Roofing in wintertime may not always be a big issue for some homeowners. You don’t have much to worry about if you live in Florida, Alabama, or other southern states with little to no snowfall. However, if your home is inNew York or other areas that get heavy snowfall and ice dams throughout the wintertime, you may want to consider a couple of things before getting a roof replacement.
Below are seven things to consider before you schedule a roofing project in the winter:
If The Temperature In Your Area Never Drops Below 40°F, You Can Worry Less About Roofing Repairs Or Replacements During Winter
If you live in an area that receives heavy snowfall, the weather can be problematic for roofing work. Homeowners who live in warmer states like Florida or Alabama won’t have to worry about having problems with roofing in snowy weather. In areas that receive less than 1 inch of snowfall every year, it is much easier for homeowners to get their roofs fixed or replaced. The roofers can work more efficiently on the roof, and you don’t have to worry about roofing difficulties and installation mistakes caused by the snow. Make sure you hire an experienced and licensed roofing contractor with a reliable history in the community.
If Your Area Gets Around 10 Inches Of Snowfall Every Year, Roofing Projects Can Take More Time And Effort In Winter
If you live in an area that gets mild to heavy snowfall, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast. Coordinate with your roofing contractor and schedule your roofing project when there are no possibilities of snowfall in the coming days. If there’s a lot of snow already on your roof, it’s best to wait until it melts before you begin with roof repairs or replacements.
For Icy And Snowy Climates, Roofing In Winter Is Not Ideal, But You Shouldn’t Delay Urgent Repairs
With multiple winter storm warnings, Buffalo and other areas of New York declared a state of emergency this winter and issued driving bans. So you can understand that it’s dangerous to stay out during snow and winter storms, and it’s almost impossible to work on a roof at that time. It becomes risky for contractors to walk on the roof in the winter, especially with sheets of ice. Even when it is snowing lightly, snow and ice can harm your roof structure and your attic insulation.
In the winter, there are risks of roof shingles cracking and buckling. Roof shingles are fastened using nails and shingle sealants. The shingles stick perfectly to the roof after the sealant becomes completely dry. So when it’s freezing cold, it could take months for the sealant to dry out. But under warm and dry conditions, the sealant dries quickly and the shingles seal correctly within a week.
Roofing companies that specialize in working during unfit conditions may not be able to give you a warranty on their work.Such weather conditions affect both the workmanship quality standards and product manufacturer warranties.
Purchasing Tools To Prepare Your Home Against Ice Dams And Snowstorms
Ice dams occur when the snow melts off your roof during the day and then freezes again overnight. This dam of ice prevents melted water from flowing into your gutter systems and away from your house. The water caught behind the dam can cause serious issues to your roof and home as it seeps through.
The following are protective ways in which you can prevent ice dams from accumulating on your roof during the wintertime.
Heat Cables
Heat cables generate heat to melt ice and snow around them. You can install these electric cables on the shingles and around other roof accessories such as skylights and chimneys.
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are filters and covers installed on top of the gutter panels. They prevent leaves, debris, and ice from getting trapped in the gutter. You can also install heat tapes on shingles near the gutter guards. Otherwise, ice and snow buildup can damage the shingles, gutters, soffit, and fascia.
Roof Rake
Roof rake is a handy winter roofing tool for both roofers and homeowners. It is a long rod with forks at the end to remove snow buildup on the rooflines. They do a much better job than regular shovels.
Downpipe Insulation
This is a foam tube that goes around the exterior of your roof’s downspouts. The insulation tube prevents water from freezing in the pipes during winter months. The foam also keeps ice from building up outside the pipes, which is the main reason for cracking and rusting in downpipes.
Metal Roofing Panels Don’t Get Affected By Ice And Snow
Metal roofs are excellent for homes in cold climates. Metal roofs are durable, and the surface can even help prevent snow accumulation, making them an excellent choice if you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions. If your current roof is sagging or leaking, you can replace the shingles with metal roofing panels which will help you protect your home from further damage.
Metal roofs cause less of an issue for homeowners during the winter since the material they’re made of is less likely to be damaged by the cold weather and become brittle in the way asphalt shingles do. Snow removal is also quite easy, as snow simply slides off metal roofs while melting. Make sure to have a synthetic or rubber underlayment in place on your roof before installation. This will protect your decking and roof structure from damage. Before starting a metal roofing project the roofing contractors must also wait for blizzards and winter storms to pass.
Utilize Good Snow Guards On Your Metal Roof In Winter
Snow guards are long strips installed on metal roofing panels to prevent large amounts of ice and snow from falling down the roof. Snow guards stop the snow from sliding off too fast by helping it to melt and drip down in small quantities. Without them heavy snow and ice loads can slide off your roof at unpredictable times, causing damage to whatever is below.
Don’t Delay Urgent Roof Repairs During Winter
Fall is the perfect time to begin planning and prepping your home for the winter. As the weather turns cold, you should get a roof inspection and repair old and damaged components of your roof. It’s also the best time to install any winter roof accessories for further protection.
If you are in the middle of your area’s winter season and see a leaky or sagging roof, call a reliable roofing contractor immediately! However, don’t rush into it to avoid getting a bad roofing job. Take your time researching local roofing contractors with good experience and relevant licenses.
Although roofing in the winter can be a challenge, you can do plenty of things to ensure your roof stays in good condition. With just a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your home stays warm and dry throughout the cold season.
These tips will help you stay ahead of any potential problems that may arise in your home due to snow and icy weather. If you need roofing services during winter, we can help you!
Are You Looking For Experts Who Can Do Roofing In The Winter?
At OConnor Contracting, we have been serving the Western New York area for years! Our team can repair your roof in winter after the storm passes away. If you need residential roofing services in Buffalo, Amherst, or surrounding areas in New York, call us at (716)-600-7663. We will be happy to offer you a free roof inspection and estimate.
