A roof is one of the most critical structures of the house. Small roofing issues can become serious problems requiring costly repairs. To keep the roof of your house in the best condition during winter, Huntsville Roofing experts recommend some simple roof maintenance tips.
Here are some tips that will help you keep your house’s roof in the best shape possible during winter and save you a lot of trouble later down the road.
1. Keep Drains and Gutters Clear
You should keep the drains and gutters clear of debris to allow effective drainage when the snow melts. Debris such as leaves, twigs, and others can cause a clog that will result in pooling of water on the roof. Clearing away the debris from drains and gutters will ensure that the water flows and drain off the roof without any problem.
2. Remove Snow Off the Roof
Snow on the roof may look perfect on a postcard. But letting snow sit on the roof may also create a lot of damage. You should remove heavy snow off your roof after a blizzard or snowstorm to avoid any structural damage.
Snow and ice create a lot of weight on the roof. Moreover, the buildup of an ice dam will prevent water to drain off the roof. This can cause major damage to the roof. When temperatures fall below the freezing point, the pool of water will harden again. This can result in serious damage to the roof.
That’s why it’s important that you remove snow and ice soon after it has formed on your roof. Make sure to clear the roof completely and keep it as dry as possible. Due to the dangerous conditions such as slippery surfaces, electrical hazard, and the risk of a roof collapse, you should leave the cleaning to a roofing expert.
3. Repair Wind Damaged Roof
Snow and ice are the foremost consideration when it comes to roof maintenance. However, you should not ignore the incredible power of the wind. Wind can be as dangerous as snow to your roof.
You should inspect the roof on a daily basis for signs of wind damage during winter. Look for broken, missing, or damaged roofing materials, and take immediate steps if you see any damage on the roof.
Inspecting roof for wind damage is important. If not treated early, the damaged parts can result in leaks causing water damage. Moreover, it can lead to mold and mildew formation that is costly to remediate. You should contact Huntsville Roofers for repair and replacement of any wind-damaged area on the roof.
4. Check the Sealant
After the snow has melted, you should have a professional Huntsville Roofer check the sealer around the base of brick or plumbing stacks on the roof. The sealer along with the caulk can wear out due to the accumulation of ice and snow on the roof. So, you should hire a Huntsville Roofing expert to check and replace any worn out or cracked seal to avoid any further damage.
5. Inspect the Flashing
Flashing connects the rook to chimneys, skylights, vents, and other parts of the house. Damaged flashing can result in a leak. Therefore, it’s vital that you have the expert check the flashing to ensure that it’s in good condition.
6. Get the Chimney Repaired
Hire a Roofing specialist to inspect the chimney for any damage due to snow. Get the chimney repaired if the bricks have become loose. This will prevent any further damage and save you a lot of money in the long term.
Being proactive about roof maintenance will help avoid serious damage to the roof during winter. You can complete some of the tasks mentioned here yourself. But you must hire a professional roofing expert for tasks that are risky to perform. While maintaining your house roof is important, it’s not worth risking your life for it. Better let the expert handle difficult roof maintenance tasks.
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