I know, I know. It's summer you say?!? Well, yes I'm going there. Wintertime, in Central New York. Don't worry, it's a long 5 months from now. It's never too early to be prepared for the rough winters that lie ahead.
Well, I'm glad to say this roofing season started a little early in 2015, but sad to see so many damaged roofs and interiors in the meantime from this super cold and icy winter. Many Syracuse area homeowners had some major leaks this spring with such a build up of ice that melted very rapidly with a quick onset of spring.
What made this year different than previous years is that typically there is a mid-winter thaw in our area. Being such a long and cold winter, this mid-winter thaw didn't happen and ice build ups seemed more than double. This caused some pretty serious ice dams on so many roofs. Which lead to roof damages and many in-home disasters.
My heart goes out to these families who had to deal with damaged roofs and interior disasters. I'm so glad I was able to help this year with after damage efforts but would love to help with preventative future relief. Trust me, its worth it to deal with minor problematic roof issues before they turn into major problems.
Below are questions often asked by my customers when dealing with this winters damage here in upstate New York.
How can I prevent ice dams and roof damage?
Of course you can't predict mother nature, but there are some things you can get help with for preventative measures.
The biggest thing some people can do to prevent severe ice damming is to keep your attic as cold as possible in hopes that less warm air gets to the above laying snow so icicles can't form. However, this is very difficult to do and often impossible so that's where a roofing professional like myself can come in handy. I recommend you contact a roofer before winter hits, especially if you know you have an older roof. Most roofing companies give free inspections and estimates.
You might be surprised, you may only need to replace broken or worn shingles or just some added insulation.
I do not recommend that you try to remove the snow yourself to prevent snow/ice buildup unless you have all the proper tools and safety equipment. Not only is it dangerous, but you don't want to add an unnecessary damage that insurance definitely won't cover. There are plenty of local companies that help with this. I also don't recommend the salt tablets that some people use to melt the ice or snow on your roof. They often corrode and eat away at the shingles and you want those babies to last!
Will my insurance cover any damages or a roof repair/ install?
Of course, the best thing to do is to ask your insurance provider yourself since it depends on the age of your roof and many other factors. Although rain, wind and hail may be covered on your policy there are many factors to determine if the damage will be covered or how much will be reimbursed. So in the case of ice damage and leaking you might ask about ice/water damage and if there are additional policies that cover interior and exterior damage.
Regardless, if you continue to have your roof assessed and take preventative measures then you may be able to help your roof last longer before a new install needs to be done.
Do I need a new roof or can the areas damaged just be patched?
I often am asked this and it depends on so many factors. Some factors include the condition of the rafters and roof itself, insulation, and if there's mold or peeling paint. If there was just too much damage from the ice or if most of the roof is rotted and that is what is causing the leaking then of course I strongly encourage the home owner to get a new roof installation as soon as possible. If the roof is solid, properly functioning and there is no signs of damage except an area or 2, I will recommend a small patch job if that is doable. Patching is only temporary, however, and may not prevent another leak as long as a new roof would.
Please don't hesitate to comment or give me a call to ask further questions about any of this. I'm happy to help in any way especially so less families have to go through the effects of these hard winters here in beautiful Syracuse.
More info on ice damming:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/garden/19fix.html?_r=0
Well, I'm glad to say this roofing season started a little early in 2015, but sad to see so many damaged roofs and interiors in the meantime from this super cold and icy winter. Many Syracuse area homeowners had some major leaks this spring with such a build up of ice that melted very rapidly with a quick onset of spring.
What made this year different than previous years is that typically there is a mid-winter thaw in our area. Being such a long and cold winter, this mid-winter thaw didn't happen and ice build ups seemed more than double. This caused some pretty serious ice dams on so many roofs. Which lead to roof damages and many in-home disasters.
My heart goes out to these families who had to deal with damaged roofs and interior disasters. I'm so glad I was able to help this year with after damage efforts but would love to help with preventative future relief. Trust me, its worth it to deal with minor problematic roof issues before they turn into major problems.
Below are questions often asked by my customers when dealing with this winters damage here in upstate New York.
How can I prevent ice dams and roof damage?
Of course you can't predict mother nature, but there are some things you can get help with for preventative measures.
The biggest thing some people can do to prevent severe ice damming is to keep your attic as cold as possible in hopes that less warm air gets to the above laying snow so icicles can't form. However, this is very difficult to do and often impossible so that's where a roofing professional like myself can come in handy. I recommend you contact a roofer before winter hits, especially if you know you have an older roof. Most roofing companies give free inspections and estimates.
You might be surprised, you may only need to replace broken or worn shingles or just some added insulation.
I do not recommend that you try to remove the snow yourself to prevent snow/ice buildup unless you have all the proper tools and safety equipment. Not only is it dangerous, but you don't want to add an unnecessary damage that insurance definitely won't cover. There are plenty of local companies that help with this. I also don't recommend the salt tablets that some people use to melt the ice or snow on your roof. They often corrode and eat away at the shingles and you want those babies to last!
Will my insurance cover any damages or a roof repair/ install?
Of course, the best thing to do is to ask your insurance provider yourself since it depends on the age of your roof and many other factors. Although rain, wind and hail may be covered on your policy there are many factors to determine if the damage will be covered or how much will be reimbursed. So in the case of ice damage and leaking you might ask about ice/water damage and if there are additional policies that cover interior and exterior damage.
Regardless, if you continue to have your roof assessed and take preventative measures then you may be able to help your roof last longer before a new install needs to be done.
Do I need a new roof or can the areas damaged just be patched?
I often am asked this and it depends on so many factors. Some factors include the condition of the rafters and roof itself, insulation, and if there's mold or peeling paint. If there was just too much damage from the ice or if most of the roof is rotted and that is what is causing the leaking then of course I strongly encourage the home owner to get a new roof installation as soon as possible. If the roof is solid, properly functioning and there is no signs of damage except an area or 2, I will recommend a small patch job if that is doable. Patching is only temporary, however, and may not prevent another leak as long as a new roof would.
Please don't hesitate to comment or give me a call to ask further questions about any of this. I'm happy to help in any way especially so less families have to go through the effects of these hard winters here in beautiful Syracuse.
More info on ice damming:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/garden/19fix.html?_r=0