Posted by Proven Contracting NJ Comments Off on How To Protect Your Roof From Rain And Ice Construction, Roofing Contractor NJ, Safety

How To Protect Your Roof From Rain And Ice

Winter Protection for Your Roof

Winter has been upon us for many months now, including some intense storms… and if you are just like every other New Jersey resident, you must be ready for some sunshine! But have you ever stopped and wondered just how much damage rain and ice can have on your roof? Proven Contracting has the answers and tips on how to prevent ice dams from affecting your roof’s lifespan

While this year’s winter is coming to a close, it is still highly recommended for you to take certain precautionary steps to protect your roof from damage from the spring rain approaching and next year’s winter storms. The key is to ensure you have year-round maintenance, as the cost of potential repairs will surely outweigh any safety investments you put in.

The following actions will help prevent damage to your roof:

1 Conduct regular inspections

At least twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Regardless of type of roof your house has, year-round inspections will save you money and time in the long run. In most cases, it is recommended you carry out inspections the day after a rainy day, as potential leaks and damages will be most obvious then.

a. When checking inside the house, look for the following signs

i.  Paint that has gone bubbly
ii.  Any wall discoloration near the roof
iii. Ceiling tiles that are moist or show discoloration
iv.  Any drips or water running down window and door frames
v. Any sign of mold or rust
vi. Check behind appliances including refrigerators, washers/dryers, toilets and sinks for any sign of water puddles.

b. When checking the roof, look for similar signs including

i. Cracked roof
ii. Darkened (moist) ceiling paint or wood
iii. Obvious water drips during stormy days
iv. Missing or damaged shingles

c.  Also make sure you inspect the outside of your roof. Here, you are primarily looking for…

i. Signs of moss. Although moss can be simply swept off early on, it will need to be chemically removed should it establish itself on the roof. Note: you may find black algae on your roof and although these are not aesthetically pleasing, they will not be a danger to the integrity of your building.
ii. Missing or damaged shingles – although this does not always represent a leak, they can easily turn into leaks should the damage get worse

2 Clean off roof gutters

This is important especially in the fall season! Leaves and debris will accumulate in the gutters, so when it rains (and especially when it snows), the water will get trapped and not flow as it is supposed to. In the long term, the water will sink into your roof and can cause major damage. Additionally, the added weight on the roof will put pressure and expose it to potential serious damage if you don’t clean your gutters.

3 Ensure there are no overhanging tree branches around your house

This one seems trivial, and you may ask yourself… what are the chances that these branches will actually snap onto my roof? Honestly, probably low. However, if they do come crashing down, the damage cost may stack up to tens of thousands of dollars. So why not just cut off any dangerous overhanging branches?

By proactively taking the steps listed above, you are on your way to ensuring your roof stays safe and dry, regardless of how bad the weather might get. Here are some things you will be preventing:

1. Compromise integrity of building
   • Reoccurring roof leaks will compromise
2. Health concerns from the mold buildup
   • According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, mold can lead to nasal congestion rhinitis, inflammations and asthma, especially for those with high sensitivity
3. Fire hazard
   • If roof leaks reach the electrical wiring of your building, you are putting yourself at extreme risk of fire hazard
4. Slipping and falling
   • Severe cases of roof leaks can lead to unexpected puddles in the building, which becomes more dangerous if it happens at night
5. Higher electricity bill

What to do once you find damage?

If you found water or snow damage on your roof or suspect that you may have damage, it is important that you reach out to qualified professionals as soon as possible, as to avoid further damage. We recommend reaching out to our qualified professionals at Proven Contracting at any of  our locations – Bridgewater, Long Valley & Randolph. We service all of Northern New Jersey and are happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Click the following links to learn more about:
Roofing in Bridgewater
Roofing in Long Valley
Roofing in Randolph 

Thank you for reading and feel free to visit any of our locations in NJ for all your roofing needs:
Proven Contracting of Bridgewater
Proven Contracting of Long Valley
Proven Contracting of Randolph

Stay Safe!