Winter is a time for hot cocoa and ugly sweaters. But you won’t be able to enjoy any of that if you have to face leaky or ice dam-filled roofs.
Proper roof maintenance is important all year round, but more so when it’s winter time. Keeping comfortable under cold conditions may rely on you winter-proofing your roof. Your roof is of great importance considering the amount of snowfall and cold winds it has to endure.
Here are the top 3 ways you can winter-proof your roof:
- Keep your roof well-maintained
Before winter rolls around, make sure that your roof is intact and has been kept under maintenance. Check to see if all your shingles, tiles, and flashings are still in good shape and can withstand harsh weather.
If you see any defects, fix or replace that right away. This is to avoid any bigger damages that your roof may incur in the event of heavy snowfall or strong winds.
You should also clear your roof, gutters, and downspouts of any debris or trash. Water from melted snow must be able to easily pass through these. Make sure, as well, that the condition of your roof is sturdy enough to withstand accumulation of snow.
- Install ice and water shields
Ice and water shields are sheets that line the underneath of your shingles to prevent water from leaking to the inside of your home. You may place these throughout the entire roof, or just in flashings or problem areas. This may later on prevent ice dams from forming.
You may also install roof heating cables. These are insulated rubber you can wrap around the edges of your roof that help in melting ice and snow. This avoids ice build-up and aids in drainage.
- Insulate your attic to prevent ice dams
Aside from taking care of the roof surface itself, you also have to mind the space immediately below it: the attic.
When the temperature inside your attic is high enough to warm the underside of your roof, the snow settled on your roof will melt. Water will trickle down the sides or your roof and turn back to ice once it reaches the colder edges of your roof. Blocks of ice will build up, also known as ice dams. The melted ice may also leak inside your home and cause damage to the interior roofing.
To avoid this very common kind of roof damage, the attic must be properly insulated. Seal any spaces that will allow air to go in or out of you attic. This is so that warm air will not go in. Also, good attic ventilation prevents warm air from getting trapped inside.
A Roofing Specialist Can Help Winter-Proof Your Roof
Winter-proofing your roof right as early as possible will definitely save you a lot of time and money. This way, you may avoid potential damages to your roof and the rest of your home once winter rolls around. Call your friendly neighborhood roofer as soon as possible.
Written by True Son Exteriors, the best contractor for roofing in Columbia, MO.
