Clear The Roof
The time of season has arrived. We just had the 5th largest snow fall on record here in Minneapolis. So we all get our shovels and snow blowers out and start clearing our walks and driveways so we can get to work, school and places we need to be. Right now we have very cold temperatures, so the snow is pretty much staying put on top of your roof, or is it?
One problem that can occur even before the warm up is that you lack the proper amount of insulation in your attic. Besides causing frost and condensation in the attic, this can also increase the surface temperatures in attic enough to start to melt the snow that sits against the surface of shingles. When it is super cold out this becomes less likely, however, it does not mean you should wait! Now would be a great time to clear that roof. If not, here is what may happen! As the snow begins to melt higher up on the roof the water begins to flow down toward the gutter. As the water gets closer and closer to the edge, it encounters much colder temperatures and less insulation around the Soffit areas. This colder temperature re-freezes the water. This begins the process of causing what is more commonly known as an "ice dam". As more water flows down and freezes on the edges, it begins to form a higher and higher ridge (dam) that will not allow the water to run off the roof. If the water continues flowing, eventually the water will back up under the shingles or roofing material and run down through the attics, insulation, walls and ceiling. The water will take any path the follows the natural path of gravity. This also means that where the leak appears may not necessarily be the location of where the water in entering. We do recommend a qualified licensed contractor examine for any leak location. Now a good preventative measure is too install a 50lbs. ice dam membrane along valleys and edges of roofs. This commonly done in cold climate states at time of build or when re-roofing. However, this can still not guarantee no ice dams.. The best thing you can do is make sure to clear the areas of the roof atleast 3 feet up from the edges of the gutter, I usually try to reach 4 feet and if you have a susceptible area such as valleys or eaves that have leaked in the past, you may want to have roof heating cables installed in those areas by a qualified contractor or electrician.
Now that you know! Happy roof raking.....
For questions or too schedule an inspection, visit www.7countyhomeinspection.com or call us @ 612-919-3844
One problem that can occur even before the warm up is that you lack the proper amount of insulation in your attic. Besides causing frost and condensation in the attic, this can also increase the surface temperatures in attic enough to start to melt the snow that sits against the surface of shingles. When it is super cold out this becomes less likely, however, it does not mean you should wait! Now would be a great time to clear that roof. If not, here is what may happen! As the snow begins to melt higher up on the roof the water begins to flow down toward the gutter. As the water gets closer and closer to the edge, it encounters much colder temperatures and less insulation around the Soffit areas. This colder temperature re-freezes the water. This begins the process of causing what is more commonly known as an "ice dam". As more water flows down and freezes on the edges, it begins to form a higher and higher ridge (dam) that will not allow the water to run off the roof. If the water continues flowing, eventually the water will back up under the shingles or roofing material and run down through the attics, insulation, walls and ceiling. The water will take any path the follows the natural path of gravity. This also means that where the leak appears may not necessarily be the location of where the water in entering. We do recommend a qualified licensed contractor examine for any leak location. Now a good preventative measure is too install a 50lbs. ice dam membrane along valleys and edges of roofs. This commonly done in cold climate states at time of build or when re-roofing. However, this can still not guarantee no ice dams.. The best thing you can do is make sure to clear the areas of the roof atleast 3 feet up from the edges of the gutter, I usually try to reach 4 feet and if you have a susceptible area such as valleys or eaves that have leaked in the past, you may want to have roof heating cables installed in those areas by a qualified contractor or electrician.
Now that you know! Happy roof raking.....
For questions or too schedule an inspection, visit www.7countyhomeinspection.com or call us @ 612-919-3844
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