Home Sweet Home is presented by The Washington State Housing Finance Commission
During the winter, you likely have many exciting things on your to-do list:
- Shopping for gifts
- Parties
- Wrapping presents
- Playing in the snow
- Gazing at decorative lights
- Watching holiday movies.
To ensure your holiday fun isn’t interrupted by a leaky or damaged roof, it’s essential to add a few other tasks to that list.
Follow the below checklist to check your roof for damage before heavy snowfall this winter. If you notice any damage, don’t delay making repairs yourself or hiring a professional to help.
Check the Roofline
Check your roofline to determine if there is any water damage. Your roofline should be straight, so there may be water damage if you see dipping, curving, or sagging.
“Overstressed roofs typically display some warning signs,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Wood and steel structures may show noticeable signs of excessive ceiling or roof sagging before failure.”
Check the Chimney
The next step is to check your chimney for leaks. While you should inspect the entire chimney, pay special attention to the flashing, a strip of metal that seals the roof and the chimney together. Ensure the metal is straight and flush against the chimney and that the caulk that holds it in place is free of chips and cracks.
It is safer and easier to check your chimney when there isn’t snow on it. Either way, climb on a ladder or roof only during dry weather.
Check the Attic
You can find many early signs of a water-damaged roof in your attic. For example, a common problem you may see during the winter is an ice dam, which occurs when water freezes under the shingles and damages the ceiling, according to the National Weather Service.
Check for water spots on the walls and roof decking, and for puddles on the floor.
Check Nearby Trees
When tree branches are burdened with snow, they may break off. A heavy branch near your house could damage your roof. It could also break a window or harm someone walking nearby. Prepare your roof by trimming any tree branches that hang over or near it.
Check for Debris
Remove sticks and leaves from your roof to prevent them from trapping water, which could otherwise build up and cause damage. Waterlogged debris is heavy, an issue that is only exacerbated by heavy amounts of snowfall.
While cleaning off your roof, clear your rain gutters of leaves and sticks, which clog gutters and downspouts. When the water clogs, it can freeze and damage your roof or hurt someone if it falls.
Prevent future clogs by installing leaf guards on your gutters to stop leaves, sticks, and other debris from getting in.
Check for Ice Buildup
As snow builds up on the roof, it compacts and turns into ice. Ice is heavy—a cubic foot weighs over 57 pounds, according to Reference— meaning it can seriously damage your roof. If the ice gets heavy enough, it could slide off the roof and harm people below. To prevent buildup, install heating cables along your roofline to melt the snow before it turns into ice.
Because these cables reach high temperatures, install them only on non-combustible shingles or a metal roof.
Check for Snow Buildup
Despite all your preparations, there may be times when snow builds up on the roof. If this happens, use a roof rake to clear it. A roof rake is similar to a landscaping rake but with a long handle and softer tines.
Falling snow and ice are dangerous, so make sure no one is standing directly under where you are working. Leave an inch or two of snow between the rake and the shingles to prevent shingle damage.
As you check these items off your list, remember that doing repairs right away can prevent major problems down the road. Whether you feel comfortable doing repairs yourself or need to hire a professional, don’t delay so you won’t have emergencies that detract from your winter fun.
Home Sweet Home is brought to you by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s Washington Homeowner Assistance Fund. The Homeowners Assistance Fund helps homeowners who have fallen on hard times because of the pandemic. Call 1-877-894-4663 for more information on how they can help.
