Roof

Check your roof for cracks or leaks as well. If you do have a leak, it can lead to other problems such as mold growth and poor insulation. Roof damage can occur quickly from winter weather and you’ll need to fix any damage or leaks right away. If your roof is more than fifteen years old, it may also be a good idea to have an experienced contractor inspect the structure and shingles for wear and tear that could lead to major problems in the future.

Ensure Your Roof is Properly Insulated

Proper insulation is key to protecting your home from harsh winter weather. You’ll want to be sure that you have enough insulation in the right places as well as adequate attic ventilation. This will keep cold air from seeping into your living spaces and causing an ice dam on the roof above.

Regularly Inspect Your Roof

It’s a good idea to inspect your roof regularly. This will help you catch any potential problems early on and prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the road. If you are uncomfortable on your roof, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.

Check for Missing or Damaged Shingles

Check for missing or damaged shingles and repair them as needed. If you start to notice rust around the edges of your roof, it’s likely that there are holes or tears in your shingles. You’ll want to take care of these issues before they become worse over time.

Avoid Roof Damage During Cold Winter Months

The best way to avoid winter roof damage is by being proactive! Taking the necessary steps ahead of time will help keep your home safe and protected from harsh weather conditions. If you do experience any problems, be sure to take action quickly to prevent further damage. Our team at Crossover Roofing is qualified to handle all of your roof repair needs. Contact us today for more information!

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