5 Ways to Help Your Roof Survive Snow

5 Ways to Help Your Roof Survive Snow

In 2015, winter storms caused $530 billion in property damage in the US alone. Taking care of your roof can prevent you from contributing to that statistic this winter.

But how are you supposed to prep your home? And what do you do once snow hits?

Today, we’ll go through five ways you can help your roof survive snow this winter. Being better prepared will help you avoid danger and thousands of dollars in damage.

Let’s get into it!

1. Give It a Checkup

When was the last time you took a good look at your roof? Take a walk around your property and bring some binoculars.

Look for any areas where you notice shingles missing, buckling, or lifting. Check your gutters, too. Asphalt granules in the gutters are a sign that your roof is wearing away.

When you’re back in your home, look at the ceiling. Do you notice any dark spots? These could be a sign your roof is leaking.

Have any damage repaired before winter hits to prevent further damage. A weak roof leaves your home vulnerable.

2. Replace Your Roof

Depending on the damage, a small patch repair might be possible. Yet, often it’s safer to repair the whole roof.

Choosing the correct replacement for your home can help it survive snow. Plus, you don’t want to buy a new roof more often than you have to.

Check out our roof buying guide to help you make the right choice.

snow on the roof

3. Prevent Ice Dams

An ice dam is exactly what it sounds like—a ridge of ice on your roof that acts like a dam. It stops water from flowing off the roof as snow melts.

The trapped water backs up into your home, causing dangerous problems like mold and rot.

Prevent ice dams by keeping your attic from getting warm enough to melt snow. Make sure it’s well insulated to prevent heat transfer, and remove elements like lighting that could add extra heat.

4. Clear Your Gutters

Leaves and other debris packing your gutters act like ice dams, causing melt water to back up. Get in there and clear out your gutters before snow hits to help out your roof.

You can also consider getting gutter guards. They go over your gutters to allow water through but stop debris from clogging them.

5. Remove Snow the Right Way

Once snow hits, you can do a lot of damage to your roof if you handle it the wrong way.

If you leave many feet of accumulated snow sitting up there, it puts a lot of strain on your roof. It can cause cracks or collapse that put you and your family in danger.

When you do remove snow, do so safely. Mass.gov offers roof collapse and snow removal safety tips so you can keep your home safe.

Snow Survival

Lots of snow is a given in New England. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense.

Make sure that line of defense is strong. That way, you won’t face the dangerous, expensive consequences in the future.

If you need a new roof to prepare your home for snow, contact us. We’re happy to guide you through the process, starting with a free in-home estimate.

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