The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting cooler, and that means one thing: winter is coming! As a homeowner or business owner in Salt Lake City, it’s important to prepare your roof for the snow.
At Cypress Metals, we specialize in metal roofing for both residential and commercial properties in Utah. As the weather gets colder and the snow starts to fall, it’s important to make sure your metal roof is properly prepared.
In our September blog post, we discussed some of the basics of metal roofing care for winter. In this second and final part of our two-part blog series, we’ll discuss additional tips you need to know to prepare your metal roof for cold and snowy weather conditions in Utah.
Check Out Your Attic
A well-insulated and ventilated attic is key to keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient all year long. In the winter, insulation works to keep heat from escaping your home, while in the summer it prevents heat from entering. Properly venting your attic helps to regulate the temperature in your attic, preventing it from becoming too hot or too cold. This, in turn, helps to keep your entire home more comfortable and can even lower your energy bills.
Roofing materials play a role in attic insulation as well. A professional metal roofer can conduct an energy audit of your attic and help you choose the right materials for your needs. With the right insulation and ventilation, you can keep your home comfortable and protected all winter long.
Install Guards
As anyone who has experienced an ice dam can attest, it can be not only costly but also dangerous. Ice dams form when heat from your home escapes through the roof and melts the snow on the surface, which then refreezes when it reaches the cold eaves. This creates a dam that prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home, causing extensive damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and ductwork.
Metal roofs are much less likely to experience this problem since they are more efficient at reflecting heat. However, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions in areas that are prone to heavy snow and ice.
Installing metal roof snow guards can help keep frozen precipitation in place and cause it to melt or slide off in small pieces rather than hazardous chunks. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent costly and dangerous ice dam issues.
Safety First
Whenever you are working on or around your roof, safety should be your number one priority. Rooftop falls can be dangerous and even deadly, so it’s important to take all necessary precautions. Make sure to wear proper safety gear, avoid inclement weather conditions, and never get on the roof if you feel unsafe.
It’s also a good idea to leave all inspection and maintenance to a qualified professional who is licensed, bonded, and insured. By following these simple guidelines, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe from harm.
Cypress Metals is here to help you keep your metal roof in top condition all winter long in Salt Lake City! Contact us today to learn more about our metal roofing services.