Tips for maintaining your roof
Sommet Rénovation is here to help!
You’ve just done some very professional work. We used top-quality materials carefully installed, following proven methods. You can have peace of mind for decades; your coverage will provide effective long-term protection.
Here are some tips that will allow you to enjoy it for a long time:
- Do not allow a raindrop to spill onto a shingled surface. Connect it to a gutter or other rainfall that goes lower.
- If possible, avoid stepping on the covering. If necessary, protect shingles by wearing soft-soled shoes.
- Clearing snow from your roof will prevent damage that could occur during temperature fluctuations. Ice barriers are masses that accumulate in the lower part of a roof or in gutters. These ice dams also form around skylights and air outlets such as kitchen or bathroom hoods.
- An annual inspection of your attic is recommended. In order to check its water tightness and good ventilation.
When there is a loss of heat from the inside that melts the snow on the roof, or during a thaw, the water flows to the lower part of the roof where it freezes. Ice builds up and prevents water from escaping from the roof. As a result, water is forced into your home, which can cause damage. Even if the refurbishment of your roof is recent with first-class shingles and membranes, this does not guarantee 100% waterproofing, which is why you should not neglect maintenance. Shingles are like feathers on the back of a duck; the water flows in one direction, but when it goes up there is a problem. When the snow turns to ice, the water rises under the shingles.
Ice barriers usually form when there is a good depth of snow on the roof. It is imperative to remove snow from the roof as soon as the accumulation reaches 24 inches (61 centimetres). It is not necessary to plow the entire roof to prevent water infiltration, it is necessary to clear the bottom of the roof. It should not be forgotten to clear also skylights and air outlets. Meltwater flows over the snow and freezes near the ledges. A three-foot (90 cm to 1.20 m) row should be plowed from the cornice. Avoid scraping to the top.
Leave one inch (2.5 cm) of snow to avoid damaging the roof, or finish with a broom. Then draw grooves to allow the water to flow. Avoid sharp objects such as metal shovels; use plastic tools instead.
Make sure the gutters are thoroughly cleaned. Remove dead leaves, twigs and other debris so that water from snow or melted ice can flow freely. We do not recommend installing leaf guards, it slows down the flow of water to drain into the gutters. Larger gutters make the water flow more efficient and keep the gutters clean. Also, make sure to check the condition of the seals.
The roof is even more dangerous in winter, so be extra careful.
Thank you for using our services. We are at your disposal for any further information.
