Should You Reinforce Your Roof Before Winter?
As the fall weather starts to give way to colder temperatures, it’s time for homeowners to think about whether or not their Billings roofing is up to the task of another snow season. While nobody knows exactly how much snow might fall during the winter months in Billings, MT, right now is the time to check your roof for potential damage and make sure it can handle whatever Mother Nature decides to bring.
Inspect Your Roofing For Damage
The strongest Billings roofing is one that is free from any structural or other damage. Weak shingles, damage under the roofing support system or on the roof deck, mold, and mildew can all play a role in undermining a roof’s ability to hold the snow up. Over time as the snow continues to pile on, it will put more and more pressure on the support structure so you need to make sure it is sound and get any minor repairs done before winter.
Calculate Your Roof’s Support Ability
Steep-slope roofing is designed to handle heavier loads than flat roofing. While few homes have a flat roof over the entire structure, your home might have flat roofing over a garage, porch, or other addition. In those cases you want to make sure your roof support is solid, and you have a way to clear off the snow safely in case there is a big snowfall in the Billings, MT area this winter.
Prevent Ice Dams From Forming
Another way you can reinforce the strength of your roof is by ensuring that the cold winter weather won’t cause ice dams. Make sure you have adequate insulation in the attic to keep warmer air from inside the home from building up inside, and install good ventilation so you won’t have humidity or moisture buildup either. When warm air melts the snow on the top of the roof, it often freezes again toward the edges of your Billings roofing, leading to ice dams and stagnant water that will weaken roof shingles.
Even when you take precautions in advance you should also keep an eye on your roof throughout the winter, particularly after heavy snow, to make sure you don’t see or hear any signs of distress. If you suspect that your roof might not be able to handle the upcoming winter without collapsing, call Billings, MT roofing contractors to come and shore it up right away.
