Having the roof on your home or business begin to fail can be both a nuisance and a safety concern. Your roof failure can lead to expensive repairs. Roof damage must be addressed promptly. The roof is one of the most basic and important building shields. The roof shields the occupants from the elements. A roof that is left in disrepair will result in further damage and added expense. During the winter periods, this is especially true. With falling snow and accumulated ice, roof damage can turn into a nightmare. Winter can provide you with a perfect time to affect roof repairs. There are clear-cut advantages that make winter time a great time for your roof repair.
Save Time and Money
Some roofing specialists may charge extra for a service call during the winter months. There are plenty of ways you can make up the expense and come ahead in the long run.
Damaged shingles are a prime example. Moisture from snow and ice turning light damage into a morass of cracks and additional leaks. Shingles can even begin to curl up around the edges. Curled shingles allow moisture to travel beyond that barrier to the underlying woodwork. As a result, you will need to replace the affected shingles. In some cases you can expect added expense with roof sheathing replacement.
A faulty roof can collapse. Basic parameters set forth by the Institute for Business and Home Safety indicate that an excess of four inches of ice, two feet of old snow or four feet of new snow are the max values that a sound roof can take before collapse becomes a concern. Be vigilant with your roof inspections. Avoid full residential or commercial roof replacement.
With proper roof maintenance you can enjoy additional savings in heating costs. Gaps or cracks in shingles or other roof elements can allow heating to escape. With winter time temperatures, you don’t want to increase the inside temperature because of a faulty roof.
During the winter, much less roofing is done during the winter, this means savings to you.
Promote Good Health
Saving money is not the only benefit from winter roof repair. A great roof can keep you and your family safer and healthier. Why wait, fix your roof now. Spending an entire winter with a leaky roof is not a good decision. A leaky roof can cost you additional dollars, in heating costs. This poor conditions can lead to colds and flu viruses. Flu and colds can easily turn into more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
A leaky roof left untended during the winter can also result in mold, with water from cracks and deformities seeping into the insulation underneath creating the perfect breeding ground.
While much less common, a roof left in disrepair for the winter can become a welcome entry point for small wild animals looking for shelter from the elements. Animals not only have the capacity to attack if they feel threatened, they can also carry communicable diseases for you or your pets.
When to Wait
There are certain circumstances where waiting until the spring is virtually mandatory. If the roof on your structure is flat, most glues and adhesives used for this type of job will freeze. The only other option is using thermoplastic single ply flat roofing components, such as TPO or PVC. These roof applications are welded using hot air seams. If this method is too pricey, it may be necessary to wait until things thaw out.
If you are faced with the need to wait, be sure to throw a tarp over the affected areas. The tarp can provide roof protection until the repairs can be implemented. This is temporary fix. The tarp will keep out the lion’s share of moisture. Secure the tarp tightly, as gusts of wind can easily whip it away.
A sound and reliable roof is especially important during the winter months. The health and safety of your family at most risk when it is cold. Why wait? Get your FREE Roof estimate today.
Contact Dirt Connections for Roofing Services Today!
Winter can take a toll on your roof. Although we may not want to face the music, your roof may be in need of repair. For help with assessing roof damage, call Dirt Connections or contact us online. We provide residential roofing services in Fairfax, VA as well as comprehensive commercial roofing services. Don’t gamble with your roof, trust the expert contractors at Dirt Connections today!
