Do Roofers Work in the Winter? 5 Winter Roofing Myths Busted

Do Roofers Work in the Winter? 5 Winter Roofing Myths Busted

Gutters & Eavestroughs, Insulation, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Repair, Tips & Useful Info

Don’t put necessary roof maintenance, repair or replacement off until the spring just because you think roofers don’t work in the winter! In this blog, we’re busting this and other common winter roofing myths to ensure you’re well protected this season. From repair, to ice dams, to snow as insulation, and everything in between, here’s what you REALLY need to know about roofing in the winter.

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Posted by Tricia | February 26, 2024

As the chill of winter sets in, your roof demands special attention. But roofers don’t work in the winter, so if you didn’t get your roof issues addressed back in the summer, you’re in trouble right? Wrong!

Unfortunately, numerous myths surrounding winter roofing can lead homeowners astray, and have them putting off much needed maintenance, repair or replacement until the spring, which could result in major issues once the snow starts to melt.

To save you potential stress and money, let’s debunk five common winter roofing myths and set the record straight.

Myth 1 – Roofs Can’t Be Repaired or Replaced in Winter

Many people believe that roofing work is impossible in winter due to cold temperatures and harsh conditions.

While it’s true that extreme weather can delay projects, modern roofing technology and materials allow for repairs and even replacements during colder months. Certain types of roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, require careful handling in cold weather, but the experienced roofers at Guns N Hoses know how to navigate these challenges safely and efficiently, no matter the elements!

Myth 2 – Ice Dams are Only Caused by Roofing Issues and are Inevitable

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of roofs along your gutters and prevent melted snow and water from draining. Ice dams may not seem that bad, but they can be extremely heavy, compromising the structure of your roof and home.

It’s a common myth that ice dams are solely caused by roofing problems and thus are just a fact of life here on the prairies. In reality, ice dams are usually a result of poor attic insulation and ventilation. When heat escapes from your home and melts the snow on your roof, it refreezes when it reaches the gutter, forming an ice dam.

The team at Guns N Hoses can prevent ice dams by improving attic insulation and ventilation, providing comprehensive gutter clearing and repair services, and offering heat line installation to help prevent ice from forming on your roof. So give us a call, no matter the weather, we’re here to help!

Myth 3: You Don’t Need to Clean Gutters During Winter

Just because there’s no leaves on the trees, doesn’t mean your gutters can’t still get clogged up with debris.

Dirt, animal droppings, even nuts, twigs or bark from trees can easily build up over the winter months, and combine that with the constant thawing and freezing of snow on your roof and you have the perfect conditions for a serious gutter issue.

Clogged gutters impede water flow, potentially causing water to back up and freeze, exacerbating ice dam issues and damaging the roof and gutters.

So call our friendly technicians for your winter gutter cleaning today, no matter the temperature, we have the tools to clear your gutters fast!

Myth 4 – Snow on the Roof Acts as Insulation

While a light blanket of snow may not seem like a big deal and provide some insulation benefits, in the harsh Calgary winters it can quickly turn into an excessive amount, putting your roof at risk.

The weight of too much snow can stress your roof, leading to potential structural damage and leaks. It’s important to monitor snow accumulation and safely remove it if it exceeds a safe level.

That’s why you can trust the experts at Guns N Hoses. We have the specialized tools needed and are trained with the proper techniques for safe snow clearance.

Myth 5 – Roofing Inspections Can Only Be Done When There’s No Snow

The knowledgeable team at Guns N Hoses can inspect your roof any time of year, and winter might just be the time your roof needs it the most!

If you’ve encountered a recent snowstorm or heavy winds, we’ll check for loose or missing shingles. We can easily remove snow build up to check the condition of your shingles, and quickly repair or replace any damaged ones before water seeps in.

We’ll also conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s insulation and ventilation systems, and look for water spots on the ceilings, walls, and other areas. If we identify any leaks or water damage we’ll provide immediate solutions.

Winter brings its own, special set of challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to roofing. By understanding and debunking these 5 common winter roofing myths, you can take proactive steps to ensure your roof remains healthy and functional throughout the colder months.

Remember, regular maintenance and addressing small issues promptly can prevent larger, more costly problems down the road. So stay warm and safe this winter and contact Guns N Hoses to come inspect or assess your roof today. We’re here to help when you need us.

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Written by Tricia Arsenault

Tricia’s first experience roofing was when she was a teenager, roofing with her dad in small-town Manitoba. Her dad was a farmer but they did construction in their spare time, and she was his right-hand woman. After highschool, Tricia graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Marketing and International business. She has worked in the travel and finance industry and then returned full circle to the construction industry when she started Guns N Hoses with Keith over 14 years ago. Fun fact: Tricia has traveled all over the world, lived in three different continents and traveled to fifteen different countries.

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