As you know, Maryland and the surrounding Northeastern United States are subject to snow at a moment’s notice, leading to roof damage and a host of other problems. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your roof and home from seasonal damage. The team at EC Roofing has outlined a few ways you can avoid roof damage in winter. Continue reading to learn more, and don’t hesitate to reach out to EC Roofing for roofing repair and solutions.
Have a Roof Inspection to Detect Roof Damage
Scheduling a roof inspection is a cost-effective way to prevent winter weather from causing severe damage to your roof. Insufficient flashing, missing shingles, and sagging gutters can create opportunities for moisture to settle in. Once the temperatures drop, this moisture will freeze and expand as ice to make minor damage much more extensive.
And the cost of an inspection pales in comparison to the cost of serious roof repair or roof replacement. Why? Because the longer a small problem that can be easily remedied goes undetected, the more likely environmental factors and time can grow it into a much bigger, expensive problem.
Watch the Trees Around Your Home to Prevent Seasonal Damage
While beautiful, trees are one of the largest culprits of roof damage in winter. All it takes is a strong wind to blow a tree branch through to pierce shingles. If the branch is strong enough, it can cause your roof to cave in. To avoid seasonal damage from trees, it’s important to keep them well-groomed. Make sure to have your trees trimmed, so they do not hang over your gutters or roof.
You should also ensure your trees are in good health. This can help prevent them from toppling over entirely under the weight of accumulated ice to cause roof damage in winter. If a tree looks to be diseased or damaged, you should call a tree professional and consider having the tree removed. It’s important to understand your homeowner’s insurance may not cover property damage caused by a diseased tree you failed to properly care for.
Keep Your Gutters Clean to Avoid Roof Damage in Winter
No matter the time of the year, it’s vital to keep your gutters clean. However, the stakes are much higher in winter. After ice and snow falls, it can accumulate in your gutters, on the roof, and in the downspouts. Any type of moisture that may already be present on your roof from leaves and debris will expand.
This expansion often results in gutter and roof damage. Then when the ice and snow begin to melt, this water can puddle on top of your roof and pour over the side of your gutter system, which can lead to further foundation and property damage. To prevent this from happening, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year. EC Roofing offers services to replace or repair the following parts of your home:
Consider Insulating Your Attic
Because heat will rise to your home’s highest point, it’s essential to have a properly insulated attic. An insulated attic can help prevent the escape of warm air through the roof, which can cause your energy bill to increase. It can also create a significant difference between the inside of your home and the roof, which can contribute to the formation of ice dams. Over time, the extra wear and tear on your roof can make it more susceptible to damage as well as reduced shingle lifespan.
Contact EC Roofing Today for Roofing Solutions
At EC Roofing, we are a team of experienced roofing professionals who offer comprehensive solutions. In addition to new roof installations, we also provide roofing repair, shingle replacement, vinyl siding replacement, and more. To put it simply, we are your one-stop solution for home improvement and repair. Contact EC Roofing today by calling 410-455-9880, or contact us online.
