Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you can stop worrying about your roof. Heavy rains are likely to hit your home as the snow melts and the ground thaws before you know it. Winter snowstorms present their own set of weather challenges, but they also offer unique opportunities to perform much-needed preventative maintenance on your roofing materials. Below are seven good reasons to prioritize your house cleaning after a major blizzard has passed through town.
Roof Snow Load
The weight of heavy winter snow can put significant strain on your roofing materials, so scrutinize them after a storm for damage. If you didn’t get a chance to inspect your entire rooftop before the big flakes started falling, now is the time.
Please pay close attention to any areas that appeared to be particularly worn or sagging even before the snowfall, and repair them as soon as possible.
If you don’t know enough about roofing, don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, reach out contact an estimator from your area from a reputable roofing company and wait for them to come to assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action.
Cracked Hips & Valleys
Your roof has a distinct structure composed of angled planes known as hips and valleys. When these come together at specific points, they form a ridge. This section must remain watertight at all times.
There is no other place on your roof where your entire roofing material meets in such a critical location. Water can seep through here and cause significant damage to your home’s interior via rotting wood beams and decaying insulation if it is not kept tight and sealed correctly.
Brittle or Leaking Flashing
Examine any sections of your roofing that appear to have flimsy-looking flashings for a moment. These are the pieces found around skylights, vents, chimneys, and other vital areas where your roof meets your home’s exterior walls.
They’re made of a thin metal that can crack or tear after one season of heavy winter snow. Replacing these issues as soon as possible can save you hundreds of dollars in costly repairs later on.
Peeling or Worn Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the United States because they are inexpensive, attractive, and fireproof. It’s no surprise that so many people prefer them to metal or slate.
You may not realize that after prolonged exposure to the elements, these soft, pliable shingles deteriorate. That is, they will need replacement regularly. A good rule of thumb is to replace your roof every 15-20 years, and if you haven’t chipped away most of the old ones during your most recent winter cleanup, now is the time.
Faulty Gutters and Downspouts
Even if you don’t have a gutter system directly connected to your roof, gutters are still essential for keeping water flowing away from your home. Not only can it get clogged or improperly draining gutter systems flood basements or backyards, but it can also cause severe ice dams to form on your overhang.
Nobody wants falling icicles to cause damage to their home. If you suspect there is a problem with any part of your current system, contact a local roofing company right away for an inspection and recommendations on how to proceed.
Sagging Roofing Materials
Misaligned or sagging shingle sections can indicate that your entire roof needs reinforcement. If the weight of heavy winter snow isn’t enough to damage roofing materials, strong winds can blow them around until they’re loose enough to flop over on their own.
If this occurs, inspect the entire surface for any other signs of severe damage or an imminent risk of collapse and shore up any loose areas as soon as possible. You’ll avoid not only costly repairs but also lawsuits if someone gets injured as a result of faulty roofing.
Chipped Flakes and Broken roofing tiles
Ceramic or clay roofing tiles and shingles are more fragile than most other materials. As a result, when subjected to the daily pressures of wind, water, and snow, they can easily chip or crack. Don’t wait for these issues to worsen before acting. You should keep an eye out for damage and repair any broken elements as soon as they appear.
Bottom Line
A well-maintained roof is essential for keeping your home safe and dry. If you live in a snowstorm-prone area, it’s critical to ensure that your roof can withstand the weight of heavy winter snows or high winds. Roof repairs in Austin, have arisen due to the amount of snow damage in their area. You can reduce this by checking the status of your entire roofing system once the season is over.
