Tips to Help Protect Your Roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan This Winter

While the joys of winter can be exciting and a welcome cool down for many, when it comes to your home’s roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan it can be one of the worst times of the year. Keeping your roof in good condition during those colder times of year when the snow is falling the the temperatures drop below freezing may be easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure your roof is ready for winter.

Tips to Help Protect Your Roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan This Winter

Winter is a favorite season for everyone, but not for roofs. Winter can cause severe damage to your roof and end up causing all sorts of damage to the inside of your home if a roof leak develops from the problem. It may not even be caused by winter but the problem can be escalated due to the cold weather outside. The difference in temperatures can mean a roof  leak even if the temperatures are below freezing outside. With that being said here are some tips to help get your roof through the winter ahead.

Regularly Look Over Your Roof

Sometimes you might be so busy with family and friends that it is easy to forget about your roof. You should inspect your roof every season to check for underlying issues, especially if you are trying to fix any problems. It should be a habit, at least once a week. Take a walk around your home and inspect every corner of the roof. The most vulnerable area to damage is the shingles. You should inspect for any damage to gutters or ice dams. This can be done from the ground level and you don’t need to go on the roof. You can also hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof for you.

Remove Snow from the Roof

Every roof is different. Each roof is limited in its ability to handle snow and debris. This is something you should discuss with a professional roofing company. Even if your roof is capable of handling snow and blizzards, it might be worth considering removing excess snow for the following reasons.

Roof Ice Dams

The damage that ice dams can do to your house and roofs is irreparable. Ice dams are often caused by snow. You can reduce the likelihood of ice dam formation by removing snow.

Weight of Snow and Ice May Be Too Much for the Roof

Excess snow on your roof can lead to extra weight that the roof cannot handle. This can lead to roof collapses and even roof damage.

A Roof Leak Develops

A third reason to clear snow from your roof is to stop the melting and refreeze cycle which can cause a large roof leak.

Snow melts and water seeps through your roof shingles. When the temperature drops and the water freezes it expands. This can cause cracks to grow, loose shingles, and other problems. This damage can be prevented by removing snow from your roof.

Keep Your Home’s Gutters Clear

The gutters are responsible for allowing any runoff to pass through the roofs. These include excess water, rain, debris, and so on. To prevent roof rot or eventual leakage, remove any accumulations of leaves or debris. This is especially true during fall times when leaves are falling from trees. Simply clearing your gutters can help to prevent roof leak on your home. However, snow and ice can build up in the gutters during winter, allowing water and melting snow to seep into the cracks. This increases the risk of roof leaks. The snow can also cause gutter collapse by adding extra weight.

Trim Back Tree Branches and Shrubs

Even though you might not be aware, tree branches can pose a serious threat during winter to your house and roof. This area requires extra care and maintenance. Don’t hesitate trimming branches that are too high on your roof if you notice they are becoming dangerously overgrown. Overgrown branches could break and fall onto your roof. You may have smaller branches that can damage your roof. Even if the snow is not falling, excess tree branches could also fall onto your roof in a storm. It could cause severe roof damage.

The Prevention Is Much Better Than The Cure

To keep your roof in great shape all year long even in winter it’s always best to have a qualified roofer take a look at the roof for problems. Here at Grand Rapids Home Pros we offer roof inspections and can repair or replace your home’s roof if needed. Contact us today for a free quote!