Some roofing materials require the sun’s heat to activate their adhesive properties. According to some roofing manufacturers 40°F is already too cold for a roof and may cause its adhesive properties to harden. It can therefore no longer make the adequate contact needed for good adhesion. This can then cause asphalt shingles to move or get detached which later on leads to a leaking roof.
This is why replacing or installing roofs in Charlotte NC and neighboring areas is not ideal during winter. In fact, manufacturers may cancel warranty if temperature drops below 40°F.
As a homeowner, the best thing you can do is to make sure your roof is properly maintained throughout winter to prevent the likelihood of damages and the need for replacement in very cold weather.
Here are some roofing tips you can use this winter to prevent damages that may lead to unplanned roof replacement:
Check If There Are Any Ice Formation
If you don’t want to deal with ice yourself, call out a professional in roofing Charlotte NC. As it’s slippery and heavy, make sure to hire a roofing expert who can deal with this dangerous situation for you.
Wind Damage
Remove Any Snow Fall
Clear snow off the roof at least three to four feet above gutters or eaves rather than below them so that ice cannot form and cause damage to your home’s interior. A good rule to keep in mind is if more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice has accumulated on your roof, you should have it removed immediately.
Again, if you are not trained or used to doing this, call a roofing professional instead to avoid any possible accidents.
Have All Your Flashings Checked
If you’re thinking about roof care during the winter months, don’t forget about your flashing. Even if it was installed correctly recently or just a few years ago, flashing can become loose or warped, especially in cold temperatures, and lead to many problems.
Get a roof inspection before the cold weather hits to reduce the chance of flashing issues. This also applies to your roof shingles; if any of them look as though they’ve moved or chipped, call a roofing expert to inspect and fix it.
Check Your Attic Regularly
Ventilation improves air circulation in the room. It allows heat and moisture to escape, which prevents rotting wood and damage caused by cold or wet weather.
When conducting roof maintenance, head into your attic to ensure there are clear routes for ventilation and your insulation is working as it should.
Clear Any Debris
Make sure your roof is completely free of leaves, stones, pine needles, and any other loose items that can accumulate on the surface. If you can clear all this debris before a storm hits, the moisture doesn’t have as much to grip onto and soak.
If you can clear all this debris before a storm hits, the moisture doesn’t have as much to grip onto and soak. If there is debris on your roof or other surfaces around your house after a storm has passed through, it will likely become sodden and rot. This leads to damage to your roof due to rotting wood fibers falling off of the structure during heavy rains.