How To Handle Winter Roof Maintenance in Lancaster, PA

Winter in Lancaster, PA, can bring a unique set of challenges for roof maintenance. As temperatures drop and snow appears in the forecast, it's important to make sure your roof is well-maintained to withstand Lancaster’s winter conditions.

The winter season can be particularly harsh on roofs. Issues like ice dams, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures pose significant risks. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward effective maintenance.

1. Inspect Your Roof

As autumn ends, take some time to inspect and address any issues with your roof before the first snowfall. Being prepared is key for roof maintenance. Inspecting your roof can save you from costly repairs in the long run. You’ll want to look closely for signs of wear, such as cracked or missing shingles. It can be helpful to have a professional eye when it comes to catching tricky issues early. That’s why we offer free professional inspections at Sunnyside Roofing.

2. Clean Your Gutters

One of the best ways to keep your roof safe this winter is to clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause a variety of problems, including ice dams.

Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home's foundation and roof, but when gutters are clogged, water can overflow and cause damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. While this is never good, in winter, clogged gutters can become an even bigger issue because the trapped water can freeze, leading to ice dams and significant damage to your roof.

Clogged gutters filled with freezing water also add significant weight and strain to the gutter system. This can cause the gutters to pull away from the house, leading to costly repairs.

3. Clear Snow Promptly

It’s important to clear snow as quickly as possible after a storm. Snow is very heavy, and the accumulation of snow can lead to a significant amount of weight on your roof. Promptly removing the snow is essential to decrease your risk of damage. However, it’s important to do so safely. Invest now in a roof rake to help you remove the snow later this winter.

Never go onto the roof to remove snow; instead, use a roof rake with a long extension handle to remove the snow from the safety of the ground. Roof rakes are designed to pull snow down off the roof without requiring you to climb onto it. When using a roof rake, it’s important to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the shingles or whatever type of roofing material you have on your roof. Never hack at the snow or ice, which can easily lead to damage. It also helps to begin at the edge of your roof and work your way up to prevent snow from piling up and putting additional weight on the roof structure.

If the roof is steep or high, or if the snow is heavy and compacted, consider hiring a professional with the necessary experience and equipment.

4. Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining off. They occur when heat escapes from the home, warms the roof, and then melts the snow on it. This melted snow then flows down to the roof's edge, where it refreezes due to lower temperatures, forming an ice dam. The problem with ice dams is that they can cause water to back up under the roof shingles and leak into the home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

To avoid ice dams, make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated. This keeps the attic space cooler, reducing the amount of melting snow on your roof. Proper insulation minimizes heat loss from the living space to the attic. You should also check the seals around any attic bypasses, including light fixtures, plumbing pipes, and chimneys, to prevent warm air from leaking into the attic. Having a professional look at the insulation in your attic is extremely helpful, as properly insulating and ventilating an attic is easier said than done.

5. Trim Nearby Trees

One of the most commonly overlooked parts of winter roof maintenance actually does not involve the roof directly. Check your yard for trees with overhanging branches. Trees that have branches hanging over the roof pose a significant risk to your roof during winter storms. They can snap and fall, damaging your roof, gutters, or even windows. Also, as trees shed their leaves in the autumn, the leaves, along with small twigs and branches, can lead to an accumulation on the roof and gutters, leading to some of the other problems we have already mentioned.

Professional Help is Available

Winter roof maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safety of your property. By following these tips, you can ensure your roof remains in good condition throughout the winter months. For large maintenance tasks, professional help is recommended. Sunnyside Roofing has the expertise to handle all your winter roof maintenance needs.