Winter weather brings snow, sleet and ice that can wreak heavy damage on unprepared roofs. From maintenance to roof repair, in Barrie preparing for the weather that’s to come is essential to ensuring that your roof stays in good condition. Here’s what to do for effective winter roof preparation.
Repair Roof Damage Before Winter Weather Arrives
Before you consider any maintenance or upgrades, repair any existing roof damage first, as winter roof preparation should always begin with addressing current issues. Roof repairs in Barrie become much more difficult once snow arrives, so schedule them during the fall or early winter whenever possible. If winter weather arrives before you fix the damage, contact an experienced roofer who can complete the necessary repairs safely during the colder months.
You don’t want to let a damaged roof weaken and/or leak all winter. The damage will only be more extensive and more expensive to fix once spring comes. Therefore, winter roof preparation is critical.
Clean Gutters to Protect Your Roof During Winter
Gutters carry water away from your home, but leaves, twigs, nests, and other debris often clog them over time. Clogged gutters don’t just not properly channel water — they also can cause issues with the edge of your roof and create leaks.
The weight of a clogged gutter can begin to pull at the edge. The problem will only get worse once undrained water freezes into ice. If you haven’t cleaned your gutters yet, clear them out yourself or hire a roofer to handle the job on the first mild day above freezing to support your winter roof preparation.
Additionally, a roofer can install gutter guards that go over the channels. They’ll allow water to drain properly, while keeping out the debris that causes clogs.
Install Roof Heating Cables for Snow and Ice Protection
Over the course of an average winter in Barrie, around 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) of snow will accumulate into hardpack. The weight of all this snow places a significant strain on both residential and commercial roofs. If you don’t regularly remove snow and ice from your roof, the buildup can place significant strain on your roofing system.
There are several ways to remove snow and ice from roofs:
- Roof Rake: Use a long pole with a “rake” to pull roof and ice down, without hitting yourself.
- Chemical Pucks: Chemical pucks that will melt snow/ice can be thrown onto roofs. Getting these placed properly is often difficult (especially on high roofs).
- Heating Cables: Heating cables are an easy, safe and effective way to melt snow and ice. They’re installed onto a roof, and then turned on to heat up whenever there’s a significant storm.
A professional roofer should be hired if you want to install heating cables. They’ll know what types of cables to use and where to place them, so you achieve maximum effectiveness.
Trust a Professional in Barrie
If you want heated cables or need roof repair in Barrie, Ontario, contact us at Ainger Group. We’ve been working on roofs in the region for more than 30 years, including in winter. We’ll make sure to get yours in shape for the season’s weather. In conclusion, effective winter roof preparation can prevent costly damage and keep your home safe all season long.
