Spring is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean New Jersey residents have seen the last snowfalls of the year just yet. And considering we still have a few more weeks of freezing temperatures at night and possible snowstorms, it’s important to make sure you fully know how to prevent ice and snow damage to your roof. Even if your roof is out of the woods this year, it’s good to know these general roof maintenance tips so you can keep your roof in tiptop shape when fall turns to winter again and with it comes the prospect of snow and below freezing temps.
Know Your Risk Level
First, it’s important that you know the risk level snow and ice present to your roof. This depends on a number of different factors, including the shape of your roof. For example, ice and snow tend to more readily (and rapidly) accumulate on low slop and flat roofs. As a general rule of thumb, most residential roofs should be able to support at least 20 pounds per square foot of ice and/or snow before they become stressed. Also take the age and condition of your roof into consideration so you know how much your roof can take before it gives in. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof and give you an assessment of its condition and risk level.
Hire a Professional
Removing ice and snow from your roof is critical during the winter months, especially if your roof is at a higher risk of collapsing or becoming damaged due to its shape and/or condition. You could use a snow rake to clear the snow and ice from your roof, or you could save yourself the time and energy of doing it yourself by hiring a professional roofing contractor in Ridgewood that provide roof snow and ice removal services. The added benefit of hiring a professional, as mentioned in the above section, is that you can get a professional assessment of your roof’s condition so you can prevent future problems.
