Is Your Roof Ready For Winter?
Having a roof over our heads is one of our most basic needs for survival, and without one we would be exposed to the elements and the harmful UV rays. This is even more important during the winter months when the weather can contain snow storms, rain storms and much lower temperatures. It makes sense that during the winter months our roofs are most vulnerable to problems such as giving way.
Were going to go over how to prepare your roof for the winter months so that when bad weather does start, it will be ready to withstand the harsh weather and do its job of keeping you safe and warm. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure. So ensuring these things are in place will help to eliminate the possibility of a serious problem and will keep you away from having to work on your roof during bad weather conditions.
Insulation
Many older buildings that have flat roofs have very poor insulation. This then means that there is very little between you and the elements and means that your roof and ceiling will be much colder and thus susceptible to leaks and other damages. It is important that you get the proper insulation installed for your ceiling to keep you protected and prevent damage through the winter months.
Roof Repairs
Homeowners often see that they have missing tiles or damaged shingles but choose to do nothing about it because it doesn’t cause an immediate problem. This could be a mistake however due to your roof no longer being able to withstand the bad weather and as a result could lead to high cost repairs and potentially being dangerous. Some damages such as damaged shingles can be fixed by yourself. Others may require the help of professionals.
Clean Gutters
Your gutters are designed to direct water away from your roof and building to prevent mold and to stop large amounts of water from pooling on your building. If your gutters were to get jammed, rain water could collect either on the roof itself or by the bottom of the wall – either of which could cause damage. As the winter months brings heavy rains and snow, it’s important to ensure they are cleared out so that they function properly when it’s most needed.
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards cover up your gutters to prevent them from getting clogged up with leaves and other debris. This will help you gutters survive the winter and will keep them functioning properly.
Heating
Many people don’t know this but your roof and walls actually hold temperature. This then means that you can turn your heating up full blast, but if the walls and roof are already cold inside, this will do little to improve their temperature.To avoid this, you need to start heating your home regularly before it gets badly cold – around September/October rather than November/December.
Hopefully after reading this you will have the proper knowledge to ensure your roof can withstand the winter months! If you need help with any of the talked about services, consider giving ASJ a call. ASJ has been providing professional services to the south central PA and northern MD regions for more than 25 years! If you’re interested in receiving a free estimate, click one of our “Get A Quote” buttons or simply give us a call at 717-632-2241.