Winter storms are not just beautiful; they are a major stress test for your house. As snow builds, small openings can become leaks, and ice can test the limits of your roof and gutters. A reasonable plan will preserve your home, and your budget. As opposed to needing a new roof, you need a new routine. Click here for more details.
The Cost of Snow-Related Damage
When snow and ice are resting on your property, damages can add up very quickly. A roof leak will stain or ruin ceilings, and insulation. Ice-locked gutters will overflow and soak siding, and re-freezing will crack walkways, and loosen hand-railing. A single claim may raise your premiums, and the deductibles are higher than most seasons of maintenance and upkeep.
Paying a professional agency often costs less than replacing ruined drywall or reversing buckled floors. If a blizzard hits overnight, you will pay the premium for emergency snow support, making the absolute smartest move is a proactive stance. Prevent the issue, you dictate your costs.
How Snow Causes Water Leaks
Water does not typically need a large hole to get in. The freeze-thaw cycle pushes melt-water under shingles, behind fascia, and wing-siding. Ice-jammed gutters dictate the new course, putting melt-water into the attic (among other areas). Professional removal, and de-icing maintain these drainage channels, however, here is what usually goes wrong:
- ice at the eaves is blocking the runoff from leaving the roof surface, causing the melt-water to backup, and sometimes begin to run beneath the shingles.
- Ice in gutters and downspouts accumulates water that seeps into soffits and wall cavities.
- Large snow drifts create openings around vents and flashing and wind-driven snow melts into the home.
Fixing the initial sources is easier than chasing stains from these moisture sources.
Ice Dam Prevention Tips
Basically, ice dams form when roof penetration heat escapes the building warming the rooftop and refreezing at the cold edges of the roof. You can stop this cycle by keeping your attic cold and your roof surface cleared. Seal air leaks in your attic, especially around light fixtures and ducts, and then add insulation to keep heat in the house.
On storm days do not snow load your roof until it is a dam. Simple raking the roof snow from the ground will allow the first few feet above the eave to drain and remove the snow from getting so piled up. If an ice dam has already formed, call a pro to remove it safely instead of digging into it with a hammer or chisel that will damage your shingles.
Innocent slip hazards from the day don’t look so innocent with amateurs on snowy roofs. Some pros will use a safe combination of steaming, salting, and sanding on snow-covered walkways while they work. A little prevention at the roof means avoiding a lot of patching later.
Roof Maintenance in Snowy Weather
Your roof does not need rescuing, just care. Many homeowners look for snow removal Minneapolis when the skies do their best to stack snow all season long. Part of the prevention people do in winter includes roof care that is much more than clearing the driveway, but thinking of winter as a series of 2-week maintenance checkups will keep your roof going strong and dry for a long time.
- Mid-season inspection stops problems when you can halt them (loose flashing, cracked boots, sagging gutters).
- Keep the intake and exhaust vents clear so your attic temperature remains the same as outside.
- Once the storm is over, if the snow on your roof was heavy then reach into the snow with a rake from the ground (never with a sharp tool).
- Experience teaches the necessity of marking buried hazards (gas lines, heat pump) so that crews can work safely during the first big snowfall.
- Keep doors open at ground level for full access to areas for roofers. If a roof has rotten wood in it, make sure to clear the snow away completely if access to the roof is desired.
- As a homeowner invest time only in insured professionals with a history of taking pictures of the work performed on the roof (to avoid view tax) and using protective fall gear as part of their work. The value of comfort is part of the purpose.
Long-Term Effects of Winter Neglect
If you elect to skip: winter roof care does not just risk a leak, it reduces the overall life expectancy of your home. Excessive moisture feeds mold (in hidden cavities) and decays the roof decking and rusts the fasteners. Freeze–thaw (https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/ks3/gsl/education/resources/rockcycle/page3561.html) cracks branch out in masonry, steps and driveways, and are both trip hazards and higher repair bills. Exposed exterior wood begins to swell and peel. The seals on the windows break down, and energy costs begin to escalate after so much freeze-thaw cycling. Home resale value suffers because inspectors can see a pattern: staining, soft edges, and tired gutters.
With a simple and professional plan once each winter you will be looking after your roof and walls as well as your wallet. Keeping ahead of the weather is what will keep your home feeling safe and dry while it remains affordable!
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