The Iowa winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks, mold growth, and structural issues. The good news is that you can take several precautions to protect your roof’s condition throughout the winter.
Below, our roofing experts at Wegner Roofing & Solar discuss top winter roofing tips for Iowa property owners.
Schedule Roofing Inspections
Ideally, you should never start the winter with minor roof issues, such as loose flashing, cracked shingles, or blocked gutters. Harsh winter conditions can worsen these problems, causing extensive damage to your roofing structure.
Schedule a roofing inspection before winter weather brings snowfall, freezing temperatures, and wind gusts. Professional roof inspections are also necessary after inclement weather. While missing shingles and deck sagging are detectable from the ground, a surface inspection from the ground is not sufficient to identify underlying structural issues and leaks.
Signs of a roof leak include icicles forming from your soffits, mold growth, and dark spots on your ceilings and walls. Don’t wait before scheduling a professional repair if you notice these red flags. At Wegner Roofing & Solar, we offer professional Des Moines roof repair and inspection services to ensure that your roof is in top shape.
Keep a Snow Rake Handy
Your roof should be able to withstand loads beyond the weight of roofing materials. However, a snow load with a thickness of two feet or more can damage your roofing materials, the decking, and even your roof trusses.
When you notice snow building up on your roof, use a snow rake with an extension pole to clear the entire roofing surface.
If you have a low-slope roof and struggle to reach the area near the ridge, call us to schedule a roof cleaning. Climbing on your roof can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the correct safety equipment.
Seal Your Attic Air Leaks
If the hot air from your home’s interior rises to the attic, it can cause various roofing issues, with ice dam formation being the most problematic.
When this warm air heats the roof deck, the snow on the roof melts, flows down, and freezes on the eaves. This build-up of ice traps water on the shingles, causing roof leaks. Air leaks also cause attic condensation and mold growth.
To prevent this issue, seal all air leaks into your attic. An attic insulation inspection and replacement may also be necessary.
Maintain Your Gutters
Your gutter system plays a crucial role in managing the ice and snowmelt from your roof. As this water flows from your roof, the gutters and downspouts direct it to a safe location where it cannot damage your siding or foundation. Ensure that your gutters are free of plant materials and other debris that can form blockages.
Need a Free Estimate?
If you need a professional roof inspection, repair, or replacement this winter, our professional contractors at Wegner Roofing & Solar can help. Contact us today to request a free estimate.
