Common Roofing Problems This Winter

A warm and cozy home is the only thing you can depend on when winter arrives. After you’ve gone all the way to work in the cold, you want to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee on the couch. Our homes are not always well taken care of. Roof problems can occur throughout the year due to weather changes, age, or general wear and tear. Winter conditions can make your roof more vulnerable to severe damage. Preventative care is the best way to make sure your roof works well and that you stay warm and cozy. Preparing your roof for winter involves everything from a professional inspection to cleaning out your gutters. Keep your home in top shape this winter by reading the following article to learn about common roofing issues and how you can prevent them.

1. Leaf litter in Gutters

Leaf litter and other debris can cause clogged gutters in winter and fall. Gutterwork can also be clogged by animals. Your gutters can be a disaster zone everything from squirrels hiding acorns and birds abandoning their nests in poor places. Blocked gutters prevent rainwater from draining off your roof easily and cause many of the items on this list. Your gutters should be cleaned all year, but especially in winter. It might be time for a gutter replacement if they are cracked or not up to the task.

2. Ice Dams

Due to their heavy weight and tendency to turn into roof leaks, ice dams pose a major threat to your roof’s structural integrity. They can build up along your gutters or lower roof and put immense pressure on the area. The snow melts at the roof’s top and runs down to the edges before freezing again. Bad insulation in the attic is often the cause of heat escapes from the roof. It is important to ensure that your attic insulation is good. Also, you can reduce the likelihood of ice dams by clearing your gutters and removing snow from your roof.

3. Icicles

Although icicles look beautiful on Christmas cards, they are not something you want hanging from the roof. Like ice dams and icicles, water runs down your roof and freezes as it passes over cooler lower sections. Then it freezes solid. The water should flow into the gutters, but icicles can form on the edges of the gutters if they are overflowing. Solution? Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly. Get professional gutter services if you can’t manage to do your own gutter cleaning.

4. Condensation

Winter roof problems don’t happen only outside. If left untreated, condensation can lead to roof problems that escalate. Water droplets, which form when warm air touches a cold surface, can be used to see condensation. Condensation is common in attic spaces that are poorly insulated. This occurs when the roof is colder than the inside. Condensation can cause dampness, mold, and damage to the roof. The best way to reduce condensation risk this winter is to keep your attic properly insulated and ventilated.

5. Winter Storm Damage

Storms can often arrive too late for you to call a roofer to prevent damage. It is always best to inspect your roof, attic, and gutters before the winter storm season. Roofs can be severely damaged by strong winds, snow, and hail during winter storms. Check out this list of winter roof maintenance tips to make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand winter storms.

6. Leaking Flashing

While flashing is often overlooked when it comes to roof maintenance, it plays an important role in maintaining your roof’s weather tightness. There are many reasons flashing can come off the roof’s edge, with winter damage being the most common. If the flashing is not watertight, water or ice can get into your roof materials and walls. It is a good idea to check the condition of your flashing both in the fall and winter. You can see signs of damage and prevent it from becoming a problem.

7. Animals

Although they may be adorable and want to find a warm spot, animals can do a lot of damage inside your home. Small holes in your roof or attic wall could allow rats, squirrels, or birds to enter. These creatures can make their home in your attic and cause damage to the interior. You can keep these animals away by checking your roof and attic for any small holes. You should seal any holes you find. Also, ensure that tree branches less than six feet from your roof are trimmed.

8. Tree damage

Trees near your home can be damaged by winter storms or harsh weather. It is important to check trees for weaknesses and proximity before they fall, as well as older trees that may be damaged by falling branches. It is much cheaper to hire a professional to inspect trees that might drop branches onto your roof than to repair the damage. To reduce roof damage, weak branches can be removed prior to winter.

9. Heavy Snow

Although snow may appear light and fluffy, it is heavy when it builds up. Heavy snow can cause significant damage to your home if it falls on a roof that is weak or leaky. It might be time for a new roof if your home is older. It’s important to remove snow as soon as possible in order to keep your roof stable during winter.

10. Loose Shingles

Shingles are designed to protect against the elements, but loose shingles can be a problem in winter. Shingles can be damaged by hail, strong winds, or ice. Your roof could leak if it has missing or loose shingles. This can lead to dampness and weakness, which can be costly to repair. This can be done by hiring a roofing contractor to inspect the roof and examine the condition of the shingles.

Call KM Roof and Home Repair now for professional roofing services in Greenville. We offer roof repair, roof installation, roof inspection, gutter services, and more. Call us today!

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

Services A Roofing Contractor Can Offer

You may need to hire a roofing contractor if your roof is getting older or damaged by storms, bad weather, or other factors. What can a roofing contractor do? Here are the facts:

What can a roofing contractor do for you?

