Keeping your roof in good shape during the winter is very important, as it is the main thing that keeps the rain and snow off your head and out of your home. However, it can be understandably difficult to keep the roof in one piece when the weather is constantly attacking it – you can sustain roof damage from wind, hail, snow or rain. Fortunately, you can keep the problem from getting away from you by taking some basic measures to protect your roof. However, please note that we’re not telling you how to repair your roof. This is mainly due to the real danger of falling involved in any roof repair, plus you could possibly exacerbate a problem if you’re not exactly sure of what you’re doing.
Leaks are easily the most frequent problem you will have with a roof. The downside is that it is not always clear why your roof is leaking. There is a whole host of reasons why you could be having a leak – your roof wasn’t installed properly, the gutters are backed up, a hailstorm punched a hole in the shingles or a contractor such as an electrician dropped a tool while up on the roof previously and accidentally poked a hole in the shingles. To add even more complication, a leak usually isn’t going to come straight down from the roof – the water has to find a way through your roof and anything underneath it before you notice a drip coming through the ceiling inside your home. Fortunately, keeping your roof from leaking is partially possible if you make sure the gutters, drains and the roof itself are kept clean. The gutters and drains can easily back up during a storm if they’re clogged, which can then allow the water to back up and seep under your shingles. The roof also needs to be cleared of dead leaves or other litter since water can be trapped underneath, soaking the shingles and causing them to deteriorate even faster than normal.
If you have an attic or any open space underneath the roof, it is important to keep this space properly ventilated. Ventilation does help to reduce energy costs during the summer, but you will also want to make sure you keep the space ventilated during the winter. Moisture can accumulate on the underside of the roof during the winter, potentially allowing dry rot to develop and damage the roof. If your attic is insulated, moisture can be trapped in the insulation and cause mold or mildew to develop as well.
Hail is another common cause of roof damage, since a particularly severe hailstorm can cause significant damage to the roof with the repeated impact damage. There is no such thing as a complete hail-proof roof, but you can use roofing material that is rated for hail resistance and minimize the chances of damage
Ice dams are a frequent problem in areas that get a lot of snow during the winter. An ice dam forms when snow on a roof melts and freezes repeatedly. This can cause water to backup behind the ice dam and seep under your shingles, causing a leak. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent ice dams by installing ice dam membranes under the shingles that prevent the water from getting under the shingles to begin with. You may also want to consider installing heat tapes – which are essentially long wires that run across the roof and help melt the snow properly so it runs off your roof instead of freezing.
Learn more about Roof Damages. Stop by Justin Krutz’s site where you can find out all about keeping your roof safe and what it can do for you.
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