Roof Maintenance, Roofing Repair
From removing large patches of snow to looking for leaks and checking your attic ventilation, here’s a maintenance checklist to keep your roof in excellent condition every winter—from the Guns N Hoses team.
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With Calgary’s cold, snowy winters, it’s important to routinely check and maintain your roof each year. From regularly removing snow to inspecting loose or missing shingles, you want to make sure your home is protected from the harsh elements. Plus, these proactive measures can ensure the longevity and durability of your roof.
Not sure what to look for each winter? Our team at Guns N Hoses repairs Calgary rooftops all year long, and we’re here to show you six maintenance solutions for winter to make sure your home stays in great condition.
Regular Snow Removal
One of the primary challenges during winter is snow accumulation on your roof, which is why it’s important to regularly clear any heavy snow that could compromise the structural integrity. Even light snowflakes, which may seem harmless, can lead to heavy build-up over time, causing major roof damage or leaks.
The main thing to remember with snow removal is to do it as safely as possible or hire a professional. Our experts at Guns N Hoses have the specialized tools needed and are trained with the proper techniques for safe snow clearance.
See Also: Working Safely On Your Roof: Tips for DIY Homeowners
Preventing Ice Dams
Preventing ice dams is another serious roof maintenance task that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you don’t know, an ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow and water from draining off the roof. To help prevent ice dams, make sure your attic is properly insulated to help protect your home.
If an ice dam does appear, it’s important to try and break the dam, carefully, so that any built-up water doesn’t leak into your home and cause structural damage. If you are not comfortable tackling this yourself, no problem, you can also call a Guns N Hoses expert to come out and break the dam for you.
Checking Flashing and Seals
If you plan to light up your fireplace during winter, make sure to do a check on your chimney. Inspect the flashing around the chimney—the flat, thin pieces of metal that waterproof the perimeter of your roof. If working properly, flashing helps ensure moisture can easily flow away from your rooftop and prevents water from entering through any openings or cracks.
You should also check all of your windows for any broken window seals, which is super important for keeping the winter weather out of your home. If you do need to get a damaged seal fixed, do not try to do it yourself. It’s better to hire one of our Guns N Hoses professionals, since we have all the right tools and materials to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Inspecting for Loose or Missing Shingles
If you’ve encountered a recent snowstorm or heavy winds, now’s the time to check for loose or missing shingles. You’ll want to get shingles replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
If you leave behind any damaged shingles, you’re potentially allowing mold to grow from the water ingress. Plus, it will be more costly to fix the longer you let those loose or damaged shingles sit.
Ensuring Proper Attic Insulation and Ventilation
No matter the season, you want to make sure your attic is properly insulated, but especially during the winter months. Attic insulation plays a crucial role in preventing ice dams, as mentioned above.
Along with proper insulation, you need to make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Ventilation is key to preventing mold from growing and ensuring the structural beams holding up your roof won’t be damaged.
To avoid these issues, be sure heat is able to escape the attic and cooler air is coming in. Adding a solar vent can be an excellent way to improve your attic’s ventilation while providing natural light and improving your home’s energy efficiency.
See Also: Signs That Your Home Has an Attic Insulation Issue
Routine Interior Checks for Leaks
Another thing to keep in mind after heavy snow or rainfall is to check the interior of your home for leaks. It’s better to identify potential issues early before they escalate and cause damage.
In terms of a leaky roof, watch out for musty odors, water stains, or patches on your walls, ceilings, insulation, or other areas. If you do notice any leaks, contact a Guns N Hoses professional immediately to get the source of the issue fixed before any further damage is caused.
See Also: How to Discover Roof Leaks (& What to Do If You Find Them)
Get Professional Roofing Support When You Need It
Following this proactive maintenance checklist for winter will not only ensure your roof is doing its job, but will also make your roof last much longer. These quick maintenance checks are well worth it in the long run and can potentially save you money on costly repairs in the future.
If you would like a peace-of-mind check or professional help with any of these issues, contact us at Guns N Hoses to come inspect or assess your home. We’re here to help when you need us.
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