Winter weather can be hazardous to humans on many levels. Perhaps the most costly and ignored hazard is the effect winter can have on your roof. A long harsh winter can cause far greater problems for a roofing system when homeowners fail to take some of the following specific steps to mitigate roof damage.
Many nostalgic winter scenes have icicles dangling off rooflines glistening in the sun. While this might be a Rockwell moment for some, it is a homeowner’s nightmare.
Clogged and faulty gutters can lead to excessive icicle formation, which are hazardous to those below and to your home. While these gleaming ice formations can be pretty, the excess weight can damage your roof and gutters. Clean all leaves and debris out of gutters. Be sure to caulk any leaking seams or repair loose connections.
Icicles dangling off soffits are an indication of a far greater problem – when snow melts and refreezes, it can block gutter and lead to ice dams preventing water from draining away from a home’s foundation. This can lead to severe damage to a home’s foundation. In addition, the extra weight from icicles can tear away parts of a home’s gutter system and/or destroy shingles.
Protect your family and furnishings by addressing any issues that arise. The cost of negligence is ALWAYS higher than regular roof repair and roof replacement, if necessary.
When a roof is compromised, it affects the home’s interior – sagging ceilings, warped flooring, wet insulation that could result in toxic mold and mildew. This is just a few of the costly hazards that homeowners could avoid by ensuring your home’s gutters are clean, secure and working properly.