When cold temperatures appear in Charlotte, NC and precipitation starts to fly, homeowners may experience damage to their homes. One of the most common pain points is the roof on your home, which is designed to protect your residence from the elements, pests, and more. Even the best quality roof can incur damage during a storm, but there are some ways that you can prevent roof damage. Let’s look at steps you can take to protect your roof and home during the winter season in Charlotte.
Routine Roof Inspections
It’s important that you schedule a professional routine roof inspection once per year. Our experienced team will get up on your roof to inspect the different components of this structure so you don’t have to put your safety at risk. We check to see if all shingles are securely in place. If there are any that are missing, we replace them with shingles that match the rest of your roof. We can also secure any shingles that are loose. We check the flashing on your roof as well as your gutters and downspouts. If any of these materials are loose, they have the potential for incurring damage during a storm.
While we are on your roof, we will assess the area to see where you are in the lifespan of your roof structure. It’s helpful for a homeowner to know if a replacement is going to be necessary in the next few years. This allows you to budget and consider what kind of roof you want to get.
We check for things like pooling water, which can indicate there is a structural problem with your roof. Pooling water can put your roof at risk of damage during a storm, but it can also indicate that you have a leak in your home. You may not have noticed anything yet, but you could have mold growth in your attic or structural problems because of a slow leak. A roof leak doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to have your entire roof replaced. We can often make repairs that will provide you with many more years of use.
Trimming Back Tree Branches
If you live in an area with a lot of trees and landscaping, you want to make sure that these things are trimmed on a regular basis. If you have a lot of branches overhanging your roof, they have the potential to break off during a storm and cause damage. Even if the weather doesn’t get very bad, a strong wind can cause the branches to move repeatedly and with enough force that the scraping damages your roof’s singles.
Preventing Ice Dams
If temperatures drop low enough, your roof may be at risk of ice dams. These dams form when snow on your roof melts because of inconsistent temperatures. This can happen due to heat escaping from your house, changing outdoor temperatures, and intermittent snow cover, among other factors. Regardless of the reason why, some of that snow melts and flows onto colder snow further down the roof. There, the melted runoff freezes and collects, forming an ice dam.
In many cases, ice dams can prevent water from flowing off your roof and into your gutters. This can lead to water leaks in your home that develop into mold growth and structural rot. It can also cause damage to your shingles and gutters.
It’s imperative that you have your roof inspected for potential damage that could promote an ice dam. However, make sure that you have enough insulation and ventilation in your home so heat does not escape easily. Your home may benefit from the installation of soffits and ridge vents to improve airflow.
Problems Caused by Snow Load
We don’t typically get as much snow as, say, New York or other areas up north, but we still get enough to accumulate. As snow and ice accumulate on your roof, they strain the structure, which can cause a whole host of issues. Roofs that are very flat tend to be at a much greater risk from snow load issues. Also, the material and structural integrity of your roof matter. We can inspect your roof for snowstorm damage, but before snowfall strikes, we can to ensure it is pitched correctly to allow snow and moisture to slide off the surface. In severe cases, snow load and ice accumulation can lead to a roof collapsing or your roof sagging.
You may be able to remove some of the snow and ice on your roof, but it may be necessary to hire a professional if the load is too much for you to handle. This is also a safer option as well.
Avoiding Condensation in Your Attic
When your roof is covered in snow and ice, this prevents airflow in your attic. This can lead to a buildup of condensation in your attic and home. Over time, if you don’t address this moisture, mold can start to grow. It doesn’t take long for mold to spread, causing health issues and breathing problems. There is also the risk of moisture leading to wood rot on the structure of your home.
If condensation is something that you frequently deal with during the winter months or during a storm, you may want to consider having a ventilation or exhaust fan installed in your attic. You should also use exhaust fans in the other areas of your home to keep humidity in control. This includes bathrooms and your kitchen, especially when they are in use. A whole-house dehumidifier is a great way to remove some of the moisture and condensation in your home that can accumulate during a winter storm.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
During a storm, your gutters may become clogged with snow, ice, leaves, or debris. This can prevent the flow of water off your roof, leading to damage. You should have your gutters cleaned periodically to ensure there isn’t a buildup of debris prior to a storm. There are also heating elements that can be installed in your gutters and downspouts that prevent ice from forming during a storm. Proper draining will protect your home from structural damage, mold growth, roof damage, and damage to your gutters. You can even experience damage to your landscaping that is near your home, as well as to downspouts if your gutters aren’t working properly. As ice and moisture fall from your roof, it can cause damage to branches, leaves, and root structures.
If you need assistance with your roof prior to a winter storm or after, reach out to Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations. In addition to routine maintenance and repairs, we also install new roofs, provide temporary tarping, and install gutters and downspouts. We take great pride in our roofing services and put customer satisfaction first. There may be incentives or discounts available to help you offset the cost of a new roof or upgrades to your roof ahead of the winter season. Inquire with our team to find out more.
Contact Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations for Charlotte roofing help today.
