How Snow Can Damage Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

The Northeast is on a lucky streak this season, but we know it’s only a matter of time before the first snowfall of the season. Although the snow is beautiful to look at, the truth is that it can wreak havoc on your roof! That being said, it’s crucial to be prepared for the first snowstorm this winter.

The first step to being prepared is knowing about the damage that can occur. At Phil’s Main Roofing, we know that snow can be a problem for your roof, so we’ve put together a quick list of ways the snow can affect it:

Water Leaking.
Be extra careful if you have a flat roof or a skylight. When it comes to flat roofs, it's easy for water to accumulate when your drains aren't working. And if the water exceeds levels that are higher than your flashing, it could result in water leaks. For those with skylights, it's hard for condensation on the inside to escape when snow builds up. As a result, your skylights could leak. That is why it’s important to remove snow shortly after a storm when it’s light enough outside to see.

Clogged Gutters.
When snow turns to ice, it’s almost impossible to remove it without causing roof or gutter damage. Not to mention, the ice itself can ruin your gutters. That is why it’s vital to remove the snow before it freezes up. If not, there’s a likely chance you could need gutter repairs in the future.

Structural Damage.
If you’ve ever shoveled snow, then you know just how heavy it can be. Although the structure of your roof is strong enough to withstand winds and rain, it isn’t usually made to carry more than a few inches of snow. But of course, every roof is manufactured and installed differently. That is why it’s so important to know how much weight your roof can support and how much snow on your roof weighs.

All it takes to protect your roof from damage is knowing what your roof can handle and what it cannot. To help you eliminate the possibility of leaks and structural complications this winter, turn to Phil’s Main Roofing! We are an award-winning roofing company, serving Norwalk and the surrounding areas. To learn more about how we can shield you and your roof from winter weather conditions, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today! 

Removing An Ice Dam From Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If you've stepped outside this week, even if just for a minute, then you know how cold it's been. And with snow in our past and more dropping in this morning, it's possible that icy weather conditions could take a toll on our homes in the near future.

In a previous blog, we offered a few tips to help you prevent an ice dam from forming on your roof. Since these damaging circumstances result from melted snow on your roof that has frozen over again due to abnormally low temperatures, now is the time when you need to be on the look out for signs that suggest one is forming. But just in case you don't get there in time to stop it in its tracks, we've put together a few strategies you can use to remove it before water starts to seep into your home:

1. Roof Rake: Just like roof rakes come in handy to help prevent ice dams from forming, they can also be used to get rid of them. In order to eliminate an ice dam from your home, try knocking it off (carefully, of course) using this tool.
2. Calcium Chloride/Ice Melt: Apply calcium chloride or a similar ice melt (but not rock salt!) to the ice dam in order to speed up the melting process. One trick that you may consider is placing the calcium chloride into a nylon stocking first rather than putting it directly on the ice dam.
3. Hiring A Roofing Contractor: If the ice dam on your roof is out of reach or too difficult to remove yourself, contact a professional for help! Asking a licensed contractor to assist with the problem is the best way to keep both you and your roof safe!

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we know how intimidating it can be to discover your roof has been compromised due to harsh winter weather. That's why we're here to help! If you're left with damage at any point during the season, help us help you by contacting our team at (203) 838-4545. Or, visit us on our website to learn more about our commercial and residential roofing services!

Common Winter Roofing Problems To Lookout For

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

With each season comes a new set of potentially damaging situations that all homeowners should be aware of. Though such circumstances are usually not one hundred percent preventable, being educated on what to look out for prior to the onset of damage is half the battle when it comes to keeping your home in a stable condition.

From a roofing standpoint, there are three common problems that tend to manifest as the winter season unfolds:

1. Ice dams
2. Icicles
3. Condensation

All a result of natural weather conditions, these three problems place a large strain on any roofing structure and should be addressed as soon as possible. Since winter is not an ideal time to have work done to your roof, you'll want to do as much as you can to keep these problems from becoming more serious than they need to be - and that starts with increasing your awareness.

This winter, we want you to have a secure roof over your head, especially when the most damaging weather conditions hit. That's why we're available for service all throughout the year! Don't let your roof battle the harsh weather conditions on its own; contact Phil's Main Roofing for help instead! For more information on how we can help you this winter season, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today.