Delaying your building's roof inspections and repairs severely escalates damage, creating difficult hassles and expenses later.
With the arrival of the rough winter months, it is vital to take precautions against these three major influences as early as possible:
Condensation
When cold surfaces and warm air meet, condensation forms, which can result in structural damage, leaks, or even a full roof repair when ignored. Improper attic ventilation and insulation causes further moisture to accumulate, creating freezing water and expanding, cracking materials.
Ice Dams
When beaming sunshine mixes with below-freezing temperatures, troublesome ice dams are created from the snow melting down the roof and accumulating along the eaves. These dams can cause leaking, harm to your ceilings and floors, and produce difficult mold. Proper insulation and ventilation will help defend your building, but removal is best left to professionals who are equipped for slippery conditions and work that won't harm your property.
Icicles
When ice dams are created from melting snow, gutters and downspouts get clogged beyond use, allowing moisture to drip and freeze over the roof's edges. This trapped moisture and extra weight can cause rotting, and can be dangerous if they start falling from the roof. To help prevent this as much as possible, be sure to regularly free your gutters of debris, and refrain from knocking down the ice formations yourself.
Prompt repairs and comprehensive prevention are imperative for a long roof life. Watch for common signs such as missing, blistered, or buckled shingles, cracked flashing, and interior ceiling spots, but know that an inspection is the only true way to catch any hidden issues.