| A major roof problem that cold-climate homeowners face is the build-up of heavy snow and the development of ice dams. The excess weight of snow can damage roofs, gutters, and down spouts. Ice dams form when heavy snow melts during the day, flows under the shingles, and refreezes at night. After several melting-freezing cycles, water can enter the attic and damage insulation, ceilings, walls, and even the building itself. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent damage caused by heavy snow and ice dams.
1. Clean leaves, sticks, and debris from gutters and down spouts each fall. This basic maintenance will allow melting snow to flow into the gutters and down the spouts as intended.
2. Remove the snow regularly from the roof with your Roof Snow Scraper. By keeping the snow load to a minimum, you will reduce the chances of an ice dam forming. In addition, you will prevent damage to the roof due to the excess weight.
3. During the winter, keep the gutters and down spouts free of snow, ice, and icicles. By using your Roof Snow Scraper on a regular basis, your gutters and down spouts will be less likely to collect snow and ice and will continue to provide an outlet for melting snow. You will also prevent damage to the gutters and down spouts that can result from the excess weight of ice and snow.
4. Upgrade the attic insulation R-Value*. If your home was built before 1970, you should consider upgrading your attic’s insulation to a minimum of R-30 (R-38 in colder climates). This will keep the house warmer and the attic cooler, thereby reducing the chances of attic heat melting roof snow. Plus, you will enjoy the lower costs of an energy efficient home!
5. Evaluate your attic ventilation system*. Good airflow under the eaves and soffits promotes a cool and dry underside of the roof deck, preventing roof snow from melting. A quality ventilation system will also extend the life span of your roof by reducing dry rot and material cupping and curling.
6. Apply a quality leak barrier to repel water*. A watertight seal will protect the most vulnerable areas of your roof, including the eaves, valleys, and chimney area.
7. Develop a long-term, proactive roof maintenance program. Arrange a formal maintenance program with a qualified roofing contractor. A professional will evaluate your roof, offer maintenance advice based on your roof’s condition, and help you prevent major catastrophes by identifying potential problems in their early stages.
*Consult a qualified roofing and/or insulation contractor.
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