Winter can be a beautiful time of year in Flagstaff. Picturesque icicles and crisp white snow can turn your home into a winter wonderland. Knowing your house is ready to stand up to a cold spell will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the winter season. If you are in any doubt about the integrity of your roof this winter, request a professional roof inspection from Polaris Roofing Systems. Call Now At – (928) 699-4840.
Assessing Your Roof
Aside from getting a professional assessment, we recommend performing some regular checks as part of your home maintenance routine before Jack Frost arrives. Noticing any weak spots before they cause damage will save you time and money in the long run. Be sure to check out our post on the 5 Common Roof Problems We See When Snow Falls.
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is a very basic home maintenance chore that can go a long way. It can prevent the build-up of roof ice dams and can stop frozen debris from damaging your gutters. Trapped debris or standing water trapped on your roof can cause water damage and leaks to the interior. Clearing the gutters can allow any melted ice, snow or debris to drain away from your roof.
Check Your Insulation
Check your attic internally to make sure all the insulation is intact and evenly distributed. Aside from the extra heating costs, escaping heat from the roof can lead to the formation of ice dams.
Stock Up Your Tool-Kit
Regular visual inspections of your roof during the winter season will alert you to any potential snow or ice build-ups early enough to remove them. Adding some useful tools to your kit can save you a last-minute trip to the hardware store.
You can purchase snow rakes from your local hardware store. These tools are an important part of any winter roof maintenance kit. The long handle of a snow rake will allow you to remove snow from your roof while remaining firmly on the ground. Always rake towards you as a sideways motion may damage your roof shingles.
You can also remove ice from your roof before it starts to accumulate at a hazardous level. Chemical de-icers and icepicks are both useful tools to have on hand during the winter months. Take extra care when removing ice, however, as falling chunks can cause damage to both your roof and yourself. If ice remains on the roof for too long, it may be dangerous to remove as pulling it off may damage the gutters and shingles.
Never climb up onto your roof while attempting to remove any ice or snow. Working at heights can be hazardous at any time of year without professional training, and in winter it is particularly hazardous.
Visually Inspect Your Roof
Regular visual inspection of your roof during winter can alert you to any potential problems before they cause damage. Pay extra attention during heavy snow or storms. From the ground, inspect for any obvious loose tiles, damaged guttering or snow and ice build-up. Never attempt to climb onto your roof to inspect it during the winter months.
Professional Roof Assessment
Roof work is hazardous, and to do it properly, you need specialized equipment and to prevent injury and damage to the roof. A professional roofing company will assess your roof in detail, check the roof valleys, shingles, flashing and chimney for any signs of damage or potential weak spots. A full professional roof inspection every 3 to 5 years should be sufficient to repair any minor issues before they become major damage.
If you’re in any doubt about the safety or integrity of your home, call the local Flagstaff roofers at Polaris Roofing Systems (928) 699-4840 for some professional advice.