You can rely on a roofing contractor to help with any of the many issues that could threaten your business or home. Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. If it is compromised, then the entire structure (and everything within it) could be at risk. You can get help from a roofing contractor:

• Roof Repair
• Roof replacement
• Hailstorms and storm damage
• Ventilation and gutter work
• Commercial roof replacement and repair

Roof Repair

A roof should last between 20-30 years. During that time, repairs might be required. Roofs can be damaged by weather, normal wear and tear, and other factors over time. It is important to have a roof inspection done. To extend the life of your roof, a roofing contractor can help you identify problems and make necessary repairs.

Roof Replacement

Every roof eventually fails. A roofing contractor can replace your roof for you. You need to protect your roof from the elements and preserve your structure. If it does have to be replaced, only a professional should do so.

Storm and Hail Damage

Hail and storm damage are common in Greenville. The South Carolina weather can be very harsh on roofing materials. It is important to immediately repair your roof after hail or storm damage. This will only make the problem worse. If left untreated, small problems can quickly escalate into major issues that can cause damage to your roof.

Gutter and Vent Work

Your roof’s gutters and vents are essential parts. Your roof’s gutters and vents are essential components. They remove water that is damaging to roofing materials. Vents draw out damp air which can cause damage to your attic, as well as the indoor components of your roof. Either your vents or your gutters can cause irreparable damage.

Commercial Roof Repair and Replacement

After normal wear and tear or damage, commercial roof repairs and replacements are necessary. You need a roofing contractor. You should have the ability to hire a contractor for:

• PVC roofing
• TPO roofing
• Membrane roofing
• Fluid-applied restoration
• Storm and hail damage
• Roof maintenance

Are You Looking for a Roofing Contractor in Your Area?

A good roofing contractor can help you no matter if your roof is damaged in any way. Roof problems never get better – they only get worse. Call KM Roof and Home Repair today to schedule an inspection of your roof by a professional roofer. We will be glad to set up an inspection time that suits your schedule.

Call KM Roof and Home Repair now for professional roofing services near you.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about roofing services.

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

5 Things To Expect From A Roofing Contractor

It is important to understand what you can expect when you have roofing problems and are looking for a reliable roofing contractor. Although there are many roofing companies in the area that claim to be the best, it is important to know what you can expect from a company. A roofing company that focuses more on selling jobs than actually doing the job correctly could end up costing you a lot.

How can you find a reliable roofer among all the roofing companies? First, it is important to understand what you can expect from a reliable roofing contractor. These are 5 things to expect from your roofing contractor:

Reputable roofers are licensed, insured, and bonded.

This is the most important step. It will protect you during, and after, your roofing project. You would be doing yourself a great favor if your roofing company does not have any of these. Each one protects you in a different way:

License: This shows that the contractor can do the job and has done it before. It also guarantees the job will go smoothly. This means your roofing contractor has been issued a trade license according to state and local laws. You will need to pass competency tests regarding business practices and trade skills.

Insurance: A reputable roofing company should be insured with workers compensation insurance as well as liability insurance. Workers compensation covers you against worker injuries while they are on your property. Liability insurance covers damage to your home or problems caused by contractors.

Bonded: Being bonded by a reputable roofer protects your financial interests if they do not complete the job or refuse to pay for any damage to your home. The contractors can be bonded to a third party, which homeowners can use to recover their losses.

They offer a free consultation or inspection.

Nearly all reputable roofing contractor in Greenville, SC will offer a free consultation or inspection. After they complete their inspection, you will receive a written report. The report might include details about the work required on your roof, estimates for repairs or new roof installation costs, and what you can expect of their company. You should not pay a roofing contractor to inspect your roof. They are likely to be unreliable roofers and you should look for someone you can trust to complete the work. Ask for an itemized estimate so you can compare prices from different local roofing companies before signing a contract.

They must communicate well and be willing to answer any questions you may have.

Reputable roofing companies should have a clear communication process in place so that you don’t get lost when the project is underway. They will be happy to answer your questions about the project or explain any details you don’t understand.

Before hiring a local roofing company, here are some questions you might want to ask them:

1. What length of time have you been in the business?
2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
3. Can I get a dedicated representative throughout the whole process?
4. Are there any testimonials from clients who have used your services before?
5. Can you collaborate with my homeowners’ insurance company?
6. Will you give me a written order to make any changes to the work?
7. Are you able to offer a guarantee on your work?
8. What frequency and how often are updates made?
9. Do you offer footage or photos of similar jobs?

Before any roofing company can start work, it should have a signed contract.

The contract protects you and your contractor from any wrongdoings. Without a contract, you should not hire a local roofer. It must clearly outline all costs and details, the timeline for completion, and the payment schedule. It is a good idea to request a copy of the certificate of proof of insurance or bonding from the roofing company. This documentation will allow you to quickly take action in the event of an unexpected incident and help you recoup your money.

Reputable roofers will arrive on time, look professional, and be ready to do the job.

Local roofing companies should show up on time and be ready to start a roofing job. They must act professionally, clean up after themselves and leave the site cleaner than when they arrived.

Contact KM Roof and Home Repair for roof repair, replacement, inspection, and other services. Call us today!

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