The city of Schaumburg, IL is no stranger to seeing snowfall during the winter. After all, it gets roughly 9 more inches of snow every year compared to the average US city. Although snow can be fun and define what a winter in Schaumburg is like, the harsh weather conditions can take its toll on your roofing system. In some cases, the harsh winter weather can lead to damage, resulting in problematic leaks.
Fortunately, you can avoid winter roofing issues by inspecting your roof before the snow sets in. With that in mind, take the time to inspect your roofing system for any of the following signs, as well as the necessary steps to winter proof your home:
Locate Breaches in Your Shingles
Shingles are specially laid out to prevent precipitation from entering your home. Over time, however, sections of your shingles may have begun to buckle or loosen due to everyday wear and tear. Snow can easily find its way through these breaches and enter your home, where the heat generated by your HVAC system and melts the snow, allowing water to damage your home. If you notice any signs of damage to your shingles, it’s best to have them replaced ASAP.
Check Your Roof Deck for Sag
Take the time to look at the deck of your roof from both inside your attic and from the front yard. If you notice any valleys or sagging areas, your roof deck may be compromised. In such cases, the excess weight of collected snow can cause your roof to cave in. This is a major cause for concern, and should be promptly addressed by a professional roofing contractor like Muller Exteriors, Inc.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Take the time to clear out your gutters as well. Gutters filled with debris often collect water instead of transporting it away from your home. When the colder temperatures hit, the collected water freezes over, creating ice dams or even icicles. Ice dams can redirect melted snow back into your home, while icicles can easily fall off the side of your gutters and injure anyone underneath them.
These are only some of the best tips on winterizing your roofing system. For best results, have it inspected and repaired by a professional roofing company.
Sources:
Schaumburg, Illinois Climate, BestPlaces.net
Prevent Roof Collapse on Homes, DisasterSafety.org
