Exit

Blog

Tag Archive: roof damage from snow

  1. What You Need to Know in Roofing Now That Spring is Just Around the Corner

    Leave a Comment

    Here at Knickerbocker Roofing, we’re excited to be welcoming in spring! Not only is the green growing back, but longer days and warmer temperatures make the season that much more inviting. With the change in season also comes a good opportunity to check out any damage that may have been done to your roof during the cold winter months. Snow, ice and winds can cause damage that can be hard to see unless you’re looking directly at it, and putting off repairs can lead to even further damage.

    Roofing maintenance is an important part of home and building ownership, and with National Roofing Week coming up June 4th-10th, there’s no better time to get started. For any home or business owner, there are a few simple steps you can follow for spring maintenance and repair:

    1. Spring-Maintenance-4.19.17Clean your downspouts and gutters, but remember safety first. Don’t use a rickety ladder or put a ladder on uneven ground.
    2. Clean out large, visible debris first, then clean out smaller fragments with a garden hose.
    3. Visually inspect your roof, looking for buckling or curling in the shingles. This can mean they need to be replaced.
    4. Inspect the areas around any chimneys, pipes, roof drains, or HVAC connections for any penetrations on the roof.
    5. On the inside, you can look for water damage on the ceiling or in the walls. Water damage is usually noticeable and causes slight to moderate staining.
    6. If you’re not comfortable getting on your roof, call a credible contractor.

    While there are many maintenance issues business owners can take care of themselves, roofing inspections are commonly best left to a professional. Not only can a roofing expert pinpoint problems or potential issues, but they can figure out the best course of action to fixing the problem. At Knickerbocker Roofing, we’ve been a family owned business for over 125 years, and we look forward to working with business owners to provide roofing solutions.

    We invite you to read our blog, follow us on Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn. As experts in the roofing industry, we look forward to meeting you and exceeding your expectations.

     

  2. Avoid Adding Roofing Problems and Repairs to Your List of Winter Woes

    Leave a Comment

    Here in the Midwest, we’re accustomed to the cold winter temperatures, howling winds, snow, and ice, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we like them! Our list of winter woes can be long and we certainly don’t need to add more problems to the list. Hence the reason it is so important to properly maintain and keep a vigil eye on your roof in the 2016 winter months.

    The National Weather Service said that January 2015 was an exceptionally cold month around this area and 2016 isn’t looking much warmer. Last winter, a report on USAToday.com stated, “It’s been a brutally cold month across much of the nation’s northern tier… In Chicago, temperatures are about 10 degrees below average for the month, and the city is suffering through an even colder January than last year, during the infamous polar vortex…” There seems to be a pattern building here…

    It’s not just the cold temperatures that are affecting us – and also affecting our roofs and the roofs of businesses throughout the area. Last year, it was the fluctuating jet stream that brought in warmer temperatures every so often, that caused additional trouble. Freeze-thaw conditions caused by the jet stream maneuvers (when the cold outside warms up and then suddenly drops again) can wreak havoc on roof systems, creating leaks. When it comes to roofing, whether temperatures are mild or cold, it seems that both are an issue.

    Standing moisture on a roof system can also present problems. Just as constant contact with moisture is bad for windows and masonry, it can also be detrimental to roofing membrane and flashings. To prevent damage to your roofing system, it’s wise to keep an eye on your roof at all times and work to prevent excessive snow build-up when possible. Make sure roofing professionals remove the snow from your roof because we know proper roofing safety practices, and are experienced with roof system maintenance.

    In addition to the snow, there is ice. Wherever it’s coming from, ice can damage your roofing system. Roof drains, gutters and flashing can all be damaged by icing and ice chunks falling from adjacent buildings. As a caution, make sure to be on the lookout for possible icing damage when the temperatures dip below the freezing point.

    Today’s last blistering-cold winter weather concern related to roofing: if your roof needs a repair in the winter months, it’s possible that you might have to wait some time. Roofing repairs can’t always be attended to during the winter months as a direct result of extremely cold temperatures, snow, or moisture being present. Contact a roofing professional for their evaluation of the possibilities for repair. It will all depend on your specific roof system, the damage you have, the repair required, and, of course, the current winter weather conditions at that time.

    Overall, the best possible solution is year-round maintenance of your roof. To be safe and smart, today is the perfect time to schedule a roof inspection for the worsening winter months, and fully address any damages from the last several. Being safe and smart with Knickerbocker is always a good idea – and it can keep you from adding to your list of winter woes!