HOW TO PREVENT ICE DAMAGE TO A ROOF

Can ice crack roof tiles?

In the winter, freezing weather can damage a roof in a number of ways. We talk about what you can do to protect the roof of your home from ice damage and how to keep it in good shape. It's important to be ready for winter weather, whether it's ice, snow, sleet, or heavy rain that has frozen over. Keeping your roof clean will help keep it safe from bad weather.

One big problem is how snow affects the roof's weight, especially on roofs that aren't very strong. When it's cold, another problem that often comes up is called "freeze-thaw." This is where rainwater pools and freezes, causing some parts of the roof to become squished. Water that is frozen can get inside if the roof tiles have tiny cracks in them. Weather conditions like ice and heavy snow can damage your roof's structure over time.

The effect of biological matter growing across a roof is not as well known. For moss, lichen, and algae to grow, these tiny roots get stuck between the roof tiles if they are not stopped. When it's cold outside, this organic matter can freeze and grow, which can crack the tiles around it. Moss that grows between roof tiles can do a lot of damage because it can grow very quickly when it's cold outside. It's important to get rid of small roots on your roof.

Carefully check your roof

First and foremost, you should never check a roof from above unless it is safe to do so. From the ground, check the edge of your roof to see if any big things have become stuck. If you can, get rid of any leaves, twigs, or branches that have dropped. When it's icy or snowy, this kind of waste will add to the weight on the roof. Depending on how old your roof is and how well it's put together, the pressure could cause weak spots to fall off.

Make sure your gutters are clear and your downpipes are not clogged if it is safe to do so. If water pools in these places and then freezes, it can damage things, like the tiles along your ceiling. Also, this will let water flow properly and not leak onto other parts of your roof after any snow or ice has melted.

Moss, algae, and lichen can look like spots on your roof tiles, so keep an eye out for them. Don't let this biological matter grow without being stopped. Little roots will start to grow between your tiles, which could make them break. An organic roof repair that is better for the environment will help keep your roof clean and safe.

Protecting your roof in winter

To help you protect your roof, we have an easy plan:

• We will look over your roof with CAT ladders and special tools to see if any tiles are missing. If you need us to, we can find similar tiles for clay roofs and put them on for you. This includes roof tiles for old and important buildings.

• The roof is then treated with an antifungal to get rid of any living things. We use RENOTEC® because it has an organic recipe and doesn't contain any harmful alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO). With this fungicidal wash, we can clean your roof gently without using power jets or tools that could damage it.

Professional roof cleaners

If it's been a long time since you cleaned your roof, winter might be a good time to do it. You can also use this time to look for any broken roof tiles. It is important to check the roof to make sure that its structure has not been damaged.

There is no need to worry about damage to your roof if you hire a professional roof cleaning company to do the job. The people on our team know about health and safety, and because we use special tools, we will never step on your roof tiles.

To learn more call us or request an appointment online today.