Winter Roof Care: 5 Mistakes To Dodge This Season
As trusted roofing contractors in Hampton Roads, we’re often asked how to care for your roof throughout the year. While the summer months in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake are mostly about sun protection, and early fall about hurricane readiness, the harsh temperatures and ice of winter months can leave your roof vulnerable to significant damage.
This is true for asphalt shingles as well as homes and commercial buildings with metal roofing.
To maximize the life of your architectural shingles or metal roofing and reduce the need for roof leak repairs, here are some classic roof mistakes to avoid during the winter:
Mistake 1: Neglecting an Annual Roof Inspection
The best way to protect your metal roof or architectural shingles is to be proactive about preventative measures. Schedule a comprehensive inspection with our expert roofing contractors at Quality Built Exteriors to identify any damaged roof shingles, warped or torn metal, problems with flashing or gutters, and other issues early on.
An annual fall inspection is a great way to reduce costs, as we can catch potential problems before more significant damage occurs. It also allows ample time for any necessary roof repairs to be completed before the cold, wet weather hits.
Mistake 2: Not Maintaining Your Home’s Insulation
Roof problems in the winter can also arise from your attic being improperly insulated. A lack of insulation allows heat to escape through the roof deck and shingles, adding to the risk of thawing and refreezing on the roof’s surface.
The constant freezing and thawing can contribute to a broken roof by making small cracks more pronounced. Over time, this increases the risk of leaks. While snow and freezing weather are not always a problem in the Hampton Roads area, they can become an issue in an exceptionally cold or snowy winter.
Roof repair in the winter can be more difficult, as winter weather makes it harder to schedule (we have to cancel those appointments if the temperature drops too low or it’s raining) and can delay the repairs. This is also the case if your home requires the removal of existing shingles or a new roof installation to correct the problem.
Mistake 3: Not Trimming Trees
While trees might seem like only a landscaping consideration, many homeowners forget the roofing dangers of branches too close to their house. Winter storms can drop sharp, heavy branches and other debris onto your roof, during a time when the ice and frigid temperatures make all structures more fragile. Branch movement during winter storms is a common cause of roof and siding replacements throughout Hampton Roads.
To prevent these costly situations, it’s vital to keep your trees trimmed with clearance you’re your roof and siding.. Early removal of dead trees or branches that may become a problem during a storm provides extra protection for your property.
Mistake 4: Not Cleaning the Gutters
Allowing fall leaves and debris to accumulate in your gutters can wreak havoc on your roof. When water sits in your gutters, it can back up under shingles and lead to an increased risk of needing roof leak repair. When the water around this debris freezes, ice dams can form, causing damage to your roof, gutters, siding and more… not to mention the other drainage issues that can occur from it year-round. For example, without proper roof drainage, the likelihood of damaged shingles increases.
Not only is Quality Built Exteriors a trusted local roofing and siding contractor, but we also specialize in gutter installation and repair. But we’d rather you maintain your gutters and not need our repair services! Many homeowners call our roofing company each year due to issues with preventable gutter blockages.
Mistake 5: Assuming a Broken Roof is Not a Problem
Many homeowners make the mistake of putting off roof repair or a new roof installation, especially when it appears to be only a “cosmetic” issue. Unfortunately, not repairing even minor roof damages prior to the winter can result in significantly more problems and increased costs when spring and summer arrive.
If you’re searching online for a premier roofing contractor near you, you’ve come to the right place! Quality Built Exteriors is proud to serve residents and businesses throughout the Hampton Roads area. We offer residential and commercial roof installation and repairs in and around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk and surrounding cities.
Our roofing contractors will assess your roof and provide you with a clear picture of the damage along with the scope and cost of any recommended repairs. Keep in mind, as your roof and siding replacement specialists, we offer affordable financing options to meet your budget needs.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate!
