It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Winter

Snow has already arrived in the Chicagoland area, and make no mistake—there’s plenty more where that came from. Winter weather can mean trouble for your roof, but it doesn’t always have to. Here are some things you can do:

1. Clear any debris from the roof.

Be proactive and check your roof for debris. If it’s safe for you to do so, clear all areas, especially gutters and downspouts, of leaves, branches, and litter. These can prevent melting snow and ice from draining off the roof, and the resulting standing water will become a major problem if it refreezes or somehow finds its way into the building. If it’s not safe for you to clear the roof yourself, call a professional roofing contractor to take care of it for you. When more winter weather arrives, you’ll be glad you did.

2. Watch for snow and ice.

Keep an eye on the forecast. Heavy snow and ice put additional stress on a roof and can lead to severe damage or structural failure. The water from melted snow and ice can enter existing cracks and refreeze, making a small problem even worse. And watch for ice damming, which happens when ice melts from the underside due to internal building heat. This condition can allow water to get under the roof covering and damage the roof as well as the building it covers. If you notice a leak of any size, call your roofing contractor.

3. Be safe.

We can’t stress this enough: Only go onto your roof if it’s absolutely safe. Stay off a roof covered with snow and ice. Taking unnecessary chances is just not worth it for anyone. This brings us to #4…

4. Call a professional.

Leave the hazardous and complicated work to the experts. If you observe roof damage, call a roofing contractor. Likewise, if your attempts from ground level to remove built-up snow or ice are ineffective, call a professional. Do not try to remove it with shovels or sharp tools, which can damage the roof covering and put you at risk. Prioritize safety for yourself and your roof, always.

All of us at Ridgeworth wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

Copyright © 2017 Ridgeworth Roofing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.