Home Safety For a Snow Storm
Here at Fiderio & Sons, we hope that everyone is staying safe during the bulk of this later winter snow storm. It’s important to remember to maintain your home, even during these wintry times. In fact, one could even say that ensuring your home’s safety during a winter snow storm is of the utmost importance. That’s why, we’ve put together a few roofing tips that will help you weather the storm safely and efficiently!
How to Survive the Winter Snow
1) If you have snow on your roof, call a professional.
This roofing tip is arguably the most important tip for the winter season, for your safety and your sanity. If your home has a flat roof then you may notice a heavy build-up of snow and ice. Property owners should be attentive to the excessive snow accumulations, especially if the snow exceeds totals of more than a few inches.
It is dangerous to remove the snow from your roof for many reasons, so please call a professional if you are concerned about the integrity of your roof. If you need to remove the snow immediately, we recommend using a roof rake. This handy tool helps easily and safely remove snow off the roof of your home. We recommend roof snow removal after every big storm, depending on the age, condition and type of roof.
2) Watch the temperature in your attic closely.
Try to keep the temperature of your attic as close to the outside temperature as possible. Also, make sure the attic is properly ventilated. Ice dams form when snow accumulates on a roof because a home is not properly insulated. Melted water, caused by insufficient insulation, flows down the roof under the snow and then refreezes on the overhang. If you see icicles hanging off your roof, then your home probably has an ice dam. The ice build-up should be removed by a professional in a timely fashion, to avoid more damage to the roof.
3) Inspect your gutters for proper drainage.
Make sure your gutters are not pulling away from the structure of your home during a storm. The weight of the snow may bend or move the gutters on your home, causing an obstructed flow of run-off water from the roof. Try to keep the gutters clear and without debris during a big storm, to avoid issues later.
4) Clear your roof of fallen debris.
Check for any potential dangerous debris outside the perimeter of your home. Make sure that any outdoor furniture or toys are properly secured. Also, check the trees in your yard for any large low-hanging branches or dangerous “widow-makers.” Periodically check, during and after a storm, for any debris or branches that may be taking up residence on your roof.
