Massachusetts does not have a reputation for being kind to roofs when it comes to the harsh elements of winter. The combination of heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and dramatic temperature fluctuations can significantly impact a roof if it is not prepared for the season ahead. At Giannini Roofing, we have witnessed firsthand how unprepared homes are left at the mercy of Mother Nature when they do not perform fall maintenance. Performing some routine maintenance today will save you from costly, last-minute repairs next month.
Clear Leaves & Debris From Your Gutters Before The First Frost
Clogged gutters are responsible for an alarming amount of roof damage each year due to clogged gutters. Leaves and debris create a barrier that forces water to back up beneath your roofing materials (shingles) once the gutters become clogged. This back up water then turns to ice that creates an “ice dam” that wreaks havoc on your roof as well as causing interior leaks.
Perform a complete gutter cleaning this fall. Remove all leaves, sticks, etc. Also, make sure your downspouts are clear and functioning properly. Water should flow freely away from your foundation, not pool around your home. If your gutters are either damaged or older than 15-20 years, this would be an excellent opportunity to install new gutters before winter arrives and makes the installation process much more difficult.
Stop Ice Dams Before They Begin
An ice dam forms when the heat from your attic melts the snow that is resting atop your roof. As the melted water travels down toward the colder areas of your roof (the eaves) it freezes again, creating an ice dam that holds additional water against your roofing materials. Eventually, the water behind the dam seeps under your roofing materials and into your home.
Your attic plays a significant role in preventing ice dams from forming in the first place. Proper ventilation ensures that the temperature in your attic remains relatively close to the ambient temperature outside of your home, thus eliminating the melting/freezing cycle of water. Be sure to inspect both your soffit and ridge vents to ensure that they are functioning properly and that there is no blockage from insulation. If you are unsure about what to look for, this is another area where a professional inspection would be beneficial.
Insulation in your attic is also important. Energy is wasted every day by heat leaking out of your roof. In addition, improper insulation can lead to ice dams developing in your attic.
Schedule a Thorough Roof Inspection
While you can clean your gutters yourself, performing a complete inspection of your roof requires expertise and experience. Our inspections include checking for missing or damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing around chimneys and vents, and potential areas where water may enter your home. While most homeowners can identify minor issues while cleaning their gutters, small problems identified in October do not necessarily equate to catastrophic leaks occurring in February.
Additionally, a Professional Roof Inspection examines conditions that cannot be visually observed from the ground. Issues such as damaged flashing, worn sealants, and other signs of wear and tear are easily identifiable to experienced professionals who understand what to look for. By identifying these types of issues early in the fall, prior to winter weather sets in, we prevent larger, more costly repairs in the future.
Do Not Wait Until There Is a Problem
The worst time to find out your roof is not prepared for winter is during the first major snowstorm. Emergency repairs are more expensive, take longer to schedule, and often times are not available until weather permits.
Fall maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning your gutters, checking the ventilation of your attic, fixing small problems, and going into winter knowing your roof can withstand whatever winter throws its way. For over 20 years, we have been assisting South Shore homeowners in preparing their Roofs for Massachusetts Winters. Contact us to schedule your pre-winter inspection prior to the scheduling calendars filling up.
