Did you know that you need to prepare your rooftop for winter? Keep up with annual or biannual roof inspections, and follow a few quick tips to keep your roof and home safe and intact. Here is what you need to know to avoid emergency roofing repairs:
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Prevent Ice Dams
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Insulate the Attic
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Install Asphalt Shingle Roofing
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Work Smarter, Not Harder
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Keep Trees Limbs At Bay
What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a thick, impermeable block ice that forms in gutters or on top of eaves, arches, and balconies. As their name suggests, ice dams trap ice, snow, and water behind them, often leading to leaks, collapse, and damage.
To prevent ice dams, remove debris from gutters, overhanging eaves, and balconies. Clear away leaves, twigs, rocks, and dirt.
After a particularly nasty snowfall and persisting cold temperatures, shovel, sweep, or rake snow off your roof, or bring in professional roofing repair and maintenance services to do it for you. A water resistant barrier can also prevent snow from building up and freezing on rooftops.
A well-insulated attic can do a great deal to help protect and maintain your roof. According to the insurance company Nationwide, attic insulation should be at least 12 inches thick. Don’t forget to insulate the attic floor as well. That prevents heat rising from lower floors up to the attic, and ultimately to your roof.
Another thing to look out for is poor ventilation in the attic and on the top floor. Well-oiled ventilation systems will filter water vapor caused by heating, cooking, and baking. Without proper ventilation, it is possible that water originating inside may freeze in crawl spaces and small cracks and crevices near the roof of your home. Make sure vents are free from obstruction. Not only is this a fire hazard, if boxes and storage bins do not heat up to hazardous levels, they can also block vents and create the ideal circumstances for excessive ice and ice dams.
If you’re on the fence about whether to install asphalt shingle roofing or opt for a different option, do your research first. Asphalt is cost-effective, long-lasting, durable, and often recyclable, too!
The average shingle rooftop lasts at least 30 years. Nearly all asphalt shingles are leak-proof and an optimal weight. Asphalt is ideal because it is heavy enough to resist wind and stay where it needs to during stormy, unpleasant weather. It’s not too heavy, however; its bulk is just enough and will not cause further problems like potential structural damage and collapse.
While winterizing your roof, remember you’re tackling it from all sides. Sure, preventing damage and roofing emergencies is important. Still, if you do it smart, you can also lower heating bills while you’re at it. Install asphalt shingle roofing to keep homes safe and warm. Double-check attic insulation and ventilation. Use caulk to seal up any drafty areas in the attic, and purchase weather stripping to seal up windows on the top floor of your home.
This is also a great time to look for any hazardous literally hanging over your roof. Trim trees to prevent a roofing catastrophe. Remember snow and ice may pile up on top of tree limbs, making them very heavy and prone to snapping. Cut and prune back limbs before they break and fall on your roof.
Winter is here! Is your roof ready for it? Make sure to properly insulate attics and double-check ventilation systems for signs of problems or obstructions. Remove hanging tree limbs, caulk and weather strip drafty areas, and install asphalt shingle roofing for a safe and long-lasting rooftop.
