Our Top Roof Maintenance Tips – Get Your Roof Ready For Winter
As we wind down on this tumultuous year filled with lockdowns, canceled events, and working from home, it can feel like the roof is caving in. The last thing you need in 2020 is for your ACTUAL roof to cave in!
Canadian winters are unpredictable. Your roof endures the impact of snowfall, ice storms, and hail for months on end. The accumulation of snow and ice can comprise the integrity of your roof, potentially allowing water to leak into walls, ceilings, and other areas. This is commonly known as an ice dam, which is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from properly draining. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage inside. In 2019, CBC reported an increase in insurance claims from homeowners across northern Ontario related to heavy snowfall and ice damming.
We have compiled our top tips to protect your roof this winter.
Preventative Measures:
1) Inspect your roof
If your roof has loose or missing shingles, leaks, or even small cracks, this can make it more vulnerable to snow and ice. Even leaks that seem insignificant can cause rotting wood, mold, and other issues.
If you suspect roof damage, check for physical signs such as:
- Cracks on the interior or exterior walls
- Warping of interior or exterior finishes
- Doors jamming or not properly fitting in the frame
- Creaking noises
- Buckling ceilings
2) Insulate your attic
If your roof is flat on top, or you haven’t checked the amount of insulation, then you might be surprised at how little separates your family from the elements. Properly insulating your attic and the areas above ceilings warm your home and stops cold snow from accumulating.
3) Make sure nearby trees and other roof hazards are in check.
Besides ice and snow building on your roof, it can also accumulate on loose tree branches causing them to fall on your house. In order to avoid debris, we advise you to trim back trees or remove other hazards before the first heavy snowfall. Keeping your gutters free of leaves and pine needles will also help prevent “ice dams” that can send water into the house through ceilings and walls.
What to do in the event of an accident
In most cases, a homeowner policy will cover damages caused by severe winter weather, including roof collapses. However, not all coverage is the same. If possible, you should also take dated photos of the conditions at the scene of the incident, and call your Merit broker right away to discuss your options.
