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Winter is coming. That means one thing; cold weather and snow are also well on their way. Ice storms or freezing conditions can easily and quickly cause ice buildup on your roof, particularly if it isn’t very well insulated or has poor ventilation. After a cold spell, you may notice ice dams building along the edges of your roof. Typically, the presence of large icicles is a good indicator of an ice dam. Ice dams are thick layers of ice that build up along the eaves and gutters, causing blockages and drainage issues.

While they may look like a beautiful winter wonderland scene, ice dams can cause some serious damage to your roof, such as:

• Leakage
• Damaged Roof Shingles
• Water Stains
• Mold or Fungi Growth
• Serious Structural Damage

To avoid any serious and expensive damage, it’s important to know how to effectively de-ice your roof in winter.

Tips for De-icing Your Roof

Use a Snow Rake or Ice Pick

You can try using a snow rake to scrape off snow buildup in a downward motion, but be very careful when doing so. Avoid standing on ladders or your roof in icy or slippery conditions at all costs. Snow rakes can also potentially cause damage if used incorrectly. If you are uncertain or unsure about how to use one, don’t just wing it,  it’s best to contact a professional roofer.

You could also use an icepick to carefully chip away at ice dams until they crack and fall away. Avoid hitting them too hard, you only want to make them break up enough to remove rather than picking so vigorously you damage the roofing below.

Use Warm Water

Beware, this is only a temporary DIY solution best deployed in a pinch or the absence of any other remedy. Simply use a spray bottle or a bucket to apply very warm water to the ice dams to allow them to melt and drain away. Avoid using warm water during or before another freezing spell, as the addition of more water that can freeze will only add to the problem. Ensure there is enough time for the warm water to fully melt and drain the ice and snow away before re-freezing if you are going to use this method.

Use De-icing Chemicals

There are several products available for purchase that de-ice your roof with chemicals. They work very well but can be a bit pricey, particularly if this is a solution you’re using multiple times throughout the season. Typically, liquid de-icers work the best, especially for very thick ice. It’s best to avoid any de-icing product that contains chemicals that can corrode your roofing material, such as sodium chloride or calcium chloride.

Heat Cables

Unfortunately, this method likely won’t help you mid-winter or solve an already present problem, as heat cables need to be installed before freezing temperatures. However, if installed before the winter weather sets in, heat cables are one of the most effective and least time-consuming solutions. These cables are installed in a zig-zag pattern along the roofline near the gutters to create channels for water to drain off and prevent ice build-up. They’ll certainly do their job and keep you from having to regularly apply DIY remedies.

Keeping a close eye on your roof during freezing temperatures should enable you to solve any serious issues as they arise. Make sure to regularly check your roof for leaks or signs of damage that may have been caused by ice build-up. Remember, as with most other roofing solutions, remaining diligent and fixing the small issues as they arise is a much more effective method than ignoring them and then having to pay for costly repairs.

If ice dams are causing a persistent issue for you and you’re tired of trekking up ladders with an icepick every winter, it’s best to call a professional roofer to help you solve your problem.

It’s almost that time of year again. Hanging holiday lights and watching your home glow is one of the greatest pleasures of the season. Almost everyone decorates their houses with magnificent holiday lights these days, with some people boasting impressive displays beyond our wildest imaginations.

However, while it may seem pretty simple to string some fairy lights from your roof, if not done properly, it can cause damage. That’s right, there’s a correct and proper way to hang holiday lights. Here are some tried and tested tips and tricks that will help your home look festive without leading to a leaky roof!

Make A Plan

Plan out exactly where you’re going to hang your lights before you start doing so. It’s important to have an idea in mind rather than just winging it. There might be some areas of your roof that are dangerous or precarious to get to, and those should be avoided. Try taking a photo of your home and using that as a map for where you want to hang your lights. Making a good plan will also prevent too many unnecessary trips up and down the ladder!

Prepare Your Home

Before getting started, you first and foremost need to know exactly what length of string lights you will need. You might require more than you think, as working around corners and windows can be deceptive. Measure the total length of the space you wish to decorate, including the roofline, gutters, windows, and doorframes, before going out to purchase your lights.

Pick The Best Lights

If you’re using old string lights, check them for wear and tear. Don’t use lights with frayed or damaged cords or exposed wires. When purchasing lights, double-check to make sure they’re the color you want. There are different types of white light, with some being significantly brighter than others. LED lights are also the most cost-effective and long-lasting option. Lastly, make sure any lights you purchase are specifically designed for safe outdoor use.

Use the Right Materials

This might go without saying, but don’t use sharp materials such as nails and staples to fix lights on your roof. It’s not a good idea to use anything that can cause damage to your roof or expose it to the elements.

Holes in your roofing, even the tiniest ones caused by a staple gun, can open up the interior of your home to moisture and damage. These are the enemies of a roof, so avoid those sharp objects! These days, it’s easy to find plastic light clips specifically designed for hanging holiday lights. Pick up some of those while you’re at the store, your roof will thank you for it.

