The roof over our heads is often neglected due to various reasons. As the central part of the house that keeps us safe from outside elements, it should be thought about at least every 3 to 5 years.

According to the federal government, climate change is something to keep in mind over the next few years. The condition of your roof, gutter system and materials chosen for coverage all play an essential role. The goal is to keep you and your family safe during inclement weather

year-round. To share tips and situations, we sourced roofing experts, Vantage Roofing Ltd., in the British Columbia area.

Attic Condensation

When the warm air inside the house mixes with the cold outside, it can create condensation in the attic. While it is mentioned to check the roof for 3-5 years, a simple yearly check of your attic area can alert you to the health of your roof.

Condensation in the attic is problematic for HVAC systems as well. 

According to the contractors at Vantage Roofing, If your house is not adequately insulated, hot air leaks out, 

“This makes the HVAC unit work overtime, and you may get exorbitant amounts of heating bills.”

Ensuring the attic is properly insulated and maintained will make the difference between gas & electricity bills, and mould. And future damage to the underbelly of the roof.

How Ice Can Cause Roof Damage

Additional pressure on your roof is dangerous. According to the insurance professionals at Square One, Shingles can lift, gutters can be torn off, and water can leak into your home with this type of damage.

Fluctuations in temperature can cause ice dams to form on your roof. These dams create blockages on the gutter, putting pressure on your top and may cause cracks or leaks. 

This too is an issue that can start with improper attic insulation and maintenance.

The best way to avoid these issues is to inspect during the summer and autumn. However, if you notice any problems during the peak of winter, it is best to contact an accredited contractor to address immediate problems. 

This is why working with a roofing company that is familiar with your home time and time again is crucial.

Animals & Your Roof

While roofs are resistant to different kinds of weather, roofing systems are the ideal home for pests. These have sufficient space within them to allow animals to nest. The roof can be susceptible to other things during the winter, such as animal-related damage.

The presence of animals can put your home at risk, especially if they leave droppings or burrow into your woodwork. 

Knowing the condition of possible entryways such as vents, and chimneys. And gutters will aid in devising a plan on how to prevent animals from accessing them.

Preventive maintenance also stops animals from finding weak spots they can breach and get access to your property.

Factors That Affect Your Roof’s Wind Resistance

More than ice and snow, inclement weather includes heavy winds. Different kinds of roofs have varying levels of wind resistance, which is defined by certain factors in the construction and design of the roofing system. With proper consideration of how the roof is built and your local climate and environment, your roof can last for a long time and stand up well against the wind.

The roof’s pitch is also important as it affects how much wind passes over and under your roof. A golden rule in the industry is that the less surface area there is, the less likely your roof will sustain damage.

Some roofing materials are engineered to resist heavy wind, such as impact- and wind-resistant shingles. For instance, class D shingles can withstand winds of up to 90 miles per hour (mph).

You do have to mind the age of the roof. Older roofing systems are weaker as the materials have aged and have been subjected to wear and tear. This can leave those in the house vulnerable if a strong storm makes landfall. For example, asphalt shingle roofs have a service life of 20 to 25 years. So, if you have this kind of roof and it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s best to have it replaced soon.

Emergency Roofing

A damaged roof during winter can complicate your life in many ways and could set you back by a couple of thousand in the process. Water can collect and drip through cracks. Debris can pile up, straining the roof. Although a simple inspection can detect cosmetic damages, it is best to get it done by professionals so you can go through winter worry-free. Scheduling roof maintenance visits with a respected roofing company can remove that stress from your hands.

Vantage Roofing Ltd. states, “If your roof gets damaged during heavy snowfall, the first thing to do is to get out of harm’s way. There is always a fear of the roof caving in depending on the damages, and those in the household should be out of the way when that happens. Then try to restrict the power supply to the affected area. This prevents accidents such as fire. The most important thing to keep in mind is to not attempt any repair on your own.”

While finding a trusted professional is a challenging task, it is the right step for the health of your home. Roofing emergencies happen. It is best to stay in contact with one or two companies that know your home and the issues that it is susceptible to. The top roofing contractors know much more than shingles and gutters. Many understand HVAC and irrigation systems when regarding your home. Take your time to ask the right questions that can benefit your home for many decades.

Questions such as “What are your pest exclusion strategies?”, “Is there a way I can keep my home energy efficient?” or “What type of material is best for my home structure?” are great places to start. Call a professional company to help you do the job well and do it right.