Debris:
Cleaning debris from the roof and gutters is crucial to do before the cold weather seeps in. This will prevent snow buildup and ice dams. Also, removal of any tree branches hanging over your roof is an easy preventative measure that could save you in the long run! Tree branches can cause serious damage to your roof especially if we have an early snow/ice storm.
Stains on your ceiling:
Ceiling stains are major red flags and a HUGE concern. If you’re seeing stains that are old OR new, your roof isn’t performing nor is it winter ready!
Brown/ yellow stains indicate there is a roof leak somewhere on your roof. Why is this a problem? Stains indicate a leak and when rain/snow are on the horizon more water will start to get in. Neglected water intrusion can lead to your ceiling being eaten away or even cave in. Also, Ice dams start to form in the winter. This will worsen the problem of adding more moisture to your ceiling-especially, when ice dams start to thaw on those warm sunny days.
There’s also the possibility that there are stains on the ceiling due to rotted shingles. The shingles may be old and deteriorating therefore exposing the roof deck to the elements. If shingles can’t perform at top quality they can’t withstand high winds, moisture and winter storms-which leads to leaks. Leaks cause big problems!
Stains may be caused by bad chimney flashing, reflashing the chimney is an easy, cost effective, and fast fix! IF it is done before the damage takes over! Don’t let a quick repair go ignored and lead to a BIG problem later. Let the professionals look at everything and give your family the peace of mind you should have during these colder months.
Roof Rot:
Roof Rot is a sign of a serious performance and structural problem for your roof system. The worst part about roof rot is that you can’t see it. It’s not something you can easily look up and point to because it is happening beneath the shingles. Most of the time we do not find roof rot until we are tearing/ripping the roof for repair or replacement. Some signs to see if you have roof rot are: go outside and look at the roof eaves and fascia-the board that connects the outer walls to your house-if you see signs of decay in these areas you may have roof rot. Do you have shingles missing or curling? Could be roof rot! Is the roof deck soft? Roof rot….
Roof rot can’t withstand winter; the roof deck is now prone to even more water damage; the roof will not be able to withstand the heavy snow loads. Snow can way as much as 20 lbs. per cubic foot! If Roof rot is left too long and neglected it WILL affect the structural integrity of the attic ceiling. Roof rot also causes structural integrity issues. Signs the structural integrity is jeopardized is if your ceiling and drywall are starting to sag (or you see those yellow and brown stains on the ceiling!
You don’t want to ruin your great grandma’s wedding dress or grandad’s military uniform! Those are priceless items, call Altitude Roofing today to have peace of mind all winter long!
Sagging /Clogged Gutters and/or Downspouts Clogged:
Clogged gutters cause water to pool on the roof increasing the risk for damaged detached gutters and… ice dams!
Sagging gutters are not just ugly they are a sign your roof is NOT ready for winter!
Sagging gutters mean your gutters are not properly adhered to the roof. This in turn means they will not be able to withstand the weight from wet leaves, snow, ice.
Eventually they will be detached from the roof all together. If this happens a large portion of your roof may come with it!
Sagging gutters are also at risk for Ice dams to form. Ice dams are caused when the snow begins to melt down into the gutter system and refreeze. This now allows water to penetrate the space between your gutters and your roof. Ice dams can be very heavy and dangerous! They can cause major damage if not addressed. Ice dams can weigh several thousand pounds!
Ice dams also occur due to poor ventilation!
Poor Ventilation in your roof:
Roof ventilation is important all year round, but in the winter, proper ventilation is crucial. Poor ventilation can lead to ice dams and loss of heat which makes your energy bill go through the roof!
Without proper roof ventilation heat rises and becomes trapped in the attic which causes the roof to become warm, which leads to melting, which leads to ice dams OR extra weight on that rotted roof deck!
Best ways to ventilate your roof are gable vents, soffit vents, or ridge vents. Call Altitude Roofing today to see which ventilation is best for your home!
Ways to be proactive:
Check your attic space for ventilation and leaks
Check your ceilings
Look up at the roof, check out your gutters- remember to look at the eaves and fascia-the board that connects the outer walls to your house. If you see signs of decay in these areas, you may have roof rot.
Call Altitude Roofing! We will take care of everything for you so you can enjoy the holiday season with your family, worry free!
