While you do have to spend money on the overall maintenance of your roof, this does not mean that you can’t take advantage of potential savings. When snow builds up in Virginia, there is a strong likelihood that damage will be left behind on your roof. If homeowners in Fairfax experience severe snowfall, a few tips from Angie’s List can come in handy:
- Examine your roof. The long icicles that look wonderful in photos may signify an ice dam. To avoid this, make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated.
- Check your sump pump. To test whether your pump can properly drain melting snow or ice, pour a few buckets of water in the sump pit and see what happens.
- Arrange for snow removal. Before you’re snowed in, take time to research and connect with a reputable local snow removal company. Consider asking to be put on a list for automatic plowing when snow reaches a certain height. If you own a snow blower, make sure it’s working. If you don’t have one, consider asking a neighbor if you can use theirs in exchange for sharing fuel and maintenance costs. Also, keep some de-icer on hand.
Homeowners who are concerned about their
should be aware that the snow cover can be so extensive and thick that it will not melt all at once.Combined with rainfall, blocked drainage systems on your roof can lead to uneven weight distribution. When this weight exceeds the amount designed for your roofing, a partial or total collapse could occur. That’s why it is advisable to have your roofing system checked and cleaned every six months.
It is quite common, albeit not a good practice, for homeowners to pay no attention to their roofs - until it leaks.Ensuring its good condition will mean prolonging its life and avoiding disruptive emergency replacement. Do it right from the start by getting a free estimate from a professional roofing contractor in Fairfax Virginia like Roofing & More, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Angieslist.com, 5 Tips to Prepare Your Home and Car for Severe Winter Weather, February 20, 2014)
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