A warm and cozy home is the only thing you can depend on when winter arrives. After you’ve gone all the way to work in the cold, you want to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee on the couch. Our homes are not always well taken care of. Roof problems can occur throughout the year due to weather changes, age, or general wear and tear. Winter conditions can make your roof more vulnerable to severe damage. Preventative care is the best way to make sure your roof works well and that you stay warm and cozy. Preparing your roof for winter involves everything from a professional inspection to cleaning out your gutters. Keep your home in top shape this winter by reading the following article to learn about common roofing issues and how you can prevent them.
1. Leaf litter in Gutters
Leaf litter and other debris can cause clogged gutters in winter and fall. Gutterwork can also be clogged by animals. Your gutters can be a disaster zone – everything from squirrels hiding acorns and birds abandoning their nests in poor places. Blocked gutters prevent rainwater from draining off your roof easily and cause many of the items on this list. Your gutters should be cleaned all year, but especially in winter. It might be time for a gutter replacement if they are cracked or not up to the task.
2. Ice Dams
Due to their heavy weight and tendency to turn into roof leaks, ice dams pose a major threat to your roof’s structural integrity. They can build up along your gutters or lower roof and put immense pressure on the area. The snow melts at the roof’s top and runs down to the edges before freezing again. Bad insulation in the attic is often the cause of heat escapes from the roof. It is important to ensure that your attic insulation is good. Also, you can reduce the likelihood of ice dams by clearing your gutters and removing snow from your roof.
3. Icicles
Although icicles look beautiful on Christmas cards, they are not something you want hanging from the roof. Like ice dams and icicles, water runs down your roof and freezes as it passes over cooler lower sections. Then it freezes solid. The water should flow into the gutters, but icicles can form on the edges of the gutters if they are overflowing. Solution? Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly. Get professional gutter services if you can’t manage to do your own gutter cleaning.
4. Condensation
Winter roof problems don’t happen only outside. If left untreated, condensation can lead to roof problems that escalate. Water droplets, which form when warm air touches a cold surface, can be used to see condensation. Condensation is common in attic spaces that are poorly insulated. This occurs when the roof is colder than the inside. Condensation can cause dampness, mold, and damage to the roof. The best way to reduce condensation risk this winter is to keep your attic properly insulated and ventilated.
5. Winter Storm Damage
Storms can often arrive too late for you to call a roofer to prevent damage. It is always best to inspect your roof, attic, and gutters before the winter storm season. Roofs can be severely damaged by strong winds, snow, and hail during winter storms. Check out this list of winter roof maintenance tips to make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand winter storms.
6. Leaking Flashing
While flashing is often overlooked when it comes to roof maintenance, it plays an important role in maintaining your roof’s weather tightness. There are many reasons flashing can come off the roof’s edge, with winter damage being the most common. If the flashing is not watertight, water or ice can get into your roof materials and walls. It is a good idea to check the condition of your flashing both in the fall and winter. You can see signs of damage and prevent it from becoming a problem.
7. Animals
Although they may be adorable and want to find a warm spot, animals can do a lot of damage inside your home. Small holes in your roof or attic wall could allow rats, squirrels, or birds to enter. These creatures can make their home in your attic and cause damage to the interior. You can keep these animals away by checking your roof and attic for any small holes. You should seal any holes you find. Also, ensure that tree branches less than six feet from your roof are trimmed.
8. Tree damage
Trees near your home can be damaged by winter storms or harsh weather. It is important to check trees for weaknesses and proximity before they fall, as well as older trees that may be damaged by falling branches. It is much cheaper to hire a professional to inspect trees that might drop branches onto your roof than to repair the damage. To reduce roof damage, weak branches can be removed prior to winter.
9. Heavy Snow
Although snow may appear light and fluffy, it is heavy when it builds up. Heavy snow can cause significant damage to your home if it falls on a roof that is weak or leaky. It might be time for a new roof if your home is older. It’s important to remove snow as soon as possible in order to keep your roof stable during winter.
10. Loose Shingles
Shingles are designed to protect against the elements, but loose shingles can be a problem in winter. Shingles can be damaged by hail, strong winds, or ice. Your roof could leak if it has missing or loose shingles. This can lead to dampness and weakness, which can be costly to repair. This can be done by hiring a roofing contractor to inspect the roof and examine the condition of the shingles.
Call KM Roof and Home Repair now for professional roofing services in Greenville. We offer roof repair, roof installation, roof inspection, gutter services, and more. Call us today!
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KM Roof and Home Repair
Greenville, SC 29609
864-990-3252
www.kmroofers.com
Areas we serve: Piedmont SC, Fountain Inn SC, Simpsonville SC, Greer SC, Taylors SC, Greenville SC, Travelers Rest SC