How To Winterize A Residential Roof
Most homeowners want to provide proper care and maintenance to their roof to ensure that it remains in good condition and that damage or wear is avoided. One of the most important steps that homeowners should make is to winterize their roof for the season; doing this will prevent the need for repairs during the harsh weather conditions. To protect your roof and increase its longevity, there are a few steps you can take with the help of a Middletown roofing professional.
It’s important to cut back tree branches that are in close proximity to the roofing structure, which can cause them to puncture the roof deck during the season. When high winds occur, the branches can sway and come in contact with the building. Another concern is with rodents and other animals that can make their way onto the roof by accessing the branches. This could lead them to find shelter on the building and infest the roof or cause damage to it.
A roof inspection should be performed by a professional to prep the structure and look for areas that need to be repaired immediately.
If any leaks are present, this can cause water damage to the interior structure of the building with rain or snow. The roofer will access the attic and use a flashlight to look for water stains or sunlight where holes may be present. The holes will then be patched on the roof deck before the shingles or tiles are reapplied.
Winterizing the roof also requires that proper insulation is installed in the attic with plenty of air circulation. This will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof due to snow that can freeze after several days. Ice dams are known to damage roofing materials and rip them off of the building. Residents can also use a rake to remove the snow on the building and prevent it from piling up. In some cases, heating cables can be used to melt the snow and allow it to drip off of the building to prevent it from solidifying.
Broken and missing tiles or shingles on the roof should also be replaced in a timely manner. This is a more common problem on older roofs and can quickly cause leaks to develop because then the roof deck is exposed and left unprotected. A roofing professional can safely access the structure and reinstall the materials to increase the lifespan of the structure. Have a question regarding new roofs or roof repairs? Ask a professional from Fortified Roofing, Middletown roofers.
Roofing term of the day, courtesy of Fortified Roofing, Middletown roofers:
Roof Deck
The surface underneath shingles or tiles on a roof that is protected by the different types of materials. The deck can become damaged if roofing materials are removed or are torn off of the structure of the home.
Question and answer courtesy of Fortified Roofing, local Middletown roofers:
When should roofing inspections be performed?
It’s important to schedule a roof inspection every six months to identify any areas that need to be repaired. The roof should also be inspected by a professional after the winter season to determine if damage occurred due to storms and high winds. This will prevent leaks and water damage to the interior of the home.
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