There’s no doubt that winters can be really hard on a roof, especially asphalt shingle roof. The buildup of ice and snow, added weight, ice dams and the freeze/thaw cycle all threaten to damage your Delaware roof. Through all of this, your roof is still the first line of defense against harsh winter weather.
Protecting Your Roof From Ice & Snow Damage
There are preventitive steps you can take now, as well as during the winter months, to help your roof perform at peak efficiency.
Ice dams
Ice dams form when snow from the upper areas of your roof melts, flows down to lower areas of the roof, and refreezes to create a dam. Water can then “pool” behind the ice dam, seeping through small cracks and into the interior of your home. The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep your attic well insulated and ventilated.
Gutter ice
Ice can build up in your gutters as well, creating big headaches. If too much ice builds up, gutters can become too heavy and rip away from the home, leaving you with damage and hefty gutter repair bills. If ice does build up in your gutters, you can use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away the ice. You’ll be better off contacting your local roofing contractor as it’s easy to make matters worse very fast.
Downspouts
Keep the areas around your downspouts clear of obstructions and debris, making it easier for snowmelt to drain away from your home.
Snow build up
Occasionally, damage can even occur when the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This is more likely to happen on homes with flat roofs, or older homes whose roof structures may already be weakened. You may be able to use a specialized tool, called a roof rake, to remove accumulated snow and ice.
Call Your Local Roofer
For a thorough winter roof inspection and expert, affordable roofing services, contact All Roofing Solutions. We are a family-owned & operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor with over 15 years of local experience in residential & commercial roofing.
Call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in DE or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in PA to schedule your inspection or for free repair estimate!