Winter in Minnesota can be very tough on your roof. From the heavy accumulation of snow, ice, and wind, winter in a norther climate can put a lot of stress on your roof and without proper maintenance throughout the year it can lead to major issues.
There are several things that can be done to ensure your that your roof is ready for the winter months of Minnesota.
Why Winter Roof Maintenance?
Winter roof maintenance is a critical component to homeownership when living in a norther climate that you do not want to overlook. Neglecting winter maintenance can lead to costly and inconvenient problems with your roof in the future.
Here are a few reasons why it is so important to do winter roof maintenance:
- Snow and ice can add significant extra weight to your roof which can cause your roof structure to leak and, in some cases, cause sagging as well
- Ice dams can form along the eaves of your roof, causing buildup of large chunks of ice that can cause the any excess of water that is unable to flow off your roof to eventually leak through into your home
- Different minerals from the melting snow can cause issues and corrosion to your roofs metal flashings putting them at risk for further issues
What are some maintenance tips you can do to prevent winter roof issues?
- Have a roofing professional come out to your home in fall and do a routine roof inspection- they can identify any potential issues that could become problems over the winter
- After a heavy snow, use a roof rake to remove excess snow from your roof to reduce the weight on your roof
- Use a de-icing agent on your roof to help prevent ice dams from forming
- Ensure your gutters are clear of any debris that may prevent water from draining properly and causing blockages that can damage your roof
- Having your roof repair or replaced if there if it is damaged prior to the cold weather months
These are just a few of the things you want to keep in mind when preparing your home for the winter months in Minnesota and why it is important to do routine maintenance and winter prep for your roof. If you have any questions about your roof or want a professional to stop out and inspect your roof to ensure it is ready for the winter give Gray Duck Roofing a call today.
