Our Wisconsin Weather, How does a Roof Take It?

Madison area winters generally never fail to bring plenty of snow and cold, and this winter was no different. Looking at the 10 day forecast for Madison on weather.com, you will see that 34 degrees is the warmest projected temperature, with 2 degrees being the lowest. I am sure if we take a look ahead into the very near future, we will see that the daily temperature range will get even larger. We will experience days in the 50’s with nights in the teens.Here in Madison, this time of year and type of weather poses some maintenance issues for homeowners. This is especially true with respect to the roof after a long winter of ice damning. The effects of ice damning, if left ignored, can create some serious roof damage, gutter damage, water problems, and potential mold issues. I therefore wanted to post a few tips that my help in keeping down the potential damage and consequent expense.

1. Be proactive about checking your roof. You should make a habit of inspecting your roof at every season change. Look for buckling, loose or curled shingling, and interruptions in flashing. An easy way to perform this inspection is with a quality pair of binoculars.
2) Check your gutters. If there are a lot of granules from the roof in your gutters, then chances are the asphalt on your roof is becoming brittle and in need of attention.
3) If you have a metal roof, look for signs of deterioration and ensure there are no open seams.
4) Inspect your attic several times as the temperature warms up. You may find evidence of leaking as the snow and ice begins to thaw.

If you find that your roof is in need of attention or further inspection by a professional, you should contact someone immediately. Leaving your roof in a compromised state will undoubtedly lead to many areas of damage. If you need some assistance locating a qualified professional, just give me a call. I’ll gladly provide you with some resources that will help you find a contractor in your area.

Prevent Your Ice From Damning

Each season’s weather is unique here in Madison; consequently we have unique concerns during each season that we need to stay on top of as homeowners. In the winter, the snow and cold temperatures can cause ice damning. It is a very common problem among Madison homeowners that has the potential to cause some serious damage to your Madison real estate investment. Ice damning occurs when the accumulated snow stays on the roof for a period of time while the temperatures remain very cold. The heat coming from the home’s roof then melts some of the snow. As this snow melts, it drains down to the soffit where it refreezes. When enough ice gathers at the soffit, a dam is formed preventing the remaining melted snow from draining off the roof. This melted snow, with no where else to go, can then back-up and go under your roof shingles. The water will then enter your Madison home and create plenty of havoc and damage that you will have to deal with in the spring.Some Good Tips to Prevent Ice Damning
1) During large snow storms, remove excess snow from your roof.
2) Eliminate leaks from your home into your attic. This will prevent your attic from getting to warm and decrease the amount of snow that will melt.
3) Make sure that all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are vented outside and not into the attic.
Good Luck this winter and please feel free to call me if you have any questions about preserving your Madison real estate investment.