Roofers Iowa City

ROOFERS IOWA CITY, IA

Tips to Prepare Your Roof for Winter Weather

The winters in Iowa can be long and harsh, so it is important to prepare for them as soon as possible beforehand. You prepare for the winter by stocking up on hot chocolate, cutting enough firewood to get you through the winter and pull out your winter quilts, but is your roof ready for a harsh winter? One of the most common problems encountered by roofers Iowa City homeowners should be aware of is a roof that wasn’t prepared for winter weather. Regardless of the type of roofing system on your home, it is essential that you make sure it is ready for the harsh weather conditions of winter. With a little preparedness and the proper maintenance, you can help to prevent the risk of roof leaks and other potential disasters, such as the collapsing of your roof under heavy, wet snow.
Inspect the Attic
One of the most important things to prepare your roof for the winter that can be done without the help of roofers Iowa City residents should do is inspect their attic. Identifying leaks from the top of the roof are often difficult, but if you notice certain signs inside the attic you can call a roofing contractor for repairs and maintenance before winter arrives. You should carefully check the attic for wet insulation, streaks of water, dampness on beams and mold or mildew. You should all of the windows in your home, including those in the attic, to ensure they are properly sealed and that there is no water damage on or around the sills. Ice and heavy snow can cause a significant amount of damage to the roofing system, the rafters and the trusses. Installing a good attic ventilation system will help in allowing the air in the attic to circulate, which ultimately helps to prevent a buildup of snow and ice on the roof.

Clean the Gutters

One of the simplest, yet most important types of winter preparedness you can do to protect the roof, is clean the gutters. A common problem BW Construction roofers Iowa City encounter is leaks, rotten wood and ice dams that were caused by clogged gutters. When the gutters are full of dirt, leaves, granules and other forms of debris, it prevents the water from flowing, preventing melting ice and snow from making its way to the downspouts. As the water backs up and the temperatures drop, the water refreezes, causing ice dams that can cause a great deal of damage to the roof. If you begin to notice granules from the shingles in the gutters or on the ground, it may be a sign of shingle damage resulting from the water overflowing out of the gutters, so you should contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible to prevent any further damages.

Inspect the Flashing

Damaged flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. The flashing, which is pieces of aluminum that are usually installed around the chimney, vents and piping as well as along the edges of the roof to prevent water from seeping in through areas where there may be a small opening or gap. Heavy rains, high winds and age can cause the flashing to tear, rip and/or become loose. If damaged flashing is not repaired before the winter weather arrives, it may lead to extensive and expensive damages, both outside and inside of your home.
It is typically recommended by roofers Iowa City homeowners prepare their roof for the winter during the spring or early fall. This will not only allow for enough time to thoroughly inspect all areas of your interior and exterior, but to also make the necessary repairs before the snow starts to fall. It is recommended that you contact a local roofer to schedule an appointment for a roof inspection. The roofing contractor will not only be able to identify any potential problems with your roofing system, but also may recommendations on other problems that may affect the health of your roof, such as poor gutter system, damaged chimneys and/or overgrown tree limbs.
Don’t risk an emergency situation with your roof this winter; contact BW Construction today to schedule an inspection of your roof.
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