Construction & Contractors Blog
If the forecast calls for a blizzard or harsh winter storm, you are going to take a lot of measures to get you and your family ready for the storm. So while you've prepared the car, stocked up on food, and stacked the wood, there's one thing you need to add to that list, and that's check your roof. Blizzards are a part of winter, but they don't happen all the time, so you may not be aware of the havoc that they can wreak on your home. Follow these tips to make sure your roof is ready, willing and able to handle the snow and wind that come along with the pending blizzard.
Checking the Capacity of Your Roof
The biggest issues you will have with the upcoming storm is the weight of the snow on your roof. According to the Insurance Institute for Home and Safety, your roof can support about 20 pounds per square foot of snow. However, if you live in an area that receives a lot of measurable snow every year, your roof may have been built to hold more snow. Here are some ways for you to gauge how much snow your roof can hold.
If you have a steep roof, less snow will accumulate. But even if a small portion of your roof is flat, like over your back patio, you'll need to keep an eye on the snow build-up. If you already have snow built up on your roof, try to take the time to safely remove the snow before the storm hits. If you don't have the ability to climb up on your roof, call a roofing contractor like Rocky Mountain Roofers & Gutters to assist you.
You should also make sure your shingles and flashing are secured to your roof. If not, reattach them to avoid extra damage once the heavy winds pick up.
Share24 December 2014
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
