Top Winter Roof Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
Winter is no joke, and your roof is the first thing that protects your home from the weather. At Pro Builders Construction, we know that preparation and regular maintenance are the best ways to make it through the winter without having to pay for expensive repairs. In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to keep your roof safe, ready for any storm.
Common Roof Problems in the Winter
During the winter, numerous problems can arise that can put your roof’s resilience to the test:
Ice Dams
When snow melts and refreezes at your roof’s edges, ice dams are created that obstruct normal drainage. If water gets stuck behind these dams, it can leak into your home and damage it. This can be avoided with good insulation and ventilation.
Accumulation of Snow
It’s possible for heavy snow to damage your roof if you don’t take care of it. These problems can be avoided by safely clearing away extra snow with a roof rake or by hiring professionals.
Leaks and Moisture
The freezing and thawing of winter can make small problems with the roof worse. If you see condensation in your attic, water stains on your ceilings, or leaks that you can see, you need to fix the problem right away.
Tips for Preventive Roof Maintenance
Getting ready for winter can save you a lot of trouble later on. How to get ready:
1. Look over your roof
Check for shingles that are broken, curling, or missing.
Keep an eye out for gaps or signs of wear in the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clean and working right.
2. Clean the gutters
Leaves and other debris should be cleared out to avoid clogs and ice dams.
Make sure that your downspouts send water away from your foundation so that it doesn’t pool and cause a basement leak.
3. Cut back branches that hang over the edge
Branch tips that are heavy with snow can break and hurt your roof or gutters. Cut them back to keep a safe space between them.
4. Check the insulation and ventilation in the attic.
Having enough ventilation stops condensation and ice dams from forming.
Make sure your attic has good insulation to keep heat in and out. If heat escapes, snow can melt unevenly and cause ice dams to form.
Taking care of winter roof emergencies
It doesn’t matter how well you plan, winter can still surprise you. Do these things:
Short-Term Fixes for Leaks
You can temporarily fix small leaks with roofing tar or waterproof cement until someone comes to help you.
Do not remove snow yourself.
Roof rakes are great for light snow, but heavy snow or ice should be removed by a professional so you don’t hurt yourself or damage the shingles.
Roofing Materials for Winter in New Jersey
If you want to replace your roof, pick materials that will last in New Jersey’s winters:
Asphalt shingles are cheap, last a long time, and come in options that can withstand freezing temperatures.
Slate roofs are heavy and last a very long time, making them perfect for snowy weather.
Roof Heating Cables can also melt snow before it freezes again to stop ice dams.
Why Is Pro Builders Construction the Best Choice?
It can be scary to do winter roof maintenance by yourself, but you don’t have to. What does Pro Builders Construction provide?
- Professional checks to identify problems early.
- Reliable repairs to keep your roof in top condition all season long.
- Trustworthy installation services using materials that are ready for winter.
Don’t be surprised by winter.
Getting your roof ready now can save you a lot of money on repairs and keep your home safe all season. For professional roof maintenance in New Jersey, contact Pro Builders Construction right now. Let’s keep you and your family safe this winter.
To set up your inspection or service today, call us now at +1 201-953-1557