Stay safe and healthy in winter

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the dangers of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

1. Winterize your home

• Install climate stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
• Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
• Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

 

   2.   Check your heating systems

• Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available

Winter Protection Tips!

1. Keep your channels and roof clean so water does not build up on your roof.
2. Trim your trees back to prevent leaves blocking your gutters, branches creating water dams on your roof, and extra water dripping onto your roof.
3. Get any damaged shingles removed and replaced.
4. Don’t allow dents in your roof – these are not only unsafe, but they create a place where water can collect to freeze.
5. Make sure anything sticking out of your roof (chimneys, pipes, skylights, etc) have proper flashing installed so that water is conducted off your roof.
6. Ensure your gutters are installed properly and aren’t have any difficulties in conveying water.

Second, if you commonly get ice-build up on your roof, here are some dos and don’ts:

1. Do be very careful going onto your roof.  Use rubber soled shoes, gloves, etc.  If you feel uncomfortable at all about going onto your roof, hire someone to remove the ice for you.
2. Don’t use a pick or the claw of a hammer to remove ice.  You could start picking holes in your own roof.
3. Do try hot water to melt off any minor ice spots.
4. Don’t use a shovel to remove snow from your roof.

How to do a Roof inspection

1. Review your warranty.  Ensure your roof is still under warranty, and check to see how old your roof itself is.  The older the roof, the more vulnerable it is to damage from weather.
2. Go indoors and up into your attic space.  Ensure that any ventilation is open and un-blocked.  Feel the ceiling of your attic – especially in areas where something like a funnel is bulging from your roof.  If the interior of your attic is damp, you should get a professional to take a look to discover and fix the source of the leak.
3. If you believe your roof is in need of repair or maintenance – or you are unsure that your visual inspection was enough,  call in a professional roofer to take a look at the issue and get it fixed.  It’s best to go with a reputable roofing company with a valid CCB number and good customer reviews.  With something like a roof, it’s best to choose who to repair or replace your roof by experience and qualifications – not by price alone.  Some of the cheapest roofers may be using substandard materials, or create a worse situation than the one you already have.

Things to do before the cold weather starts

Outside the home
1.       Check the drainage outside your home isn't broken or leaking, and clear out any leaves or other wreckages. This will reduce the risks of drips and blockages during freezing weather.
2.       Insulate any water pipes in exposed places.
3.       Make sure the roof is in good condition - check for loose or missing slates and for any cracks in the chimney. Hire a professional roofing contractor to patch up any gaps.

Winter Roof Care

1.       Sweep the roof clear of debris, such as leaves, sticks and small branches. Excess remains encourage water pooling, which puts stress on the roof and increases the chance of leaks. Don't apply too much weight when you sweep, as this may damage the roofing film or remove the protective coating.

2.       Remove leaves, dirt and debris from the cage-like drain hub and surrounding area by hand.

3.       Remove the drain centre with an adjustable wrench and spray it clean with a garden pipe and high-pressure attachment. Spraying the drain with the pipe will remove minor build-up. Run a plumber's snake through the drain to clear blocks. Replace the hub and repeat the process for all the drains on your roof if there is more than one. Clearing your drains will prevent water from collecting on the roof during the winter rainy season.

4.       Cut back branches that hang over the roof before winter hits. This lessens your chance of broken limbs damaging your roof and helps cut back on wreckage, which in turn, prevents clogged drain spouts and pooling water.

5.       Inspect your roof for holes and dents. Check the roof's waterproofing along the flashing -- the area where the roof meets masonry walls - for cracks. Look for standing water, which indicate low areas that may need to be fortified.

6.       Check your roof for eruptions, or mushy pockets of water between layers of roofing. These pockets must be cut out and changed. Look for cracked or “alligatored” surfaces, which may indicate the need for a new application of roofing tar. Contact a professional roofing contractor for repairs, if needed.

Winter Home Protection Tips

Heavy snow gathering can pose a threat to your home or business -- both as it builds up and as it melts. The three most important precautions to take:

• Watch for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of a higher-level roof, where blowing snow will collect. For safe removal that won't endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing supplier for a referral.
• Remove snow from basement staircases, window shafts and all walls. Melting snow can lead to water damage and moisture invasion.
• Keep your attics well-ventilated to maintain a temperature close to that of the outdoors to minimize the risk of ice blocks forming. A warm attic melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where it's much cooler. If ice builds up and blocks water from draining, water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.
• Water intrusion and flood damage from melting snow and ice can threaten homes and businesses, but you can take these steps to help lessen the potential damage.

How a black roof stains is removed from shingles?

Roof Stain removal is possible! Choose between two common roof washing solutions used to :

do it yourself roof cleaning using a roof cleaning product, or using roof cleaning services from a professional roof cleaning business. The difference between the roof cleaning company and DIY roof cleaning is cost, and results.

·         Hire a Roof Cleaning Professional

A roof cleaning business has experience at the shingle cleaning methods and suitable pressure to use with roof wash products. Years of experience will typically result in more complete removal of roof stains.

·         Do It Yourself Roof Stain Removal

Search for “Roof Cleaning Products” to find roof cleaner suppliers who offer roof cleaning chemicals, but be cautious to know the company and what products they offer.  Trust roof cleaner supply companies that offer multiple formulas and preventive solutions as well.

When you clean your own roof shingles be prepared to set aside an afternoon, and get your ladder out. There is no magic bullet when it comes to Roof Washing, and you will at least need a ladder to get up to the level of the drain. The closer you are to the roof stains, the better your Roof Stain Removal Products will work.

So black stains on roofs can be removed, just choose a quality roof cleaner product or your local roof cleaning professional and make your roof look better!