Winter in New England is known for its heavy, wet snowfalls that can be as beautiful as they are challenging.
While the winter landscape is stunning, this snow also brings a significant load to roofs and skylights, often resulting in damage and costly repairs.
Preparing your roof and skylights before the season sets in is essential to ensure the safety, longevity, and energy efficiency of your home.
1. Avoiding Structural Damage from Snow Accumulation
Heavy snow puts substantial pressure on your roof, especially when it’s the wet, dense snow typical of New England winters. Without proper maintenance, this added weight can cause serious structural damage, including sagging or even collapsing in severe cases. The key to avoiding this is ensuring your roof is in top shape before winter arrives. Start by inspecting for any damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, loose flashing, or broken tiles. These vulnerabilities can worsen under the stress of snow, leading to leaks, cracks, and structural weaknesses. Repairing these issues now prevents more extensive and expensive fixes later.
A roof inspection by a professional can also reveal hidden issues that a typical homeowner might overlook. Companies like Quality Driven Exteriors in Hudson, NH, specialize in assessing roof integrity, and with their expertise, you can be confident your roof is ready to handle the winter snow load.
2. Maintaining Energy Efficiency
New England winters bring more than snow—they also bring freezing temperatures. A roof that’s poorly maintained can let cold air into your home, causing your heating system to work overtime and increasing your energy bills. Heat loss through an improperly insulated or damaged roof also leads to the formation of ice dams, which occur when warm air from the attic melts snow on the roof. This melted snow refreezes at the eaves, creating ice dams that trap melting snow, often forcing it under the shingles and causing leaks.
Proper roof maintenance includes inspecting the insulation and ventilation in your attic. This ensures that your home stays warm without driving up energy costs, while also preventing the formation of ice dams that can damage both your roof and interior.
3. Safeguarding Skylights from Leaks and Cracks
Skylights are beautiful additions to a home, allowing natural light to brighten the space. However, they are particularly vulnerable in winter due to their position on the roof. The weight of heavy snow on skylights can cause cracks or create pressure points that may lead to leaks. Over time, these leaks can damage your ceilings and walls, requiring expensive repairs and potentially even mold remediation.
To protect your skylights, ensure the seals around them are intact and waterproof. Quality-driven companies like Quality Driven Exteriors specialize in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing skylights, including Velux Skylights. An inspection of skylight flashing and weatherproofing will help keep snow and ice from penetrating the edges, providing a secure barrier that can stand up to winter’s worst.
4. Preventing Ice Dams with Proper Gutter Maintenance
Ice dams are another common issue in New England that can wreak havoc on both roofs and skylights. Clogged gutters prevent melted snow from draining off your roof, causing it to refreeze along the edges. This process creates a dam that traps more snow and ice, leading to leaks and water damage in your roof and skylights.
Before the snow begins, clean out your gutters and downspouts to allow for efficient drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup throughout the winter. In some cases, adding heating cables along the eaves can also help prevent ice dams by melting snow as it accumulates.
5. Minimizing Long-Term Repair Costs
One of the biggest advantages of winterizing your roof and skylights before the season starts is the potential savings in repair costs. Fixing small issues now, like replacing a few damaged shingles or re-caulking skylights, is far less expensive than dealing with major damage caused by snow and ice buildup. With proper maintenance, your roof and skylights can withstand even the heaviest snowfall, saving you the stress and cost of emergency repairs mid-winter.
Final Thoughts
For homeowners in New England, preparing roofs and skylights before winter’s heavy snow arrives is not just beneficial—it’s essential. By addressing minor repairs, checking insulation and ventilation, maintaining gutters, and reinforcing skylight seals, you can protect your home from the seasonal challenges unique to this region.
Working with a reputable company that understands the demands of New England’s winters, like Quality Driven Exteriors, ensures your home is well-prepared and resilient. Remember, investing in maintenance now is a proactive approach that ultimately saves money, preserves your home’s value, and offers peace of mind during the long, snowy months ahead.
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