Winterizing your roof is an important step to removing the buildup of ice on the lowest part of your roofing. These are referred to as “ice dams” and can cause serious damage. Winterizing your roof can prevent such ice dams along with many other problems.

Why Winterizing Your Roof Is Important

Ice Dams: Ice dams are caused when the warmth of your roofing causes snow on the top of the peak to melt and run down the roof. Once this warm water hits the freezing temperatures of the outer lip it freezes. This causes a buildup of ice. While this build up of ice can cause structural damage to your roofing, it is not the most harmful aspect of an ice dam. Once an ice dam forms it can force the warmer water to drain underneath it, forcing the water through the roofing and into your home.

Heat Savings

Winterizing your roof can go a long way to help save on your monthly heating bills. While insulation is the biggest money saver when it comes to home heat, winterizing your roof can also add on to those savings. It can lead to better heat entrapment, with means less money to heat your home. While it may not be a huge money saver, it an go a long way to help reduce your home heating bills.

Roof Lifespan

One of the greatest savings to you is the increase in the lifespan of your roofing. By preventing ice dams, and therefore leaks, winterizing your roof can add years upon years to your roofing. Since roofing replacement is very expensive, it is important that you take every step you can to preserve your roofing.

The Process

Winterizing your roof can be an easy and simple process. There are many companies out there that sell roofing winterizing materials. Usually the process is as easy as applying some sort of rubber membrane. This easy to apply membrane can prevent the dangerous “ice dams” discussed earlier in the article. This can prevent repairs due to ice damage.

How Does It Work?

The concept is simple; by applying a rubber membrane between the plywood and the shingles, your roofing will keep a steady temperature during the winter. This in itself will prevent ice dams. Since the roofing is kept at a consistence temperature snow does not pile up on your roof. This is due to the fact that most membranes are self heating from the sun’s rays. This allows the membrane to melt snow that accumulated on your roofing. Thus preventing ice dams and other dangerous build up of snow and ice.

Is Winterizing Right For You?

There are several factors you should consider before taking this step. Are you in the right climate? Dose it fit into your budget. Do you have the time?

Climate
It goes without saying that this process is necessary for snowier climates. If your home is in a area that does not receive much snow, then it is a null point. If you live in a very snowy climate, winterized roofing is a no brainer. Those who live in a medium climate, where it snow but not that often you need to weigh the pros and cons to determine whether or not it is a smart move. The other factor you must look at is your budget.

Cost
While the process in new home construction can be relatively cheap, it gets more expensive when you need to replace your current roofing. If your home is due for new roofing it may be the best time to get it winterized as well. If you can afford the cost of replacement or are currently in need of new roofing, it is easy to winterize your roof. You must also realize that the extra cost can be offset by the fact that your roof will last through more winters then without being winterized.

Time
Finally you must think about whether or not you have enough time. Construction takes time to complete. If you and your family are OK with the 2-3 days it will take to remove your old roofing and install new roofing with winterized material it is definitely worth it.

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How To Maintain A Roof
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