As the winter season approaches, there are some things you should have in place before the first snowstorm of the season!
As Michigan winters bring lots of snow and ice, you want to make sure your roof is prepared for ice dam prevention, so you do not have to shell out money to fix these problems down the road. Check out these tips on ice dam prevention, so you know how to secure your home for the winter:
#1: Clean Your Gutters
Gutter ice dams are fairly common, especially if there is blockage or debris causing water to build up. Once winter and freezing temperatures hit, it is easy for these types of ice dams to form. Lucky for you, gutter ice dams are simple to prevent. By keeping your gutters clear of debris, such as leaves and sticks, you can go into winter feeling confident that ice dams will not be able to form. Ensuring there is a place for melting snow to drain from your roof and gutters is an easy way to prevent any costly repairs in the spring.
#2: Rake Snow Off Your Roof
Similar to ice build-up in gutters due to blockage, snow that sits on top of your roof can be a problem, too. To help prevent ice dams from forming on top of your roof, investing in a snow rake is a great idea. This way, any time there is snowfall, you can easily rake the snow off the top of your roof, so it does not cause any future damage.
Snow rakes are flat-headed with an extendable handle, allowing you to reach the hard-to-get places while staying on the ground. Typically, they cost anywhere from $30 to $100 – but the investment is worth it, as the national average cost of removing an ice dam is upwards of $1,000.
#3: Ventilate Your Attic
When it comes to maintaining your roof in the winter – and even in other seasons – ensuring proper ventilation is key. In winter months, a properly ventilated attic helps reduce moisture, which in turn, helps prevent both mold and ice dam formation. If you end up improving your attic’s ventilation, you will be impressed to see how this process cools the attic and upper levels of your home in warmer months as well.
Consulting a Professional
We all have those days where we wake up and do not want to shovel the driveway or remove the snow from our roofs. If this happens on a regular basis, we recommend you consult a professional snow removal contractor to help remove snow and ice from your home. Snow contractors will inspect your roof for the winter months, provide any recommendations to prevent ice dam damage, and diligently remove accumulated snow and ice.
As you can see, it is worth the money, time, and labor to ensure your roof is safe from ice dam formation! If you need a consultation before the first snowfall hits in Michigan, contact your local experts at Herbert Roofing & Installation. We are happy to provide recommendations and roofing assistance, so your home stays safe this winter season.
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