Winter is in full swing here in Southeast Michigan. The harsh weather winter throws at us during these next three months is especially hard on your homes roof. The presence and continual thawing and refreezing of snow and ice tends to create roofing issues that can be quite costly to repair when not addressed properly. Our roofing contractors will address common problems that your roof may face during the winter season.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm air meets with cold surfaces. When an attic is not properly insulated condensation can form and lead to mold and mildew that damages the interior structure of the home. In order to prevent condensation homeowners must make sure their attics have proper ventilation. When a roof is inadequately ventilated damage can occur to the roof or roof decking. It will also promote ice dams, all of which will shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Leaks in Flashing
Flashing refers to the metal strips that are on the front edge, corners, and ridges of the roof, around the chimney, and the skylights. Leaking flashing is a common issue of sloped roofs. If flashing is not properly installed or we are experiencing a common Michigan winter storm the flashing can start to pull away which can lead to leaks. To prevent this the flashing on your homes roof should be inspected every six months to avoid this common problem.
High Winds
Although wind storms are not common in Southeast Michigan, they do happen. Strong wind speeds can loosen asphalt shingles. If you start noticing little bits of roofing on the ground it is important to contact the professional roofing contractors at Kearns Brothers to have your roof inspected. The sooner the shingles are replaced the less damage that will occur.
Tree Limbs
One of the biggest benefits of living in Michigan is the number of trees that surround us. Trees are both a blessing and a curse when it involves your home. Large trees add privacy to the landscape but also can cause damage if left untrimmed. Overhanging tree branches can end up damaging the surface of the roof by scraping the protective layer on the shingling. Falling branches can also cause problems for homeowners. In order to protect your homes roof from damage it is important to keep branches trimmed. This also helps to prevent small critters from getting up on the roof.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common issue that homeowners in Southeast Michigan have to deal with. An ice dam is when the upper areas on an icy roof start to thaw while the lower perimeter of the roof are frozen over. Snow and ice continue to melt from the warmer sections of the roof and refreeze when they come in contact with the lower section of the roof and gutters, thus creating an ice dam. As the water continues to flow it can pool behind the dam which can cause a leak. Ice dams are impossible to eliminate however, with proper attic insulation and ventilation, they can be curtailed.
As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.