Winter is well underway in Michigan, and while each season brings its own potential for elemental damage, the freezing temperatures, snow and ice this time of year call for homeowners to consult a whole new checklist for regular roof maintenance.
Top Home Improvements is a trusted roofing contractor in the Grand Rapids area and is no stranger to winter roof safety routines and maintenance checks. Below is our official guide, taking into consideration the advice from the National Roofing Contractors Association, regarding best practices for winter roof maintenance.
1. Keep Your Gutters Clear
When the last leaves of autumn have fallen, take a look at your gutters and make sure they are completely clear of any debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up onto your roof, which in the winter, can lead to disastrous issues for homeowners.
Gutter cleaning should continue throughout the winter months, and along with debris homeowners should be on the lookout for ice formations in and around the gutters, which can break the material or tear your gutter system away from the roofline altogether.
2. Check Your Ventilation and Insulation
The NRCA recommends double-checking that your roof is well-insulated and that your attic is properly ventilating leading into winter. Without adequate insulation and ventilation, the snow on top of your roof can start melting, filling even the smallest cracks in your roofing materials. Once the temperatures drop again, that water will turn to ice, expanding the cracks.
To make sure that your vents and insulation are working before the snow starts to fall, be sure to check things like:
- The air in your attic is colder than your house, which means vents are in working order.
- There's no condensation in your attic, which means your vents are open and ready to go.
- Your insulation is thick enough to meet building code regulations in your area.
- There are no gaps or holes in your insulation.
3. Don't Let Ice Dams Build Up
The NRCA also advises homeowners dealing with ice and snow this winter to keep an eye on any ice dams forming at the edge of their roofline. Ice dams can be disastrous for homeowners, leading to even more water backing up onto your roof and destroying roofing materials themselves.
The NRCA also strongly urges homeowners to not try and use tools like ice picks to chip away at the ice dams, which could lead to more expensive roof repairs. Contact professional roofers in your area handling ice and snow prevention and removal.
4. Stay On Top of Snow Removal
When you live in states like Michigan, it's hard to prevent snow from falling on your roof. While a small dusting may not present a risk, six inches or more of accumulated snow can begin straining your roof unnecessarily, and that pressure could lead several different structural problems including a roof collapse.
While it's important to clear snow off of your home, it's even more important to do it from the ground. The NRCA warns against climbing ladders and instead suggests using a roof rake or extended-handle broom to clear it away. If these tools are not available or cannot reach all of the snow, the association says it's time to turn to a professional.
A local roofing contractor will have an understanding about how to work in the winter conditions, the tools and equipment on hand to complete roof maintenance professionally, and access to materials such as special adhesives to make any repairs this time of year.
Download this checklist for the easiest access to your top winter roof maintenance tips or give THI a call today for a free estimate on our roof maintenance services. We can help keep your entire roofing system in great shape throughout winter or complete a roof inspection in the fall as a preventative measure.
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