Possible Roofing Issues During Winter

You must be prepared to protect your most valuable home from the winter chill. This includes knowing the potential roofing problems that could arise over the coming months and the steps you should take to address them.

How do I know if I have problems?

• If you are concerned that your roof has been negatively affected by winter storms, there are some signs to look out for.
• You may have new leaks in your home that appear to originate from your roof or attic.
• Doors suddenly becoming more difficult to open may be due to the extra weight of snow and ice on your roof.
• The extra weight of snow or ice on your roof can cause cracks in plaster and drywall.
• The ridgeline is sagging.

There are 6 potential roofing issues homeowners may face this winter

1. Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. Inadequate insulation and improper ventilation are the most common causes of condensation. Because condensation is not always obvious, it can slip under the radar for a while before it is noticed. However, the long-term effects can be equally harmful. Condensation can cause mold and mildew to form in your home, which can then affect the integrity of the insulation. Call a roofing contractor to do spot checks of your attic.  This should be performed once or twice a year to prevent problems from happening. You should be on the lookout for evidence of water damage and existing moisture.

2. Ice Dams

When higher areas of your roof are warmer than those lower down, ice dams can form. These warmer areas melt snow and ice, which then flows down to the colder edges and refreezes. As more water drips down, it forms a ridge that will grow and accumulate behind.

3. Leaky Flashings

Flashings are metal pieces that are placed around roof joints and at spots such as chimneys and vents. They are designed to direct water flow and prevent damage. Although flashings are an essential part of your roofing system and protect some of the most delicate areas, they can also be damaged, especially in winter. Be sure to have a roof inspection done ahead of time to prevent roofing problems in the middle of winter.

Snow and ice can build up, allowing moisture to seep underneath. Sometimes, it can re-freeze the metal strips and lift them, making flashings more vulnerable to further damage. It can also percolate further down, causing water damage to your home.

4. Tree Limbs

Our experts at KM Roof and Home Repair recommend that trees be kept at least one meter from the roof to protect your home.

5. Animals

Your home can be a refuge for wildlife, especially during winter. The majority of pests are squirrels, mice, and rats, but there are also other animals, such as bats and birds. Although damage could be minimal, roof repair will be inevitable if animals are not evacuated immediately.

6. Snow and Ice Buildups

Many homeowners can remove snow from their rooftops with a tool such as a long-handled, rake. This approach is safe for your roof and won’t cause damage to your shingles. Also, be careful not to pull heavy snow directly on you. You should be extra cautious with ladders as they can slip more in winter. Also, never attempt to climb onto your roof to remove snow.

Call KM Roof and Home Repair right away if you notice any problems with your roof. Any leaks and minor roof damage could lead to costly roof repairs if left unattended during the winter. Contact us today for expert roofing services!

KM Roof and Home Repair
310 Iveydale Dr.
Greenville, SC 29609
864-535-9184
https://kmroofers.com/

Areas Served: Piedmont SC, Fountain Inn SC, Simpsonville SC, Greer SC, Taylors SC, Greenville SC, Travelers Rest SC

DIY Roof Repair: Should You Do it?

You shouldn’t jump right into a DIY project just because you can. It is not safe or advisable to do certain tasks yourself, especially when it comes to home improvements such as roof repair or installation.

One of these tasks is roofing. These eight compelling reasons are why you should not leave roofing work to the pros.

1) DIY ROOFING IS DANGEROUS.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofing contractors are consistently rated one of the most dangerous occupations. Their work fatality rate is more than tenfolds that of the national average.

Why is there such a high number of roofing deaths? Even for the most skilled roofers, it can be dangerous work. Roofers are at risk of falling, as well as weather, heat exhaustion, and structural collapse.

A professional roofer may have the tools, experience, and safety equipment to manage these risks. However, a homeowner might not. It’s worth hiring professional roofing contractors to avoid any serious injuries to your home and others.

2) You may be subject to a termination of your product warranty.

Manufacturers of roofing have very specific warranty guidelines. These guidelines often include specific instructions about how to install the roof. If not followed, it can lead to problems. These details can be as simple as the number of nails per roof shingle, the length of each nail or the ventilation requirements. It is important to only hire a licensed roofing contractor who have a good reputation and are familiar with the local area.

3) You won’t get a workmanship warranty.

Every roofing company worth its salt will offer a warranty on roofing and repairs. The warranty provides you with peace of mind and protection in the event that problems occur due to workmanship or materials. However, if your roof is not covered by a warranty, it will be difficult to get repairs or a roof replacement.

4) You can void your homeowner’s insurance.

Your homeowner’s insurance usually covers your roof against damage or destruction caused by the elements or acts of nature. Your insurance will not cover damage caused by negligent repairs or mistakes in installation. You might notice water damage if you replace your roof’s shingles and leave behind some crooked ones. Your homeowner’s insurance provider will likely deny your claim if they discover the error you made when installing your own shingles.

5) You can miss a critical issue.

Your ceiling stain could be more than just an aesthetic issue. You might not see the underlying damage if you just try to patch the leak or shingle the roof. Molding, rotting and eventually, structural failure can all be caused by water damage. This is why a DIY repair could lead to costly and long-term problems. A skilled contractor will be able to identify and fix problems in your roof before they cause serious damage.

6) DIY roofing is more time-consuming.

The process of roofing is time-consuming and difficult if you don’t have the right training or experience. A project that might take a professional roofer just a few days to diagnose, purchase materials, and perform the actual roofing job could take you up to a month. You will pay more for the time you take off your schedule and any delays.

7) DIY ROOFING may not look as pretty.

Your roof is complex and multilayered. It can be difficult to understand and assemble, much like your furniture purchase. It can be difficult to match shingles with existing ones, even though it may seem simple. You can have a dramatic impact on the curb appeal of your home if you install shingles that are mismatched, crooked, or poorly matched. Only a professional can install roofing that is both structurally sound and attractive.

There are things best left to the professionals. One of those things is roof repair. Contact KM Roof and Home Repair for professional roofing services!

Matt Cripps
KM Roof and Home Repair
Greenville, SC 29609
864-990-3252
http://kmroofers.com