Winter can be a cold and challenging time for your roof. Many people don’t always know how freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can affect the exterior and interior of their homes. Here are five roofing facts you will want to keep in mind for the wintertime.
Fact #1 – Make Preparations Before the Winter Season
If you want to ensure your roof is in good shape for the upcoming winter months, summer and fall are the best times to start thinking about getting it inspected and prepared. While you cannot always predict when you will need a roof repair, it can be hazardous in the winter. The first issue is that it is harder for roofers to work safely up on the roof, and any repairs will be more challenging to complete, with varying results. Winter repair work does come with a higher price tag since these roofing teams must take more precautions during this time.
You can avoid that by ensuring the roof is ready for the winter season. It is important to check off all those items on your to-do list before the cold temperatures roll into town. Make sure to identify spots that could be troublesome in the winter, like shingles and eaves. Before winter, you will want to inspect the roof flashing, clean out the gutters, and remove any debris from the roof.
While you could accomplish these tasks on your own, hire a Delaware or NJ roofing contractor for the job. These professionals will make a full inspection of your roof, detailing any problem areas that you will want to fix. You might want to wait until spring to resolve any issues, but that is not recommended. With the snow and ice, they could turn minor repair issues into bigger jobs down the road. Allow your roofing team to fix any problem while the weather is still comfortable, and they can easily reach the roof.
Fact #2 – Ice Dams Can Cause Significant Damage
An ice dam forms when there is a significant amount of snow on the top of your home. A large block of ice can develop along the edge of your roof with fluctuating temperatures, creating an ice dam. When these ice dams form, they do not let the melting snow drain from the roof, which can result in significant damage.
Ice dams can be a big problem, causing leaks or sagging to develop in parts of your roof. If your attic does not have the proper insulation, your roof will be at a higher risk of developing ice dams. When you notice ice hanging off the roof line, it could mean an issue with an ice dam. Before winter settles into your area, talk to a trusted roofing team to determine what can be done to prevent ice dams from forming on your home.
Fact #3 – Stay Off the Roof in the Winter
You might feel like you need to take care of a problem on the roof during these colder months, but you need to think about your own safety. It is tempting to head up to the roof to remove snow, ice, or debris, but the wintertime is not the ideal season to head to the roof. It is just not safe for the average homeowner. You can wait until it gets warmer to do any minor maintenance. Even on a nice day, there is always the risk of ice and melting snow on the surface, causing hazardous conditions.
If something looks off to you, reach out to a reliable roofing company to have them inspect the issue. You want to have a professional resolve any problems with the roof, especially on those cold winter days.
Fact #4 – Snow and Wind Can Cause Damage
Snow can pile up several feet high on your roof, adding weight that can exceed your roof’s load-bearing capacity. As a result, you could have cracks above windows and doors. In the worst-case scenario, that can lead to a roof collapse.
Some of the strongest winter winds occur during the months leading up to spring. After a storm, you might notice you have missing, loose, or broken shingles on the roof. If you know your location is prone to heavy winds, make sure to invest in quality shingles that can handle winds up to 110 mph.
Fact #5 – Hire an Experienced Roofing Company for Any Winter Repairs
There are plenty of New Jersey and Delaware roofing companies, but not all have the experience and know-how to tackle winter roofing repairs. When you decide to repair or replace your roof in the winter months, hire a roofing contractor with a good reputation.
Many homes have asphalt roofs and need special care in the winter. The weather and cold temperatures can affect the quality of a repair or installation. If a contractor does not take a few precautions, it can lead to more issues down the road. An experienced roofing company will know how to address those problems so that you can get a replacement or repair with the best results.
Work With the Knowledgeable Roofing Team at RGB Construction
Winter can be a hazardous time for your home. With the right plan in place, you can be prepared for whatever the season throws on your roof. Whether you need a pre-season inspection or a winter repair, reach out to the team at RGB Construction. Our roofing technicians will fix any issue with your roof. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
