5 Tips for Maintaining Denver Roof in Winter
Watch for Ice Dams
Ice dams are when snow melts off your roof at different rates, leading to a buildup of ice at your home’s eaves. The freezing and thawing cycle of ice can cause leaks, push roofing material away, and is a nuisance to any homeowner.
It’s easy to blame ice dams on clogged gutters or other issues but most ice dams are caused by insufficient attic ventilation and insulation – not roofing or gutters. Uneven attic ventilation makes parts of your home warmer than others, leading to ice dams and buildup. We’ll learn how to help prevent ice dams below.
Check Your Gutters
Ideally you can find a time in the winter when there’s no snow on the roof to check your gutters. Clogged gutters can make ice dams worse by not allowing water and moisture to flow through the proper channels. Put the ladder up or hire a local service to inspect and clean your gutters (and downspouts) before snow begins accumulating.
Check Your Attic
When it’s cold out take a visit to your attic. While your attic shouldn’t be toasty warm, it shouldn’t be the same temperature as outside. If your attic is too cold or not circulating enough air you have a much higher likelihood of ice dams forming.
Also take the time during your attic visit to check for leaks. Whip a flashlight around all portions of the roof to confirm you’re leak free and good to go for the winter. If you see any signs of moisture take a note for a roofing company.
Frost is Your Friend
Another way to check if your attic is properly venting is to check your frosty roof against your neighbors. A frosty roof means the cold air is condensing on roof, proving your attic is warmer than outside. No frost could be a warning sign that your attic is too cold. If all your neighbors have frosty roofs and you don’t, that could be a sign that you have a poorly insulated or ventilated attic.
When in Doubt, Get Inspected
If you’re experiencing ice dams, poor ventilation, or poor insulation your first call shouldn’t be to a roofer, but an HVAC company. A roofer can help alleviate ventilation issues during roof replacements and help with winter leaks, but you need an HVAC to help determine why the attic has poor insulation or ventilation and what you can do about it. Roofers and HVAC companies can work together to help you achieve a solution through additional or reorganized ventilation.
Getting Your Roof Through Winter
If your roof’s in good shape, your home will be in good shape, and ready for whatever winter throws at you. Talk to an HVAC company about ice dams or cold attic space and a roofer about any winter leaks to get your home watertight and warm. With a little maintenance and the right help your home (and your utility bills) will stay comfortable year-round.