In the winter, roof maintenance is a higher priority. With lots of snow and ice buildup on roofs, it’s important to either bring in a professional contractor or learn how to take care of your roof by yourself.
When winter arrives, the last thing you want to do is climb a slippery ladder with ice on the ground. That’s why it’s a good idea to get out there now and go over a quick checklist of the most crucial winter roof maintenance guidelines now before the ice and snow make it difficult.
1. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Leaves, pine needles, and other debris could block the flow of melted snow. Keeping your gutters clear of debris should help with water flowing properly off the roof, which will also help decrease ice dams and snow loads on the roof.
If you notice ice dams forming on the tops of your gutters, remove them with an ice pick or hand-held garden tool or call an expert. Gutter maintenance isn’t important only during winter; clean gutters all year round increases protection against future icicles.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Check for rot or holes in your shingles that might allow runoff to leak into walls instead of flowing where it belongs. Replace those that have kicked up or become curled along edges, which will decrease the ability for water to drain away from the house.
If you’re not sure whether there are any leaks in your roof, hire a professional inspector. Setting up regular roof inspections and maintenance routines will help protect your roof and save money on repairs down the road.
3. Trim Tree Branches
Have you found leaves in your gutters? Chances are you have some trees near your house with the potential of causing trouble during a winter storm. If this is the case, consider hiring a professional.
One of the best ways to reduce roofing problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Trimming tree branches will also help lessen the severity of an ice dam buildup by reducing shade over south-facing parts of the roof
4. Gutter De-Icing Cables
Besides clearing out your gutters to keep drainage free, de-icing cables provide further protection against the accumulation of rooftop ice dams in sub-zero temperatures. They reduce the potential damage from hard-packed snow and ice dams.
De-icing cables emit heat to prevent melted snow from refreezing before it can run off the roof, into the storm drainage system, and finally into the yard. They are affordable, easy to install, and a very effective solution to protect your roof.
Professional Gutter De-Icing In Minneapolis
Wayne’s Home Services specializes in gutter de-icing and ice dam removal in Minnesota. We use only the most effective gutter heating cables to ensure your gutters are completely ice-free this winter.
Call us today at (612) 708-1554 for a free quote.
