How To Prepare Your Roof for Winter Weather
Winter weather can quickly bring disaster if your property isn’t protected. Here’s everything you need to know about how to prepare your roof for winter.
How To Avoid Commercial Roof Repair in the Winter
Northern Virginia winter months can be challenging, but checking your commercial roof routinely can save you a great deal of time and money. Look for the following when inspecting your roof:
Removing Debris
Remember to remove fallen leaves in your gutters before winter comes along. Cleaning your gutters is important because once that first snowfall hits and your gutters are clogged, water may not be able to drain properly. Improper drainage can turn into icicles, which are dangerous for people and damaging to your roof. Anything that doesn’t belong in your roof has to be removed before the winter.
Removing Ice Dams
Ice dams will form when the top portion of your roof is substantially warmer in the melting process compared to the lower half, which could be frozen around the drains. Hanging icicles are a sign of ice dams. Remove quickly to avoid damage to your downspouts and roofing, which would be costly down the road.
Caulking
Check caulking around your commercial roof joints; schedule roof maintenance if you notice dry or peeling caulking. In the winter, components of your roof will shrink. Caulking protects the corners of your roof from leaking and puncturing the membrane. New caulk before the winter expands in the heat, covering the joints and membranes of your roof.
HVAC Unit Maintenance
Having your HVAC unit inspected annually could go a long way in preparing your roof for winter. If your unit requires maintenance going into winter, cold temperatures increase the risk of breakdown. Be sure to check seals are closed on the unit before bad weather hits.
Trimming Branches
Hanging branches above your commercial roof pose a threat to winter and any severe weather. Storms, snow, and wind cause branches to collapse, potentially leading to punctures. Damages to the core membrane could lead to a roof replacement, halting productivity and causing safety concerns in your commercial building. Trimming branches once overgrown greatly reduces the risk of roof damage.
Seeking Professional Inspections
Staying ahead of the game is key. Routine checks from property owners can go a long way, but the best option for extending the life of your roof is scheduling professional inspections and maintenance. Roofing contractors have the best technology to find minor damages before they become costly repairs.
With Elevated Contracting, you’re in luck.
We offer free inspections and estimates before any work begins, assuring you to make the best decision for your roof.
Avoiding Residential Roof Repair in the Winte
Preparing your residential roof for winter involves many of the areas we covered above with commercial surfaces, in addition to regular inspection and maintenance. Let’s now run through residential specific checks to prepare for winter:
Roof Flashing
Flashing is located along the corners and joints of your roof near a chimney. Cold temperatures, along with rain and wind throughout the year, loosen flashing. Water leaks and membrane puncturing are risks if your flashing isn’t properly secured to the roof. Inspecting for flashing damage and scheduling maintenance reduces potential damages in the winter.
Roof Shingles
Shingles are vital for protecting your roof membrane. Curling, loose or missing shingles is a quick sign to schedule roof repair. Neglecting a simple and inexpensive fix like shingles can create costly, long-term damages to your roof, like leaks and membrane exposure.
Roof Rake
Preparing a roof rake in accessible locations is an excellent way to remove snowfall from your roof. Excessive snow stresses shingles and flashing, increasing the risk of water leaks and other damages. Plastic roof rakes won’t cause any damage to your roof.
Can a Roof Be Replaced in the Winter?
Don’t worry- your roof can be replaced even in the winter; however, certain measures need to be taken to ensure safety. Most professionals advise having your roof replaced as quickly as possible when damaged severely, even in the winter months. Below are a few precautions crews take for safe roof replacement in the winter:
Equipment Checks
Properly installing shingles for a replacement can be a tricky process in the winter. Roofers commonly use snips over utility knives in cold temperatures to avoid snapping shingles.
Fall Protection
Contracts are prepared with harness equipment in the event of a slip in icy or snowy conditions.
Materials
Caulking is a common material in roofing. During winter, caulking must be secured inside or in a warm vehicle to avoid freezing. Nail guns are also affected by winter weather. Roofers must pay extra attention to the depth the nail drives due to the reduced airflow in the winter.
Remember that good judgment is a top priority when working with your roofing contractor in winter. Although replacements must be a quick installation process, contractors can only work weather permitting.
Comprehensive Roofing Contractor Service
Elevated Contracting offers the complete roofing package in Northern Virginia. From estimates and inspections to roof replacements and repairs, we have the services you need. Check out our commercial and residential operations to prepare your roof for winter:
Choose Your Local Provider for Winter Roofing Repair
Foot traffic increases roofing problems over time. It weakens roof insulation, which can cause leaking because of excess moisture and result in premature roof replacement. Property owners should work to reduce as much foot traffic on roofs as possible. Walkways in areas with robust support should be available for those necessary with roof access.
The Commercial Provider To Fix Common Roofing Problems
When it comes to winter, no time is more dangerous for roofing damage. Luckily, at Elevated, nothing is more important than protecting your family or business. With over 11 years of serving the Northern Virginia area, we provide expert services. Don’t wait any longer- avoid a holiday disaster by preparing your roof for winter. Contact the A+ rated Northern Virginia provider today at Elevated Contracting.