When winter rolls around, the snow can be a gift and a curse. A light flurry may give your yard a seasonal touch, but a terrible snowstorm can collapse your roof. When too much ice and snow collects on your roof, ice dams form and prevent water from draining properly. The ice dams can cause water to collect and freeze in the gutters, which then forces the water to flood into poorly insulated areas. This water can damage your walls, ceilings, and roof structure–resulting in costly repair bills. The worst case scenario is your roof collapsing from the weight of the snow.
Homeowners can avoid this fate by regularly sweeping their roof. Some people who experience frequent snowfall install deicing systems to prevent snow and ice buildup on their rooftops. Roof deicing systems are usually comprised of heated cables or panels installed under roofing material to melt snow and ice. They are installed near the roof overhang where ice dams tend to form.
There are many reasons people opt for this useful technology. For one, it is a long-term and reliable investment; many deicing systems have a warranty that covers up to 10 years, which is good for homeowners who plan to stay in a cold area. A deicing system is convenient way to combat winter weather; without it, homeowners have to manually remove the ice which requires time and effort. A deicing system is also a safer alternative because it doesn’t require people to climb onto the roof.
However, if you still wish to manually remove snowfall from your roof, invest in a roof rake. This is a rake equipped with an extra long flexible handle, a long blade to pull snow off a roof, and wires opposite the blade to break up the snow. It is a great tool for anyone who lives in a snowy area. If you are dealing with occasional snowfall and don’t want to purchase a special rake, you can use a regular one. Be careful not to hit your shingles with the blade. The roof does not need to be scrapped clean, but rather, relieved from a good majority of the snow’s weight.
If you need to find a roofer to repair damages, TalkLocal can connect you to top quality professionals in minutes.
