winter Roof tips every Minnesota homeowner should know
A leaky roof is the stuff of homeowner nightmares.
If you have water stains that stretch across your ceiling or down your walls, the likely cause is a leaky roof.
Finding where the leak starts is the hard part.
Here in Minnesota, we are often plagued by the issue of "ice dams". When part of the roof is heated, it melts the snow, while the edge stays frozen. This results in the water sliding down the roof and then refreezing at the edge, forming a band of ice that gradually becomes bigger and captures water. Having nowhere else to escape, the liquid moves back up under the shingles and infiltrates the soffits, walls, and ceiling.
Keep an eye out for the first signs of ice dam damage:
Rust spots on drywall fasteners
Peeling paint
Sagging sheetrock
Stains around windows and doors
Mold or rot
The trick to preventing ice dams is taking action before the first snow to keep your roof in good condition.
The leading cause of roof and home damage is typically the result of a warm attic.
In most cases, heat will rise from the ceilings and make its way into the attic, thus causing the roof shingles to become warm. To avoid this, here are some methods to keep the attic and roof cold:
Close-up attic bypasses
Closing up any attic bypasses is essential, as these are secret pathways for hot air to escape from a heated area in the home into the attic. Examples of these include chimneys, interior walls, ceiling lights, exhaust fans, and heating ducts, so check these places thoroughly.
Measure your attic installation level
It is usually worth hiring a professional for this job and a DIY will not save you much money, especially if ice dams are a concern.Add roof and soffit vents
Attic installation draws in cool outdoor air and flushes warmer attic air, creating a cooling process.
In the winter months, regular maintenance will do wonders for the health of your roof and home.
Raking your roof with a long-handled aluminum scraper after a heavy snowfall is an easy way to change the temperate of your roof FAST and prevent ice dams. However, this might not be possible on some roof angles, and always be careful not to break any shingles during the process. This process can also be dangerous if you have a high or slanted roof and should only be done on ground level.
Installing heating cables is a great way to avoid dams. Attaching heated cables in a zigzag pattern along the roof edge helps prevent ice from becoming an issue that could cause roof leaks.
Filling an old pair of tights with calcium chloride ice melter and laying it across your roof can also diminish damage if an ice dam has already formed.
If your home is clear of ice dams, there are still several maintenance tips every homeowner should be aware of to avoid harsh Winter wear and tear.
Regular checks for damage - not just from ice and snow but the wind as well. Check your roof frequently for any missing shingles, fallen debris, or any problems. The sooner you spot an issue, the less damage it is likely to cause.
Clear out your gutters. Gutters are essential to the health of your home. Gutters move water away from your home's walls, foundation, and roof. Leaves, nuts, and other debris can still get stuck and clog a gutter system in the Winter months as well.
Trim tree branches. Snow and ice make tree branches heavier and more likely to break. Keep an eye out for a looming branch that could fall and cause damage to your roof.
Check flashing, chimneys, and skylights. Roof flashing is made of thin material and over time can become loose. Warping can lead to moisture build-up and eventually, roof leaks.
Investing in the services of professional roofers is a wise decision that can provide cost savings in the long run.
Performance Construction, one of Minnesota's premier roofing companies, stands ready to attend to your roofing needs. Contact us today!