The winter season is upon us in Billings. As a homeowner, it’s important that your roofing is well-prepared for the cold weather and that you have a plan in place for any winter roof damage that could occur. So, what are some of the common winter roof problems in Billings and what can you do to minimize them?
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- 4 Common winter roof problems in Billings
- Tips on prepping your home in Billings for winter
- Information about the services that Kirkness Roofing Inc provides
Common Winter Roof Damage & Problems
Ice Dams
In the wintertime in Billings, your home may experience ice dams. Ice dams are when the snow on your roof is melting slightly, either from your home’s heat or the sun, and then refreezes. The weight of the ice dam on your roof can cause leaks and has the potential to cause costly shingle damage.
Roof Leaks
Another common winter roof problem is a roof leak. A roof leak can hurt your roof’s health and the overall energy efficiency of your home’s insulation. During the winter, your roof will expand and shrink due to temperature fluctuations. In turn, this could cause any leaks in your roof to worsen over time which could promote your roof to leak more and condensation to potentially build up in the attic of your home.
Harsh Winds
The Billings area is prone to harsh winds. Harsh winds can cause a lot of problems for your roofing, such as loose, cracked, or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or even issues with your chimney.
Weak Tree Limbs & Branches
During the winter, the potential for winter ice, snow, and high winds can cause any loose tree limbs and branches to fall onto your home and cause roof damage.
Tips to Prevent Winter Storm Damage in Billings
Book a Roof Inspection
Having a professional roofing assessment done on your roof when the weather is still fair is a fantastic way to discover the main issues that need to be addressed before winter comes. This damage can range from missing and broken shingles to leaks, water pooling, loose granules, dented roofing, or even damaged gutters. Hiring a reliable and local roofing company will ensure that your roofing is thoroughly inspected and that you are provided with personalized solutions for your roofing needs.
Clean Your Gutters & Clear Away Branches
It’s smart to prep your gutters for winter by having them inspected and cleaned. Maintaining your gutters before the winter months will ensure that they can effectively funnel water away from your roofing and home. Cleaning your gutter system and downspouts of all the debris and leaves will help your gutter system remain unclogged and prevent it from overflowing and causing ice dams or other types of costly water damage.
Another step that you can take is safely removing any overgrown foliage or weak branches that are near your roofing or home. Trimming and clearing away overhanging branches will help prevent them from falling on your home and causing various levels of damage.
Update Your Home’s Ventilation & Insulation
Have you noticed irregular temperatures in your home? Before it gets too cold, it’s a great idea to ensure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated. Having a professional inspection done will help you evaluate if there is more insulation that can be added that will help you regulate your home’s temperature, reduce your monthly electric bills, and ensure that you will stay warm this upcoming winter season in Billings.
Have an Emergency Plan in Place
The final step in preparing your roof for winter is having an emergency plan if your home sustains damage during the winter months. We recommend gathering any storm damage resources you can find from your local government in Billings. You can often find online guides on ways to prepare for various types of storms through your local government’s emergency management page.
In addition, it’s also a good idea to choose a local roofing company that you know has experience with storm damage repair and restoration. This will ensure that you are given personalized roofing and storm damage solutions that will last for many years to come.
Why Choose Kirkness Roofing Inc?
Kirkness Roofing Inc is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing honest and dependable roofing services since 1978. At Kirkness Roofing Inc, we are dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations. We also provide a variety of other services that include:
Roof Types: Asphalt shingles, slate, cedar, tile, and metal roofing
Storm Damage Repair: Emergency repairs, insurance claim assistance, hail, wind, tornado, and ice dam repairs
Windows, gutter, and siding installations
Contact us to learn more about our services or to request a fast and free estimate!