Get to Work

For a flawless look, attach your light clips every 6 to 10 inches apart to avoid that sad, sagging look. If you want your light job to look flawless, keep it crisp and clean. Secure the lights firmly and face them all in the same direction. Work neatly around doors and window frames. If you need to attach lights to posts or railing, zip ties are a great, safe option that won’t damage anything.

What NOT To Put On Your Roof

Lights are beautiful and, if installed correctly, safe. However, some people like to go all out for the holidays. We all have that one neighbor who has every type of light and decoration available. While it might look impressive to have a house and yard that looks like it belongs to Santa himself, not all decorations are safe, particularly for the roof of your home.

Steer clear of putting any type of decoration near the chimney. All it takes is one stray ember and you’ll have a house fire on your hands. It’s also ill-advised to cover your roof in those flashy inflatable decorations. Sure, they might look awesome, but consider this. One big gust of wind combined with a poorly fixed inflatable snowman and your roof is going to be suffering from some serious damage! Lastly, avoid covering your roof in heavy decorations. That life-size Rudolph replica might look appealing, but adding lots of heavy decor t your roof, combined with the weight of snow and ice, is a recipe for disaster.

Those who are building or renovating their homes often wonder whether roof insulation is worth the money. It’s not always standard to install insulation directly into the roof slope itself, begging the question of necessity for many homeowners.

Proper roof insulation might not be seen in all houses, but it does have advantages. Not only does it prevent unnecessary damage, but it also stops you from racking up serious heating and cooling costs during extreme weather. Poor or non-existent insulation is very expensive because of the amount of energy being wasted trying to keep a home at an ideal temperature.

However, many homes don’t have roof insulation, and rather have just ceiling insulation. This is quite common, and under some circumstances can work well, rendering roof insulation in addition to an insulated ceiling unnecessary.

What’s The Difference Between Roof and Ceiling Insulation?

Roof insulation refers to the insulating of the actual roof slope itself. Ceiling insulation, however, is the installation of any type of insulation in the floor nearest the roof structure. Insulating a ceiling is significantly easier, and sometimes cheaper, than a roof, which is why if you have to choose between one or the other, ceiling insulation might be the better option.

That being said, there are some circumstances where your roof must have insulation. For example, any home where the ceiling is a part of the roof deck, like with cathedral ceilings, will require roof insulation to regulate the internal temperature of the house.

If ceiling insulation is necessary or preferred for your home, there are multiple types of ceiling insulation to choose from including:

• Fiberglass
• Cellulose
• Foam
• Spray Foam
• Mineral Wood
• Natural fiber
• Denim insulation

What is Roof Insulation?

If you like in an area where temperatures reach either hot or cold extremes regularly, you can’t be too careful with your insulation. In these conditions, roof insulation is recommended, and is typically constructed from the following materials:

• Fiberglass Batt Insulation: This is by far the most common and inexpensive method, and involved the placement of fiberglass sheets in between attic rafters. However, this material isn’t the best at preventing air leakage and is also highly susceptible to unhealthy mold and mildew growth.
• Rigid Foam Insulation: Another common insulation material, rigid foam comes in sheets or panels that can be specifically sized to fit the roof slope. These panels can be installed between roofing rafter and also create an effective barrier t protect your home from air leaks and damp conditions.
• SPF (Spray Foam Insulation): Similar to fiberglass insulation, this material is sprayed between the attic rafters to form a seamless barrier against leaking air and moisture. Because of this, Spray Foam Insulation is a fantastic option for the conversion of an attic or anywhere where the roof directly protects a living space.

The advantages of roof insulation

A properly sealed attic or well-installed insulation in a roof is much more efficient in terms of energy. A roof is a very large surface area, and can easily lose heat during the winter if not properly insulated. Roof insulation will also make your air conditioning significantly more effective in the hot summer months.

Having your roof insulated can also work wonders in preventing any long-term damage from ice dams, condensation, or moisture. If you live in a very cold climate, roof insulation is typically a must. Freezing conditions are very damaging to a poorly insulated roof and can lead to expensive repairs. Whatsmore, roof insulation, and proper ventilation work together to help keep your home free protected, and damage-free.

Although installing roof insulation might be costly in the beginning, it will certainly save you money in the long run. Roof insulation significantly increases the energy efficiency of a home. Not to mention protects your roof from damage caused by cold conditions and ice. Such damage can be exorbitant to repair, so forking out the upfront cost for the installation of roof insulation is advisable.

Protecting your roof, your home, and yourself during the coldest months of the year is very important. Poor roof care and maintenance can lead to potentially disastrous and dangerous conditions if not regularly attended to. Unfortunately, this time of year with its cold weather and snowy or rainy conditions can be tough on a house, particularly the roof. To prevent wear and tear and enjoy the winter without disaster, here are some essential tips for preparing your roof for freezing winter conditions.

Make Sure Your Trees are Maintained

Poorly cared for trees can pose one of the biggest dangers to a roof, especially during the winter. A fallen limb or branch, or even the tree itself, can cause catastrophic and scary damage. To prevent this from happening, always ensure trees on your property have been well maintained and trimmed heading into the winter season. This is particularly important towards the end of the year when snow, thunderstorms, and high wind conditions are more likely to down poorly cared for trees.

