Protect Your Roof and Gutters From White Winters
As exciting as it may be when the snow begins to fall, there are a number of concerns property owners should be prepared for. You’re roof and gutters are critical parts of your building, whether it be a home, apartment, or commercial property. There are two main concerns when it comes to preparing your roof and gutters for winter: weight and the freeze/ thaw effect. Taking the proper steps to prep for these concerns could mean the difference between severe damage from snow related problems and a cozy and comfortable winter.
Protect Your Roof and Gutters From Heavy Snow Buildup
Anyone who has shoveled a buildup of snow knows that lots of snow means lots of weight. This extra weight can do serious damage to your roof and gutters. A roof collapse could mean a catastrophic winter and a hefty repair bill. Same goes for heavy snow tearing your gutters down. These structures weren’t designed to have lots of extra weight piled on, especially your gutters, so it’s critical that preventative measures are taken prior to the arrival of winter weather.
Be Ready For Freezing Temperatures
As water freezes into ice, it slightly expands, putting stress on the materials used in your roof and gutters. And when the temperatures rise back above the freezing point and begin to thaw, your roof and gutters could show signs of freeze/ thaw damage. Loosened shingles, leaks in the attic, gutter cracks, leaky seams & joints, weakened gutter hangers, or damaged fascia boards are all concerns associated with freezing temperatures. A little bit of preparation will go a long way in the health and longevity of your property.
Simple Steps To Prepare For Winter
Four steps to prepare your roof for winter:
- Do an exterior check of your roof before the snow begins to fall. Look for any loose shingles or other areas of concern and get them repaired.
- Check your attic for leaks and get them repaired
- Make sure there is good ventilation in your attic. Make sure vents aren’t blocked and other sources of ventilation are in good working condition. This prevents moisture from forming and causing damage from cold temperatures.
- Adequate attic insulation will help the prevent heat escaping and cold creeping in.
Four steps to prepare your gutters for winter:
- One of the most important steps you can take to prepare your gutters for cold temperatures and snow is to get them thoroughly and professionally cleaned. Clogged gutters will trap moisture in your gutters. This can lead to ice dams and the freeze/ thaw effect will wreak havoc on clogged and wet gutters, leading to cracks, broken seams, or even collapse. Don’t forget about your downspouts as well.
- Another critical step in preparation is gutter repair. If you have existing issues with your gutters, then winter weather will only make them worse, accelerating weathering. Again, don’t neglect your downspouts.
- If you feel it necessary, reinforcing your gutters by adding more hangers or brackets is a good option. Adding support will allow your gutters to hold more weight.
- A great way to combat snow and ice is to line your gutters with a heated cable. This is an especially good option for those with gutter guards, preventing ice and snow from doing damage.
Once The Snow Has Fallen
There are actions you can take to help your roof and gutters battle snow after it has fallen. Using a roof rake to pull snow off of your roof will relieve some of the pressure of the heavy snow buildup. If you find that you have a buildup of snow and ice in your gutters, running warm water through them should do the trick. Avoid using salt, it can damage your gutters.
When removing icicles from your gutters, be very careful not to cause any damage to them. If the icicles are not a potential danger, then it may be best to leave them be, otherwise you risk damaging your gutters and potentially even pulling them down.
To help you prepare for the winter months, SNUGS is available days, nights and weekends. Whether you need to get your prep work, like gutter cleaning and repair work, taken care of, or you want to be prepared for snow removal, SNUGS has you covered. It’s best to contract early so you don’t have to wait for removal when the snow falls.
Snugs Pro Wash, Inc, dba SNUGS Services, has been providing high quality Pressure Washing Services in Portland, OR since 1995. Started as a residential pressure washing and roof cleaning service, SNUGS is now one of the leading exterior cleaning companies in the Northwest. From our humble beginnings as a man with a truck and a trailer we have grown to become a multi-million dollar company serving corporate customers, name brands, and mom and pop companies alike.