If you’re from the New England area, you know that there is something beautiful about watching snowflakes float down from the skies and cover the landscape. You might also know that these pretty little pieces of ice can really damage your home! Here’s what you can do to protect your property from snow this winter.
Don’t Let Snow Overload Your Roof
If snow builds up on your roof, it could easily overload it and cause the roof to collapse. It only takes about 2-4 feet of accumulated snow to cause enough weight to stress your roof to the point of no return.
Solution
Get your roof inspected annually. It’s best to have it done before winter starts. But if you haven’t had a roof inspection in a few years, the best time to do it is now. Your local roofing contractor will find any structural issues and leaks. You’ll get an assessment that includes damages as well as proactive maintenance suggestions before the repairs are made.
Icicles Can Damage Home, Gutters, and Roof
Although hanging icicles look cool, they are something else altogether to roofers. These little culprits are a signal that you have an ice dam. This is an ice buildup along your roof’s eaves, which can wreak havoc on your gutters. Eventually, they work their way beneath your structure’s shingles and leak directly into your home.
Solutions
Here are two basic ways to help you stop ice dams from damaging your roof:
- Manually Remove Them – Use a rake to pull them toward you and off your roof
- Change Roof Temperature – Find a heated cable, attach it to the roof’s edge and let it melt the ice
Melting Snow Can Flood Your Home
As a homeowner, it’s important to know that rising temperatures equate to melting snow. If there are any cracks in your foundation, the water can leak through those cracks. This leads to wall damage and a flooded basement. Over time, this cycle causes even more foundation cracks.
Solution
The best ways to prevent this are to make sure all cracks are sealed and ensure that your home has good drainage. That means clearing your gutters of objects stopping the flow of water. Your gutters must also be angled properly so they direct the melting snow away from your home and toward the drains on your street. The safest way to do this is to hire a professional gutter service.
Gutter Installation & Maintenance in Beverly, MA
The best way to ensure that your roof & gutters are prepared to withstand the winter is to have them checked & maintained by a professional. For gutter work in Beverly, MA & beyond, call Reynolds Seamless Gutter today at (978) 927-5732.