As the winter weather approaches, it’s good to know how to look after your roof to ensure it lasts as long as possible. This can be tricky considering the varied weather that often strikes during Virginia winters, including snow, ice, hail, and rain.
To care for your Harrisonburg, VA roofing, regularly removing piled-up snow is key. Check out the details below to learn how to tell whether it’s time to unburden your roof of its wintery blanket.
1. If You Don’t Have A Pitched Roof
One factor to consider when determining how often to remove snow from your roof is the pitch or angle of your rooftop.
Flat roofs are much more prone to damage as snow builds up. The falling snow has nowhere to go, so it just piles on top of your roof, and the added weight can eventually weaken and crack the underlying structures below.
2. You Spot Damage
Some key signs that you have to check on your roof are when you start to hear or see strange things. Harrisonburg roofing experts like to say that your house will call out for help, and you should pay attention.
If you hear creaking or any other weird noise, it could mean that there is too much snow and ice on your rooftop, and it’s far too heavy for the underlying structures to support. Harrisonburg, VA, roofing professionals recommend that you check on your home regularly, especially after rough weather.
If you see ice dams forming, then this can cause major issues. Ice dams happen when snow and ice melt together and refreeze around your roof. They can cause leaks in your ceiling and damage your shingles; in bad cases, they can even cause the top of your home to cave in.
3. You’ve Had Bad Weather
If you experience a time of particularly nasty weather – heavy icy rain, hail, or a lot of snow – it’s important to check your rooftop once conditions are safe. Generally, if you have 6 inches of snow on your roof, it’s time to clear it.
Snow is easiest to remove before it compacts itself together, so the sooner you get rid of it, the better. What’s more, it’s less likely to cause damage to your roof if you clear it off quickly.
Moving quickly is especially important if the snow you’re dealing with has high water content. Expert roofing contractors in Harrisonburg, VA, know that this type of wet and heavy snow weighs significantly more than other types of snow and can damage your roof more than usual.
If you spot or hear any of these key features, contact Harrisonburg roofing contractors. You should also check for dark spots on your ceiling, gaps, chills, or breezes coming into your home. These are signs you need to have your roof examined and cared for.
Look After Your Roof
If you’re in doubt as to whether your roof needs attention, you can always call the top roofing contractors in Harrisonburg, VA, to get a second opinion. Remember that DIY shoveling is fine for the sidewalk but is complicated on top of a slippery rooftop; at this stage, you’re better off summoning an expert.
