When snow arrives each year, having your roof prepared is necessary for staying safe, dry, and warm throughout the winter. What does it mean to prepare for winter weather? For starters, it is imperative to have a professional roofing inspection completed!
Roofing technology has come a long way over the years, although the components are relatively straightforward in design. Asphalt shingles can withstand a good deal of adverse weather and are the most common roofing material due to their affordability and durability. The current standard for roofing shingles in many cities is Class IV Impact Resistant shingles. These shingles endure hail and debris impact and reduce the need for shingle replacement. Over the years, however, wear and tear will eventually cause damage in at least some of the shingles of a roofing system. Hence, even the most durable materials require regular roofing inspections!
One of the common ways that shingles come loose on a roof is snow melting and re-freezing before it sheds from the surface. When the snowmelt runs down to the eaves and re-freezes, the result is called an ice dam and can be detrimental to your structure. The ice that forms in the gutter expands, causing it to warp and potentially detach from the roof! The damage doesn't end there: the water blocked by the ice dam has the chance to leak into the structure and cause damage inside the walls. There are various methods to preventing ice dams, and a roofing inspection from a trusted professional can help determine the best solution for your roof.
Areas like the Northern Front Range of Colorado and Wyoming see heavy winter weather every year, and even if the weather is late this year, it will eventually arrive! Don't be caught off guard when the ice and snow build up on your residential or commercial roof—call a qualified roofing contractor and schedule a roofing inspection today!