Winter weather can be harsh on your roof. Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and rain, snow, and ice combine to make winter the worse time of the year for extensive water damage. The cycle of water freezing and melting causes roofing to expand and contract, creating gaps that can leak. Older homes or those with poorly designed or constructed roofs are the most vulnerable, and even the smallest amount of damage can put the value of your home in jeopardy.
A buildup of snow and ice on the roof is never a good thing, and you want to prevent that as much as possible. Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to prevent roof problems. In addition to keeping the cold out, the insulation keeps the heat inside instead of melting accumulating ice, which can run down from the peak and freeze again, causing ice dams. One telltale sign of ice dams is icicles.
If you have asphalt shingles, you’re more likely to have issues with snow building up on the rough surface. Metal roofing with a PVC coating allows lets snow to slide off. Snow guards and heating cables can also be used with metal roofs and maybe a better option for areas where snow and ice are more prevalent.
You don’t have to go outside to check for leaks in the roof. The first sign is often water spots on the ceilings of upper floors or wet spots in attics. You can look for damaged shingles from the ground by using binoculars. A closer look is often required but moving about on the roof is generally something best left to an experienced inspector or roofer.
If you suspect you may have a problem, don’t hesitate to get your roof inspected by a professional. A minor problem now can quickly become a major repair. The good news is that winter is not a roofer’s busiest season, and you may find some steep discounts on repair costs. When looking for a roofer, make sure they have experience doing winter repairs.
Knowing your roof’s condition is especially important if you’re planning on selling your home in the future. Problems and damage will have to be accounted for before most will even consider making an offer on your home. The longer you wait, the more repairs will cost. So, take a little time out of your weekend to check for roof problems. When it is time to sell, you’ll be glad you did.
If you are thinking about buying or selling your home this year, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home or determine the value of your existing property.
Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041
Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
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