How to Keep Your Roof Protected This Winter
While the snow in Ottawa may look beautiful, we never get it in small amounts. At Oegema Nicholson, we know that snow in Ottawa can be a lot of fun if you like to Ski-Doo or ski. But it can also cause damage to your home if it builds up.
It’s essential to make sure that your home is ready for winter this year. In particular, you need to make sure that your roof is protected. Water damage is one of the leading causes of personal home insurance claims. And since we are all staying home a lot more these days, the last thing you want is to deal with a leaky roof if you have nowhere else to go.
The good news is that there are ways you can protect your roof and help keep the snow where it belongs; outside. Here are our top tips for keeping your roof protected this winter:
- Check how your roof looks and make repairs as necessary.
- Consider preventative measures such as radiant heat or an ice shield.
- Regularly clean the snow build up off your roof.
Check for Damage to Your Roof
There’s an old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That applies to keeping your roof protected over the winter. If you are comfortable doing it, you can get up on your roof yourself to see if it’s in good shape. Otherwise, you should get a professional roofer to perform a roof inspection.
If you have missing or curled shingles, you need to replace them right away. Otherwise, you can end up with severe water damage. You should also make sure that your gutters are clear of things like leaves.
A blocked gutter can end up forcing water, snow, or ice back up onto your roof, causing an “ice dam.” An ice dam can cause water or ice to flow under your shingles, leading to water damage.
Consider Installing Radiant Heat or an Ice Shield
Another way to keep your roof protected over the winter is to put another set of protective measures in place.
One option is to radiant roof heating installed. This kind of system works to keep your roof temperature above freezing and can help prevent ice build-up. Also, a radiant roof heating system can help protect your roof and increase its life span.
Another option, particularly for metal roofs, is an ice and water shield. It’s a waterproof roof barrier that helps protect vulnerable areas on your metal roof from having ice and water damage.
Clear Snow From Your Roof Regularly
While it’s crucial to take preventative measures, it’s also important to be vigilant over the winter to make sure you don’t get too much snow accumulating on your roof. These are some signs that there is too much snow on your roof and it’s under a lot of pressure:
- Loud creaks
- Cracks that appear on your walls
- Doors that stay stuck or open by themselves
You can clear the snow from your roof yourself, but you need to be careful. There can be ice on your roof as well as snow, and one slip and fall could seriously injure you. As well, you should never remove all the snow from your roof, as you could damage the roof itself or any protective barriers if you touch them directly with a shovel.
You may prefer to hire a professional snow removal company. Ask friends and family if they know anyone they can suggest. See if the company requires you to pay a set amount for the winter or charges for snowfall removal.
Either way, removing snow from your Ottawa roof over the winter is a critical part of keeping it protected.
You’re Ready For Winter
If there’s one thing you can expect from an Ottawa winter, it’s a lot of snow! And while snow looks beautiful and can be fun to play in – it can also do a lot of damage to your roof and your whole house.
The good news is that there are ways to be ready for the snow.
- Make sure your roof is in good shape and replace any missing or damaged shingles.
- Look into preventative measures like radiant heat or ice shields.
- Plan to have the snow cleaned off your roof regularly.
To learn more about how to keep your roof protected this winter, call Oegema Nicholson at 613-704-7766 or contact us here.
