If there’s one system in your home that you don’t want to fail, it’s your roof.

Your roof covers and protects all of the other systems inside your house. But, do you really know the condition of your roofing system? Read on to learn about three pitfalls that can damage your roofing system and how you can avoid them.

GET RID OF THOSE ICE DAMS

During the snowy months, icicles may buildup and cascade down the eaves and gutters of your roof. While the icicles can be postcard beautiful, they’re not good for your roofing system. The expanding ice can move and damage shingles and underlayment. Water seeping into the roofing system can damage decking, timber and the walls of your home.

The best course is prevention. Ice dams form when warm air from the attic melt the snow on the roof. Water droplets run down the roof and refreeze on the eaves. Typically, attic air is warmer due to air infiltration and heat movement from the living spaces into the attic.

One solution is to air seal your attic, ramp up insulation levels and ensure free airflow and ventilation.

  • Air seal the door or hatch to the attic with foam weatherstripping.
  • Make sure the back of the door is insulated with batts or rigid foam insulation board.
  • Seal all protrusions into the attic. This may include lighting, piping, wiring and cables, flues and more.
  • Talk to your roofing contractor to see if you have enough insulation in your attic.
  • It’s also a good time for a roof inspection.
  • If insulation is covering vents on the soffits and eaves, move it away so that air movement can circulate through the attic. Air movement is key to removing warm air from the attic.

SHORE UP YOUR GUTTER SYSTEM

Your gutters and downspouts are ready and on call 24/7 to convey possibly damaging storm water away from your home and foundation. In this way, gutters help prevent a slew of potentially expensive water-related problems in your home.

Holes, cracks and separated gutter seams are as helpful as a hole in a bucket. While large cracks and corrosion can be easily spotted, smaller leaks may only be revealed during rainy weather. A few leaks can be repaired, if your gutters are in generally good condition. But, if the leaks are extensive, a replacement may be overdue.

Further, gutters shouldn’t sag as these portions of the gutter system will hold water that can seep into the roofing system and pour down your home’s exterior walls. Gutters that are falling away from the fascia board should be repaired or replaced. A good gutter installation is a good way to avoid pitfalls to your roofing system.

DON’T NEGLECT PROFESSIONAL ROOF INSPECTIONS

If you haven’t had a roof inspection in some time, the fall season is a good time to do so going into the winter months. Especially if your roof has been hit by hail recently. Roofs in our area take a beating with rain and snow each year. Contact your roofing contractor to make sure your roof has a clean bill of health. It is a cost-effective way to prevent more costly repairs later.

If any of these pitfalls sound familiar, contact Welter Construction for a roof inspection before the snowy months settle in. Call us today at (763) 780-6007.