Are you and your Home winter ready? Winter preparations can be the most difficult time to get your roof ready for the season. After all winter is hard, hard on your skin, hard on your car, and especially hard on your home. Now is the best time not only to prep your roof but also repair any parts necessary. Certain Precautionary steps can be taken to ensure your roof will not have any preexisting problems before the winter snow begins. It could save you a lot of time and money. Unfortunately if you are not ready for the winter your roof will let you know the hard way. So take some time to check your roof and you will be glad you did, Especially if you are in the North and West Chicago suburb Area.
Most people do not even know the current status of their home Roof. If you suspect your roof is not up to par and are looking to clean it out or put in some new ice and water coats contact Archway for a free in-home estimate, where we can come out and inspect your roof for you for free. The best, most hassle-free step you can take to check your roof for safety is only a phone call away. Take it from a professional certified and licensed roofing contractor. Not only have we been around with 31 years of professional experience. Owen’s Corning, the leading roofing manufacture, has rated us year after year as the top roofing service in Chicago-land area. So much so that they have granted Archway extended warranties and lifetime warranties on roofing jobs as well as extra protection for our larger projects. NO OTHER COMPANY CAN PROVIDE that!
If you’re checking your roof on your own, you may be wondering exactly what you’re looking for. Here is a list of a few indications that will let you know if you have roofing problems. Remember any leaking spots can cause snow to fall into the cracks, tearing up not only the upper part of your roof, but also get into the walls and decay the inner foundations of your home by causing rotting or molding.
Ceiling spots. These are usually a sign that there is a spot on your roof that needs a leak repair. Missing shingles. You can sometimes spot these on your own, but sometimes they are not visible from the ground. That is why it’s important to hire a roofer who can go up on your roof to inspect it.
Check all flashings. Flashings are the metal pieces used to waterproof interruptions in the roof plane such as pipes, chimneys, skylights, etc. If you suspect a deficiency and are unsure about how to fix it, call a roofing contractor. Snow leaks can wreak havoc on a house’s interior during the winter – spending a nickel now and save a dime later, as the adage says.
Cracked flashing. If it is cracked, it should always be replaced as it could allow leaks. With snow sitting on your roof, you want to make sure there are no cracks, as the flashing is a very common spot for the snow to melt and create leaks.
Buckled or curled shingles. This is something to keep your eye out for all year round, as it could indicate a more serious problem with your shingles, such as improper installation.
Blistered shingles. This often occurs from inadequate roof ventilation.
Granules in the gutters. This is a sign that the shingles may be getting old and starting to disintegrate into the gutters.
Check all gutters and make sure they’re clean. You may want to consider a gutter guard or leaf covers. This will help keep ice from building up inside the gutter. The extra weight can tear them down. Make sure your gutters are securely fastened.
If you have a flat roof with roof drains, make sure the drains are functioning.
Check the mortar and brick on your chimneys and call a mason to make any repairs.
Check all areas of caulking. Touch up any suspected deficiencies.
Don’t use a snow-blower on your roof. Snow blowers are dangerous and can also tear up the roof.
If you get up on the roof to remove snow with a shovel or similar tool, go slowly, and be careful that to avoid damaging the roofing materials.
NEVER use an ice pick to remove ice build up.
Yes, heat tape works but be careful and buy a high quality product. Heat tapes have been known to catch fire and burn down houses. Also be careful about how you install it. You don’t want to poke a bunch of holes in your roof.
We are pleased to help by providing assistance that will make their lives a little more comfortable and energy efficient. Our goal is to ensure quality work for not only the up coming winters but also the years to come so our customers know they can depend on us for future jobs and continuing growth.