With winter arrives in Ann Arbor Michigan it usually means that snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and plenty of new chores to do around your home become normal. But even with the new seasonal responsibilities, you still have to worry about things like roof damage in Ann Arbor Michigan. Because of the added difficulty of winter roofing, it is important to know the signs of a problem and what you need to do to fix it. This will help to protect your home and make sure you know what to do in a winter roofing emergency.
What Happens When There Is A Winter Roofing Emergency in Ann Arbor Michigan?
Winter can certainly pose a bigger problem because of snow that may be on top of your home’s roof which may allow water to more easily get inside your home on warmer days when the snow and ice start to melt during the day. But no matter what the season, making sure your roof is performing as it should and continuing to protect your home is important. That’s why when you notice a problem it’s a good idea to call a roofer as soon as possible to help prevent further damage to the home. Here are some winter roofing emergency tips that can help you minimize the damages to your home:
Winter Roofing Emergencies
Some common winter roofing problems you may see include:
Ice Dams and Icicles
When your gutters are obstructed, or there is not proper insulation in your attic, sitting water on your roof can freeze into ice dams and icicles. This can damage shingles and coverings, as well as create openings for moisture to get into.
Condensation in Your Attic
When you don’t have enough insulation in your attic, condensation can form and create moisture in your home. This moisture can turn into mold and wreak havoc through your home.
Shingle and Covering Damage
If your roof covering is compromised, you open your roof up to moisture damage. With snow exposure, you can quickly end up with roof leaks if you don’t take care of replacing the covering quickly.
Punctures and Leaks
Whether it is from moisture wearing away on your roof, or impact damage creating punctures, an opening in your roof is always an issue. No matter how small the hole, you can expect moisture to get through and lead to warping and rotting of structural beams, as well as mold.
Sagging
Sagging is a massive problem for a roof, no matter how slight it may be. This is because sagging shows an inability for the roof’s structure to hold itself up. With the added weight from snow, this can become even more severe and even lead to cave ins.
How to Prepare
It is always better to prevent damage, rather than trying to fix it after there is a problem. To help keep your roof safe during the winter, it is important to keep it maintained. Here are some ways you can better prepare your roof in case there is a problem.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters need to be cleaned out to prevent blockages and water from overflowing or sitting on your roof.This is more important than most home owners realize. Clogged gutters can lead to roof ice dams and damage the eaves and fascia boards of your home.
Rake Off Snow
To reduce moisture exposure and alleviate the weight of the snow, you should rake it off once it settles.
Get an Inspection
Before the first snowfall, you should have a professional do a thorough inspection to make sure everything is okay before winter officially starts. If there are any problems you should fix them before you have to work around snow and freezing temperatures.
What to Do When an Emergency Happens
When a roofing emergency happens during the winter, your first step is to call a roofing contractor in Ann Arbor Michigan to come look as the problem. It is always better to have a roofing contractor before you have an emergency so you can save time when you really need help. They will be able to assess the damage and advise you on what you need to do next. One of the best in Ann Arbor Michigan is A2 Roofing. Call them today at 734-548-9915 if you have a roofing emergency or want to get a roof inspection on your home.
