Learn how to handle ice dams while the snow melts with Republic Roofing. There is nothing more exciting than the holidays starting to roll in. The excitement in the air is invigorating and the celebrations are infectious. But as the snow starts to melt, it can infiltrate our homes along with the holiday spirits as well. This can cause a lot of damage to your roof and your home’s interior and put a damper on your holiday season.
Your home is one of your biggest investments, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape. With a little preparation, you can make sure that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Here are some things that you can do to prepare your home for winter before the cold weather arrives:
Be Prepared
If you’ve been living in the same region for quite some time, you’re probably accustomed to the weather patterns and how they affect your daily life. Even so, it’s will always be a good idea to check on your local news to see what the weather forecast is for that day. If it’s snowy and/or rainy, you’ll want to make sure your roof is cleaned off as much as possible as a dirty roof is more at risk of becoming damaged than one that is clean.
When the snow melts on a roof and your roof gutters are clogged, the water will not have anywhere to go and will accumulate in large piles. If that happens, it causes extra stress on the shingles which could lead to leaks and other major problems down the road.
With a clean roof, you can avoid water pooling anywhere which reduces the risk of ice dams forming-ice dams that are responsible for a lot of serious issues like warped floors and even leaks into your home! If you’re proactive about checking on the weather and taking proper precautions, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of trouble down the line.
Inspect and Repair
Roof repair is never a nice thing to think about, but it’s always better to anticipate problems and fix them before they become emergencies. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep regular tabs on the state of your roof.
Before winter hits, schedule a full inspection of your roof. Look for loose shingles and patches, as well as any holes or dents. If you have a flat roof, check for signs of leaks — these often develop very slowly, and if you catch them early you can save yourself a lot of headaches later. When inspecting your roof, take note of any possible structural problems.
Check the roof for loose spots, dents, or other damage — these issues will only get worse with time and may prevent your roof from being sturdy enough to support heavy snowfall. If you find any problems like this, call a professional contractor, and schedule an appointment to get your roof repaired before winter weather hits. Don’t wait for winter to come along — it’s much easier to make repairs when the temperatures are moderate.
Check the Foundation
The last thing you want is for the cold weather to cause pipes to freeze. One of the most common causes of frozen pipes is a blocked foundation vent or an uninsulated basement wall next to an exterior foundation wall. The best way to avoid this is by making sure that all areas surrounding your foundation are well-ventilated by clearing away any debris that might be in front of them. Check around the roof for any places where water may get trapped and freeze, creating an ice dam, which blocks the water from draining properly and cause leaks or worse—a roof collapse.
Leave it to the Professionals
If you reside in an area where it snows, it is best to call and speak with a professional roofing contractor to know what the best options are to take with the different methods available. Trying to clean snow off your roof can be dangerous. You never want to walk on your roof in the winter because you don’t know how much stress is being put on the roof by the weight of the snow. This could cause a collapse and the last thing you want to do is fall off your roof and get injured.
The dilemma surrounding the best way to go about improving your home’s protection against snow and ice no longer revolves around leaks alone. The bigger picture involves the entire structural design of your home along with its functionality and your convenience. So if you want hassle-free living in your home all throughout the winter, ensure that you hire roofing professionals who have all the necessary skills and knowledge to get the job done. The last thing you want is to have your money go down the drain because of an inexperienced worker.
For more information, contact Republic Roofing & Restoration in Collierville, Bartlett, Germantown, and Lakeland, TN at 901-437-5278.