Is Your Roof Ready For A Northeast Ohio Winter?

By Author: Leonard Simmons
Total Articles: 152
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The winter months in northern Ohio are very cold and the chill can linger into spring. While it is nice to have a break from the hot summer months, it is a good idea to check out the integrity of your home's exterior to see if it is in good shape and can hold up to the harsh conditions. Perhaps the most important part of the home to inspect is your roof. Make sure its integrity is intact.

Harsh winters can really put your roof through the ringer, so it is a good idea to inspect any areas where you may have seen signs of wear and tear. It is also wise to get your roof inspected by a reputable and qualified roof inspector at least once a year, if not twice, so that you can avoid roof replacement. There are certain things that your inspector will check out to make sure you that snow and ice do not stress your roof. Warning signs include:

• Loose tiles
• Loose shingles
• Deteriorated shingles
• Cracked tiles
• Dry rot on wood shakes
• Flashing failure
• Holes
• Clogged gutters

If you have a tile roof, the first sign of trouble would be loose ...
... or cracked tiles. If these are not replaced or repaired, then you risk an ice dam: That occurs when standing snow melts on the roof due to poor insulation. The interior heat melts the snow in certain patches, but colder parts hold the water in place like a dam. This standing water can rot the roofing material and leak into the interior of the home. It is important to fix issues such as these before the winter months start, as it will be more difficult to do so after the snow begins to fall.

The same is true of shingle roofing systems. If there is deterioration of the granules on composite shingles, you may be faced with similar issues. You definitely want to avoid that type of emergency following a snowstorm.

If you have wood shake roofing, then your inspector will determine if there are any signs of dry rot or insect infestation, because standing snow and water will just make these issues worse. Many times the damage is limited to a small area and if you repair that right away, you can avoid having the problem spread and cause a more expensive repair or even home roof restoration.

Another area of failure would be the metal flashings around chimneys and vertical surfaces of the roof. These need to be properly installed and secured tightly to avoid water leakage into the home. Also, gutters should be cleaned out before the harsh weather begins to avoid rotten eaves and shingles. If ice and water gather in a clogged gutter, the moisture can erode the protective membrane underneath. In short, it is very prudent to get all of these things looked at so that you and your family can enjoy a cozy winter without worry.

Want to learn more about home roof restoration?

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