Between the frigid temperatures and significant snowfall, Iowa winters can be brutal. The harsh winter conditions could take a serious toll on your roof, leading to leaks, structural damage, and other problems. This frustrating situation may also be expensive to fix. Taking preventive steps can help you avoid roof leaks at your Iowa home, leading to a safer space for you and your family.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
We recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection at least once a year. During the fall is an ideal time, as this allows us to assess its condition before the first snowstorm. We’ll look for a wide range of potential problems, including missing shingles and bent flashing around chimneys. If we notice any issues, we’ll report our findings to you and recommend next steps.
Repair Roof Damage Before Winter
If our team finds any roof damage during your roof inspection, it’s important to schedule repairs before winter. Delaying them gives the problems time to worsen. For example, a seemingly small crack in the roofing material could turn into a major one after a bad storm. Book your repairs quickly to ensure your roof is in top condition and ready to handle inclement weather.
Address Roof Problems Quickly
Even if your roof is in great shape before winter, it can still sustain damage during the season. Regularly check your roof from ground level, especially after storms. If you spot potential signs of an issue, schedule an inspection immediately. This is particularly important if there’s inclement weather already in the forecast.
There are three major signs that your roof might have damage. The first sign is actually seeing the damage when you’re looking up at your roof from ground level. Another indicator is noticing roofing material in your yard. Additionally, a major sign is that you spot moisture on your attic’s ceiling. For example, you might see a damp spot or a bubble start to form. Never try to go up to the roof to assess the situation. This can be incredibly unsafe and is best left to the professionals.
Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it could cause ice dams to form on your roof, potentially leading to damage. Ice dams form when heat escaping from your home melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes along the roof’s edges. Upgrading your attic insulation helps keep the heat inside where it belongs instead of letting it escape.
Remove Snow Buildup Promptly
Use an extender roof rake (not a standard rake) to remove accumulated snow from the roof. This reduces pressure on the roof and helps prevent melting snow from backing up under the roofing material. However, there are crucial tips to keep in mind for safety. Never jab the roof with the rake, as this could cause damage or accidentally remove roofing material. Additionally, stand clear of the falling snow. Use the rake carefully according to the product’s instructions. For extra safety, make sure to have someone with you while you’re performing the task.
An even better option is to have a professional remove the snow. They already have the proper tools, techniques, and experience to do it, and you can stay safe and warm indoors.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches may seem harmless to your roof, but they could actually cause roof leaks. Depending on the condition of your trees, it might take one strong gust of wind to send the branches flying. If they snap off at the right angle, they could land on your roof, taking roofing material with them. The worst-case scenario is that the branches go through your roof. Any hole it creates could lead to a leak.
For safety, it’s not a good idea to trim the branches yourself. Hire a professional who can trim them down so that they’re no longer hanging over your roof. An arborist can also assess the trees on your property and look for other branches that could damage your home. Schedule this service in the fall. This ensures the branches are cut down and no longer a threat by the time the first winter storm arrives.
Stay Safe and Leak-Free This Winter and Schedule Your Roof Check Today
Don’t let roof leaks put a damper on a beautiful Iowa winter. Evenhouse Roofing in Davenport, IA, provides high-quality roof repairs, inspections, and maintenance. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
