CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Winter brings cold drafts and snowstorms that can make homes uncomfortable. To stay warm, homeowners should have a plan. Look out for signs like drafts, high heating bills, or ice on the roof. Regularly check for these issues to address them early and keep your home well-insulated. Here are five tips to help protect your home in winter.
As our homes face strong snowstorms, frigid drafts find their way through gaps and cracks, creating a chilly indoor environment. How can homeowners endure the winter season while maintaining comfort and coziness? Having a well-thought-out plan is crucial. Begin by identifying warning signs such as drafts, unusually high heating bills, or ice accumulation on roofs. Regularly checking for these indicators can proactively address potential problems and ensure a well-insulated home throughout the cold season. Here are five suggestions to help safeguard your home as winter unfolds.
Ice Dams
Ice dams pose a common winter challenge in Central PA. They develop when snow on the roof melts, often due to heat escaping from the interior, and then refreezes near the eaves, creating a barrier that obstructs the drainage of melting snow from the roof. This trapped water has the potential to seep beneath shingles, leading to leaks and possible damage to the interior of your home.
Solution: Two proactive measures involve enhancing attic insulation and ventilation, as well as using a roof rake to remove excess snow from the roof. Bull Run Roofing can assess your attic’s insulation levels and ventilation to prevent heat from escaping, thereby minimizing ice dam formation. Secondly, a local hardware store will have a snow roof rake available for purchase. Please use a roof rake with care, or ask for professional assistance.
Clogged Gutters
Throughout the ongoing winter season, blocked gutters pose a significant risk. Debris accumulated from autumn can form ice dams, obstructing water passage and leading to leaks. Such trapped water might harm ceilings, and walls, and weaken the integrity of your roof. It’s imperative to schedule routine cleanings before winter sets in and after bouts of storms.
Solution: Bull Run Roofing can conduct thorough gutter inspections and cleanouts before winter. Installing gutter guards or covers will prevent debris buildup or critter families, ensuring proper water flow away from your roof.
Roof Snow Accumulation
Accumulated snow on your roof can result in structural damage and possible leaks due to the added weight on your home. Excessive weight can strain the roof, leading to sagging, structural damage, or even collapse.
Solution: To prevent this, it’s important to remove excess snow from your roof. A roof rake, a specialized long-handled tool, is designed for this purpose. Safely and gently pull the snow off the roof while standing on the ground to avoid potential injury. Exercise caution to prevent any damage to the roof’s surface during the process. Additionally, clearing snow from the eaves and gutters is advisable to prevent the formation of ice dams.
Icicles
These picturesque ice formations are often seen in wintry landscapes, yet they can conceal underlying dangers. These formations may grow substantial and weighty, posing a threat to individuals and property beneath if they detach and fall. Inadequate attic insulation and ventilation can cause warm air to escape, leading to snow melting on the roof.
Solution: Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation in your attic can help maintain a more stable temperature. If icicles have already formed, it’s prudent to delicately remove them using a roof rake while standing at a safe distance.
Roof Leaks
The interplay of ice dams, snow buildup, and the freeze-thaw cycle can readily lead to a roof leak. It is vital to promptly identify and address the underlying causes.
Solution: Regular roof inspections and maintenance are equally crucial. Should you discover a roof leak, it is advisable to seek guidance and professional assistance from Bull Run Roofing.
As a homeowner in Central PA, being proactive and seeking professional assistance from a local roofing company is crucial in safeguarding your roof during winter. Don’t let roof maintenance consume your valuable time when you could be enjoying winter activities. Utilize the tips mentioned above to effectively prepare for the cold, snow, and ice, ensuring a cozy home after a day of adventures.
Should you require assistance with your roof in the winter season or have concerns about its integrity, feel free to reach out to Bull Run Roofing for professional guidance. We seek the opportunity to assist you!