Winter months come with increased maintenance and lots of problems as you battle bad weather. Residents of Dearborn Michigan know too well just what winter entails. The last thing you need to worry about is problems with your home’s roofing in Dearborn Michigan when there are several feet of snow and freezing temperatures. To help you prevent roof damage in the winter, there are certain things you can do which can help you get the most protection for your home from the roof.
Preventing Problems in Winter for Your Home’s Roofing in Dearborn Michigan
For most of the homes in Dearborn Michigan the roofing materials used are asphalt shingle roofing. It’s been one of the more popular roofing material choices for many decades. It’s affordable, installs quickly, and is very durable.
The biggest drawback of having this type of roofing material is that it’s difficult to install during colder weather. Since the roofing materials need temperatures above freezing in order to properly seal, roof installation are usually put off until the spring of the year.
So for many roof problems you encounter during winter, the best solution may be to repair the problem until spring. In any case, stopping a leak should be the first priority. Here are some tips to help prevent those roofing problems in winter:
Get A Professional Inspection
You should have a professional come out to your home for a full inspection a minimum of once every three years. But ideally you should have a thorough inspection done before the winter season starts, or before natural disasters are due to roll in. Have them look on your roof, your sub roof, in your attic, and the structural supports. You should also have the gutters, fascia boards, flashings and any HVAC systems or pipes examined to look for any possible problems.
Make Necessary Repairs
If there is something found during the roof inspection, or you notice damage on your own, you need to get a contractor out to fix it as soon as possible. This is because even minor issues can become major problems in a short amount of time.
Add on Preventative Features
You should always spend the extra money on preventative features when you can to help avoid damage. This includes gutters, flashings, fascia boards, proper insulation and vapor barriers. You should also make sure that you are choosing high quality materials so you don’t risk paying more in repairs and replacements.
Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Keeping your gutter system clear is crucial for not only your roof’s health, but also the foundation of your home. When water cannot properly flow through your gutters away from your home, it can overflow and end up sitting on your roof and soaking around your foundation. When water overflows during the winter it can freeze and create ice dams on your roof. This can damage your roof coverings and make it easy for roof leaks to form.
Remove Snow and Debris
Whether it is a few leaves, or feet of snow, any debris sitting on your roof can have a negative impact on your home. This is because it retains moisture and helps promote roof leaks forming. You can use a roof rake or have a professional come out, but you should always remove debris quickly. Otherwise, you can end up with leaks, structural damage and mold.
Trim Nearby Trees
Trees can become brittle and break under the weight of snow sitting on top of it. If trees aren’t properly trimmed back, you can end up with impact damage, roots growing under your roof covering, and debris landing on your roof. You should also remove and dying or dead trees to prevent them falling onto your home.
Examine Your Siding
Siding may not be part of your roof, but does directly impact it. You should look at your siding, especially near the top by the roof, for damages like cracks where moisture can get in. If moisture has a way in, it can cause mold and structural damage that can spread to your roof and the rest of your home.
What to do When You Notice a Problem on Your Roof
If you notice any type of problem or cause for concern be sure to call a licensed roofing contractor such as Roofing Dearborn. We can inspect your home’s roof and repair any problems. We also install new roofs as well. Call us today to speak with one of our representatives and get a free quote on your roofing project.
