Winters can be hard on your roof, even if your home is brand new. The good news is that there are things you and your roofing professional can do to help your roof bear up under the cold weather for years to come.
Don’t Let Snow and Ice Accumulate on the Roof
Snow on the roof looks picturesque, but the sheer weight of snow will stress it. Make sure you get rid of any snow and ice on your roof before it accumulates. Carefully take snow off your roof with a snow rake, which you can buy at a hardware store, or call your roofing professional.
The danger of ice is easier to see and a bit more challenging to remove. Ice removal needs heat in the form of lots of hot water and perhaps the installation of heat cables during milder weather.
Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clear
Water can freeze in your gutter, and the weight can cause the gutter to detach from your home. This not only damages the gutter but also damages your house. Even if you don’t climb a ladder, you can assume a problem if you see icicles hanging from your gutter.
Make Sure Your Flashing Is Sound
Flashing is the metal you find in the valleys of your roof and around your chimney that directs water away from vulnerable areas. Winter can damage even recently installed flashing, so have your roofing contractor check to make sure it’s sound and can withstand the winter.
Insulate Your Attic
Insulation helps keep the attic warmer during the cold season and prevents leaks. On the other hand, the attic should also be well-ventilated. Ventilation keeps the attic from getting too warm, and this prevents the formation of damaging ice dams.
Check the Roof for Wind Damage
The winds of winter can be strong and bitter, and it’s a good idea to check the roof for damage such as missing shingles. If you see such damage, have it repaired as soon as you can.
Keep the Roof Clean
Even if your area doesn’t get a whole lot of snow and ice, make sure that you keep your roof and its gutters and drains cleared of twigs, leaves, nests, and other debris. The problem of ice is made even more dire if there’s a lot of debris on your roof or in its gutters.
Call Us for More Tips On Winter Roof Maintenance
If you’ve just moved into a new home, you’ll want your roof to be strong and sound for decades to come. If you want to learn more about taking care of your roof in Richmond, Virginia or you need roof repair during the winter, don’t hesitate to call our roofing professionals at Pyramid Roofing.
