The winter months can take a significant toll on the house roof. This is particularly the case if you don’t take enough precautions to protect your roof.
Fortunately, most home roof problems can be avoided by taking preventive measures. In this blog post, you will learn about tips from top Alabama roofers to protect your roof against winter damage.
Roof Damage Due to Winter Weather
Roof repair costs due to snow or ice damage can range from $500 to $5000 and more. The roof damage can occur due to various reasons, including:
Snow damage
Home roof can get damaged due to the buildup of snow on the roof. Snow load put pressure on the load. The weight of the load can damage the roof shingles and gutters. It can also lead to structural damage.
Melting ice and snow can quickly re-freeze when it’s trapped, creating ice dams along the edges of the roof and in downspouts and gutters. These dams can obstruct the flow of melting snow so that water starts pooling on the roof, causing serious damage to the shingles. Trapped water can also seep down into the attic and through the ceilings in your living areas.
Ice Damage
The melting snow re-freezes forming ice dams along the edges of the roof and downspouts. Ice dams that form on the roof traps water. The trapped water can seep through the holes in the roof and find itself inside the house.
Water Leaks
When snow and ice melts during the warmer months, it results in the runoff of water. Water can seep onto the roof structure, which can result in leaks in the attic causing insulation damage.
Accumulation of water in the ceiling can result in water damage. It can lead to mold growth that is costly to remedy. Moisture damage can also result in structural damage of the house.
Preventing Roof Damage During Winter
Remove Snow and Ice from the Roof
You should prevent buildup of snow and ice on top of the roof. Consider hiring Alabama roofers for safe snow and ice removal. It is not a DIY task as you can end up getting injured when cleaning the roof.
Some people use rock salt or calcium chloride to remove the snow and ice from the roof. Using these can result in serious damage to the shingles. Moreover, it can void the manufacturer warranty.
Install Ice and Snow Shield
Another way to protect your roof is to hire a Huntsville roofer for installation of the ice and snow shield. The shield can be a wise investment as it can help prevent costly roof repairs.
Snow and ice shields hold the snow in place instead of letting it pile on the roof. It allows controlled melting thereby protecting your roof from leaks and other potential damage.
Clean the Downspouts
Clogged downspouts result in the formation of ice dams that can lead to roof damage. So it is important that you clean the downspouts and gutters during the winter months. Consider trimming the nearby tree branches so that leaves don’t land on the roof. This will prevent drain clogs from occuring due to which water will not accumulate on the roof.
Insulate the Attic
Attic insulation is another preventive measure to protect your roof during the winter. Insulation of the attic will prevent water from leaking through the roof. It will also prevent warm air inside the house from escaping.
When the warm air is prevented from escaping outside, snow on the roof will not melt and refreeze. As a result, ice dams will not for along the roof that cause significant load on the roof.
You must schedule an inspection by a professional Huntsville roofing company during winter. An expert roofer will assess the roof and perform the required repairs. This will prevent costly roof repairs due to snow and ice damage.
Give us a call 256-325-2277, or email us for a free roof inspection and Free Estimate
Check what some customers are saying
We offer more than roofing, check out our service offerings
We Specialize in maximizing insurance claims and quick turnarounds