Ice and snow might be beautiful to look at, but if left unattended, they can bring a lot of problems. Ice dams are a common occurrence in the winter, and they pose a considerable concern to homeowners because they can cause long-term damage.
Everyone knows how hard winter weather can be on your home’s exterior, particularly your roof. Understanding how snow and ice harm your roof in the first place is the most critical step in knowing how to prevent roof replacement. Luckily, there are various methods to reduce the chance of damage to the roof; continue reading to learn more.
1. Protect your roof from ice dams
Water freezes, thaws, and then refreezes across the edge of the roof during the winter, forming ice dams. When this process happens, water can leak into the house and cause damage to the insulation, ceilings, and walls.
Protect your home from winter’s chill by insulating your attic. By adding extra insulation, you can maintain a warm house while keeping your roof cool. This prevents water from easily melting and seeping into your home. Additionally, insulating recessed lighting fixtures will prevent attic overheating.
2. Prepare your roof before winter
As winter approaches, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of your roof by enlisting the services of a reputable roofing company contractor in Richmond. They will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure your roof is in optimal condition.
The accumulation of snow during the winter can impose significant and unnecessary weight on your roof. If you find yourself with a substantial amount of wet, heavy snow on your roof, consider utilizing a roof rake to remove some of the excess.
Take note of any gaps, broken or damaged roofing, bent gutters, or compromised caulking areas. These areas require immediate attention and repairs to fortify your roof before winter storms hit.
3. Ensure that your attic has proper ventilation
It’s crucial to maintain the inside and external temperatures separate to avoid moisture accumulation. Moisture is created when hot and cold air collides. Proper ventilation keeps the temperature of the attic in sync with the outside temperature, preventing moisture from accumulating at the roof’s edges. The constant melting and freezing of snow on our roofs creates a build-up of ice and snow on the edges. To help limit temperature swings, ventilation keeps the attic temperature similar to the outdoor temperature.
4. Clear your gutters
You’ll have problems if your gutters aren’t cleaned properly and are full of dirt and granules. The dirt and granules prevent the melted ice from draining correctly, causing the water to refreeze in the gutters. The gutters and roof will most likely be damaged as a result of this ice buildup. Additionally, you should inspect downspouts to ensure that water reaches the ground level. Tree limbs should also be cut so that they don’t fall and damage your gutter or clog it.
To adequately prepare your house for the winter, be sure to talk to a roofing contractor company in Lanham. They’ll be able to look around your house for anything that may impact your roof or prevent water from draining away from the roof.