Inspect Your Roof Insulation

You can easily lose massive amounts of heat from your home due to poor or aging insulation. Not only will this cost you money and waste huge amounts of energy, but nobody wants a cold house during the winter. As the weather starts to cool, make it a priority to check your roof and insulation, making sure there are no significant gaps or that the insulation isn’t old and worn.

Clean Your Gutters

Cold weather brings with it stormy, windy conditions, which quickly clog up gutters and drains with fallen debris and leaves. Cleaning drains each season is advisable, but especially during the wintertime when drainage is vital. If water cannot efficiently drain away from your roof, it could cause serious damage. Standing water can ruin shingled and cause rot, which is a dangerous situation for a roof. Not to mention, pools of water on a freezing cold roof can lead to dangerous ice dam formation. Ensure those gutters are clear of grime and gunk to enable them to effectively drain water away from your home.

Check Your Flashing

Flashing is a thin piece of impervious material, typically installed around joints or corners on a roof. Flashing has one major job, and that’s to prevent roof leaks. Leaks, even minor ones, can cause problematic water damage, especially over time. Flashing that’s seen better days should be repaired or replaced before the onset of snow and wet weather. Freezing temperatures, rain, strong wind, and damp conditions can cause your flashing to become corroded or damaged, which is why regular inspections are vital.

Do a thorough examination of shingling

Storms are not the friend of a shingled roof. Although shingles tend to be quite hardy, they will eventually and inevitably undergo some damage. That damage is most likely to occur during the winter months. Loose or missing shingles leave your house vulnerable to the elements and can lead to water damage or dangerous conditions. Fortunately, shingles are very quick, easy, and cheap to replace. It’s much less expensive to spend the money on repairing some worn shingles than it is to fork out for more severe damages.

Rooves protect your home and, in turn, they also protect you and your family. But although we often let roof maintenance slip our minds, it’s critical that your roofing is taken care of. Cold weather isn’t great for a roof, but taking these simple steps to keep it in the best condition possible will pay off in the long run. Roof damage can be very expensive to fix, which is why it’s never advisable to forgo proper regular maintenance.

Solar panels are rapidly increasing in popularity, as more and more people are becoming increasingly environmentally aware and choosing solar panels as a way of reducing their long term electricity costs. With solar power becoming more affordable for the average person, it’s easy to see why it’s a smart choice as a means to power your home or business. And while solar panels are relatively accessible, there are some things that should be considered before you install them on your roof.

Make Sure There’s Enough Sun

First things first, in order for solar panels to work well you need one thing… sun! This sounds like an obvious point to make, but not all roofs are created equal when it comes to the amount of sun exposure they get. Make sure that your roof is exposed to enough bright sunlight daily to make the installation of solar panels worth it.

The Condition Of Your Roof

Before considering a solar panel installation, you need to take a look at the condition of your roof. If your roof is older or is in need of repairs, it probably isn’t a great idea to install solar panels before you get those taken care of.

The Type Of Roof

The roofing materials used on your house can make a difference when it comes to solar panel installation. Concrete shingle tends to be the best and easiest for installation. Other types of roofing materials that can accommodate solar panels include:

• Composite
• Tile
• Metal
• Tar
• Foam
• Torch-down
• Wood Shake
• Gravel
• Tar

It is possible to install solar panels on almost every type of roof, however, some materials may require more complex installation or maintenance. Make sure to consult a contractor if you are unsure about the materials used on your roof.

The Shape Of Your Roof

There are many different sizes and shapes to roofs, and solar panels can work well with most kinds, but you do need to take the size of your roof into consideration. If the area of your roof is too small you may not be able to install enough solar panels to get a good return on your investment.

Maintenance

After the installation of your solar panels, you will need to perform regular maintenance on both the panels and the roof underneath. Ensure your roof is in good condition before you install your panels, and then keep up with the maintenance work. Make sure that regular upkeep is something you can access and afford.

Consider The Extra Weight

It’s very important to make sure that your roof can handle the extra weight load of solar panels. Have a professional inspect your roof and give it the all-clear before you consider installation, as the extra weight could cause a weaker roof to collapse, which can be very dangerous.

Don’t Forget About Rain

Typically, when it rains, the water runs directly down your roof, into your gutters, and drains away from your house. However, the installation of solar panels means that some equipment can get in the way and divert rain flow to other areas of the roof. This has the potential to lead to leaks or mildew, which can cause severe damage to your roof and threaten its integrity. Make sure to have a contractor take a look at your solar panel installation to ensure water is still able to run off your roof properly.

All in all, solar panels can be a fantastic way to generate electricity for your home or business without damaging the environment. They can also be a very cost-effective energy solution in the long run. However, make sure you set yourself up for success before your solar panel installation to ensure your roof is in good condition and you can get the maximum return on your solar investment.

Remember, starting with a poorly maintained, weak, or old roof can be dangerous, so please consult a professional contractor prior to installation to ensure the conditions of your roof are safe.