There was the warehouse in Hillsboro. The old roller skating rink in Ontario. The building in the Old Mill District and parts of the elementary school in Bend.
What do they have in common?
All of these places suffered total or partial roof collapse in this year’s previous snowfall, one of the largest in Oregon’s history.
This is now something residents of Washington and Oregon need to be aware of: when snow falls this thick, homeowners need to make sure their roof is able to withstand the pressure. And the time to do that is in the Fall.
There are several things you can do to prepare your home for the upcoming winter. Some of them are:
- Clean your gutters
- Inspect your attic for mold and warped wood
- Trim the trees near the roof
Otherwise, you want a roofing company to provide a professional inspection. Here’s why:
- Fall has the best conditions for fixing a roof. This is especially true if you’re using shingles, which are ideally installed on a day that’s 45-50 degrees. Reason being, the seal strips will melt and adhere best when there’s an ambient warmth (also known as thermal sealing).
- Shingles need to be sealed properly. It’s most important during winter that your roof is airtight and moisture resistant. When you put them on in the fall, this gives time to inspect again before the winter comes.
- Shingles can become brittle as temperature cools. When it’s colder, the shingle can become brittle and break much easier. Thus, some people will choose to nail them by hand, as opposed to using a nail gun. While it’s still effective, it means the job can take much longer.
Benefits of a metal roof in the winter
While it isn’t completely “winter-proof”, a metal roof offers great protection against the snow and ice. For one, snow and ice can slide right off the roof, preventing ice damming (when snow backs up and causes water to get under shingles).
Not to mention, with metal roofs you can get things like heat cables or snow guards installed. These are a great way to break up big snow chunks, as well as prevent that “avalanche effect” that can affect sidewalks and the surrounding neighborhood.
The best thing to do now
Your best bet, especially if your roof is more than 20 years old (for shingles, at least), is to get a professional roofing inspection. Here, we can identify any leaks or damage, and recommend your best bet for maintenance and repairs before the winter sets in.
Remember, the best time to do it is now, as things get pretty busy once the snow comes down.
Let us know if you’re ready for an inspection – we’ll get back to you soon!
Please Note: Warner Roofing does not do metal roofing.
