With heavy snowfall, Oshawa is a beautiful place to be during the winter, yet a terrible place to be known as a homeowner. Perhaps the one type of home maintenance that gets the least attention is roof snow cleaning. A snow-covered roof may seem innocuous but snow may accumulate, doing serious damage to the structure or pose safety hazards as well as requiring costly repairs. This blog addresses why roof snow cleaning is important in Oshawa and why it is crucial to prevent decease to tragedies involving snow where no appropriate or proper snow removal or snow cleaning procedures were taken.
Preventing Roof Damage and Collapse
The structural load on your home is increased resulting in excessive snow accumulation on your roof and the integrity of your home can be strained and damaged much faster. Roofs are built to withstand a certain amount of weight, but when the snowfall is heavy and the ice builds, the roof has a chance of being pushed beyond its capacity. This is especially worrying for older or pre-existing structural weaknesses in homes.
Unremoved snow can cause the roof surface to sag, crack or collapse in the most extreme cases. Not only does roof collapse bring extensive property damage, it endangers the life of those in the home. By removing the snow regularly, the possibility of removing your roof or wobbling it while removing snow is impossible.
Ice dam and water damage prevention
During the winter season in Oshawa, one of the most common problems is ice dams. This scenario occurs when heat flies out of the attic, making the hail on the roof melt. Melted snow falls on the colder edges of the roof, which refreezes to form a thick wall of ice.
As over time the trapped water seeps into the shingles, seepage can occur, leaks, mould growth and structural damage. If water infiltration begins to penetrate the roof, it weakens the roof’s integrity, causing water to spread to the inside of the attic, and the ceiling. Adequate roof snow cleaning will alleviate ice dams by making sure snow is removed before it can melt and re-freeze.
Making Home Safer
Snow and ice accumulation on the roof pose serious safety risks not just for homeowners but also for pedestrians and visitors. Finally, accumulated snow that has settled on the roof can suddenly slide off the roof in large chunks, putting anyone standing below in danger. The risks involved with regular roof snow removal mean it should be undertaken and allow for a safer environment for everyone.
Protecting Gutters and Eavestroughs
The purpose of your home’s eavestrough system is to collect and direct rainwater and snow melt away from the roof and foundation. However, heavy snow and ice on the roof place enormous strain on the gutters. The water may not be flowing as smoothly through the gutters as it might be, preventing water from going where it’s supposed to and causing gutters to sag or rupture and detach from the roof.
Clogged or damaged eavestroughs will allow water to flow improperly down to the walls, basement or foundation of your home. Keeping your roof clear of excess snow helps to keep the effectiveness of your gutter system so it doesn’t incur any expensive repairs.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
Good energy efficiency in your home starts with a well-maintained roof. But if the roof has snow on it and it acts as a kind of an insulating layer, it prevents proper heat transfer. Still, heat can escape through the roof during uneven snow accumulation and sometimes ice dams form, therefore your heating system may have to work harder.
Extending Roof Lifespan
These roofs are a long-term investment, the right maintenance will ensure that the roof lasts longer. They can crack, loosen, become waterlogged and grow prematurely rotten. On the contrary, by investing in Oshawa roof snow cleaning services, Oshawa homeowners do not have to worry about unnecessary damage to their roofs and also prevent them from shortening their life span.
The Importance of Professional Roof Snow Cleaning
Some homeowners try to remove the snow themselves, mainly because it is challenging and dangerous. Some dangers associated with riding on the roof of a house without possessing the proper gear include falling from a snow-covered roof and slipping. In addition, there are methods of incorrect removal of snow that may damage the roof surface even further.
The most efficient or at least safe method is hiring professional roof snow cleaning services, such as The Eavestrough Guy. Specialized equipment and techniques are used in such a way that experienced professionals don’t damage the roof or the gutters while removing snow. Moreover, they can even view the roof for any suspicious damage and propose suitable repairs to prevent it from worsening.
When Should You Remove Snow from Your Roof?
Monitoring snow accumulation throughout the winter season is important. Otherwise, when snow levels exceed six inches, it is something to consider removing around, to prevent an excessive build-up. Also, if you see indications of ice dams, sagging ceilings, or water stains inside your house you will certainly need immediate removal of the snow to stop further destruction.
Weather forecasts should also be monitored by homeowners as some sudden temperature drops and heavy snowfall can worsen existing problems. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to removing snow from your home and being proactive about snow removal is the best policy!
Conclusion
Winter home maintenance in Oshawa involves roof snow cleaning as an important part. Regular removal helps keep the structure from becoming damaged, helps reduce the risk of ice dams, protects the gutters, and makes for safer living. If snow accumulates and is ignored, homeowners can’t costly repairs, dangerous conditions for pedestrians and homeowners alike, and poor energy efficiency.
Professional roof snow removal is in order by hiring The Eavestrough Guy, and you will never have to worry about your home being exposed to the dangers of winter. Their highly experienced group of professionals utilize safe and effective practices to clear your roof’s homes resulting in no dangerous conditions and extending the life of your home structure.
Keep in mind, don’t wait until the roof becomes snow-damaged, do your part for the roof to be maintained and a safe winter. Don’t hesitate to contact The Eavestrough Guy today if you are looking for reliable and professional roof snow cleaning services in Oshawa.
FAQs
Why is roof snow removal so important?
Eventually, when snow builds up beyond what is normal for your climate, it can fracture a roof, cause ice dams to form, leak or, in some extreme cases, even cause the structure of the roof itself to cave in.
When should I have my roof cleared of snow?
Depending on snowfall, it’s only for removal after six inches of snow below the ground surface which will do damage.
Can I do it myself and remove the roof snow?
Falling and improper methods of storm removal will harm the roof. Services offered by professionals assure safe and right removal.
How do ice dams form and what are they?
Melting snow that refreezes at the edges of the roof then blocks proper drainage and allows water to enter the home causing broken pipes, floods, mould growth and electrical fires, which are what ice dams are.
Is roof snow removal an energy-efficiency solution?
Sure, snow and ice can be too much and affect the insulation, causing heat loss and higher energy bills.