Texas experienced severe winter storms, and Waco was among the most affected areas. The area lost power and water, which is a sign of heavy storms during winter. No doubt that some houses experienced roof damages after the storm.
That is why every homeowner needs to be on the look-out after a heavy winter storm to ensure that their roofs remain in good shape. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that your roof remains functional. Below are tips that can help you.
Inspect for Wind Damages
Some homeowners often focus much on snow and ice after a winter storm, and they forget about checking for wind damages. Don’t overlook the incredible power behind wind damage. If you experienced a major storm in your area, your roof could still get damaged due to the heavy winds.
It may not affect the entire roof, but that is not the reason to undermine the power behind wind damage. So inspect your roof for wind damage signs and do the necessary repairs at the affected areas.
Check out for possible missing damaged and broken shingles. If you overlook the wind damages, the roof can start leaking and attract mold, bacteria, and mildew. You will need to spend more money on repairs, and sometimes, you might have no option other than to repair the entire roof.
Remove Snow and Ice
Snow and ice are the most common elements that lead to roof damages after a storm. They accumulate on the roof and create heavyweight, which compromises the roof integrity.
If left unattended for long, it creates an ice dam as it melts. This runs down to the shingles and can loosen the shingles or cause leakages, leading to severe roof damages.
Water is not the major problem here. The major issue is re-freezing. Consider removing snow and ice accumulations as soon as possible. Remove all snow and ice from your roof immediately to eliminate after-winter problems.
Remember, this isn’t a safe task, and you may not be able to do it alone. In this case, it’d be best to call for help from a snow remover that has the right skills. The professional will ensure that they remove the snow and ice thoroughly and leave the roof dry.
Clear All Debris
After a heavy storm, debris such as leaves and other foreign materials can pile up in your gutters, flashing, and downspouts. This results in clogged gutters and blocks moisture flow, leading to leakage or other damages.
Debris can also cause the water inside to freeze when temperatures drop. Cleaning the gutters isn’t a hard task. You can do it alone. Take a broom and clear off all debris and dirt from the roof and ensure that you clean it well.
You may also need to create a schedule to clean debris often to avoid a pile-up. However, if you feel you can’t do it well, you can hire a professional roofing contractor to help you with the task. A roofer will ensure that they clear all leaves and debris, leaving your roof clean.
Inspect the Roof for Possible Damages
Once you clear off the roof, consider inspecting the roof for any possible damages. While you can do other lighter tasks alone, it may not be possible for you to inspect your roof because you may not have the right skills for the job.
In this case, you can hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof for you if you really want your roof to get back to the right shape and last longer. An expert has the right skills for the job, and they’ll be able to inspect every part of your roof.
If there are moldy patches, missing, broken, or damaged shingles, the roofer can repair your roof and ensure it gets back in quality shape no matter the severity of the damages caused.
Also, you may not have the right skills to keep safe while on the roof. You do not want to risk your life and that of your household, and you’d need to cater to high medical bills to treat for injuries or property damages should anything happen.
The Bottom Line
To avoid roof damages after a winter storm, consider taking steps to prepare for the seasons. There are various steps you can take to ensure your roof is strong enough for the seasons. However, never assume a roof inspection after the storm, even if you had prepared earlier. You can schedule roof maintenance with your contractor to ensure the roof’s integrity isn’t compromised.
Source: Jacroofs.com