A beautiful snowy day creates the perfect winter wonderland, but too much of it can potentially harm a homeowner’s property. Preventing roof damage from snow accumulation is critical to ensuring that the rough winters of Massachusetts don’t wreak havoc on one’s home.

Making Preparations in Advance

Before the snow and ice hits, it’s good practice for a homeowner to get their roof inspected. Make sure the roof is in the best shape possible to handle the predicted amount of accumulation before the winter season. Homeowners should take care of any issues or damages before the first snowfall. Preventative maintenance, such as making fixes and cleaning out the gutters, is necessary to avoid costly roof damage down the line.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Before major disasters occur, there are usually warning signs that homeowners can look out for. For example, pay close attention to sagging ceilings, major water leaks, and any cracks in the wall or loud cracking sounds. It’s best to call a roofing service right away if any of these issues should arise at home. Leave roof repairs up to the professionals so that the roof is sturdy enough to endure the rest of the winter months.

Removing the Snow

The reality is that a roof can only handle so much weight in snow accumulation at a time. If a homeowner is in the danger zone and fears the roof can’t support the amount of snow on the house, he or she should get in touch with a professional snow removal service to make sure the home is protected.

If you’re concerned that there’s too much snow on your roof, reach out to roofing experts to avoid a potentially disastrous situation. Action Roofing offers a licensed, insured, and professionally trained team to deliver reliable roofing services that will help keep your roof in excellent condition. Contact us today for an estimate on removing snow from your home and preventing roof damage.

Choosing roofing materials goes beyond aesthetics and economics. The angle of the roof, commonly referred to as the pitch, can impact which materials will have the best performance. To make an informed decision, a homeowner should learn how roof pitch relates to the choice of roofing material.

Basics of Roof Pitch

Roof pitch refers to the steepness (angle, slope, or slant) of a roof. The pitch is shown by a fraction, where the numerator represents the height and the denominator refers to the width. For instance, a roof pitch of 4/12 means there’s a 4-inch rise in height for every 12 inches of width.

In most residential properties, pitch ranges from 4/12 (a moderate pitch) slope up to 8/12 (a fairly steep roof pitch). However, some properties have nearly flat roofs or an extremely steep roof. An extremely steep roof pitch is great for keeping water off, but it can be difficult to repair. A flat roof, on the other hand, requires a special drainage system, which can be costly.

Roof Pitch and Roofing Materials

The roof pitch dictates the ideal roofing material for a structure. It is often one of the first things a roofing contractor considers when recommending a new roof. The roof slope also affects the quantity of roofing materials and, therefore, the overall cost. Here are the best roofing materials for different roof slopes.

• Low-pitch roofs: A low-pitch roof can go as low as 0.25/12. These are easy to maintain, often less expensive to install, but prone to pooling water. A flat or low-pitch roof works best with commercial-grade roofing applications, including built-up roofing (BUR), “torch-down” roofing, tar and gravel, rubber, or standing seam metal.
• Average-pitch roof: Most residential properties have an average-pitch roof, which ranges from 4/12 to 8/12. The best materials for this type of roof pitch include wood and slate shingles, asphalt composite shingles, clay, or cement tiles.
• High-pitch roofs: High-pitch roofs, which range from 9/12 to 18/12, are the most expensive roof systems to install and maintain. High-pitch roofs are more efficient for drainage but are impractical for larger buildings. Steep roofs require lighter and cheaper materials to cover the larger roof area. The best roofing materials for this roof pitch include clay or cement tiles and composite or asphalt shingles. These materials lock tightly and are also light.

If you are looking for dependable roofing services in Billerica, MA or the surrounding areas, you can rely on the fully licensed and insured professionals of Action Roofing. We offer quality roofing solutions for both residential and commercial clients, and we’re GAF Master Elite Certified. Contact us today for a free roofing quote.

Soon, the leaves will begin to change and the hot summer days will turn into chilly fall mornings. Before the frigid New England temperatures begin to roll in, you should take preventive measures to keep extreme temperatures and precipitation from affecting the structural integrity of your roof. Following a few simple steps can help you prepare your home’s exterior for winter and avoid the stress and expense of preventable damage.

Clear All Debris From Gutters and Roof

The first step to readying your roof is cleaning your gutters and clearing all excess debris from the roof’s surface. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to remove sticks, leaves, dirt, and foliage. Never use a pressure washer, as they can loosen shingles and trap water underneath. Cleaning your gutters better enables precipitation to successfully run off your roof and drain properly.

Check for Visible Damage

Once your roof and gutters have been cleaned, take a close look at your roof for any obvious damage. This may include shingles that are loose, cracked, frayed, or missing, which may indicate the need for a roof repair or replacement. Also, be sure to check metal flashings, which can allow water leaks if they’re structurally compromised.

Inspect Attic Insulation and Ventilation

During the day, sunlight heats your attic, causing an increase in hot air. If your attic is not properly ventilated, the hot air inside cannot escape and condenses when it comes into contact with cooler roof supports, causing a buildup of moisture and potentially mold. If left untreated, this can destroy your roof. Insulation is critical, as well, as it helps retain the optimal temperature of your home. Without proper insulation, you’ll likely spend more on electric bills.

Action Roofing has extensive experience providing residents in the Greater Boston area with comprehensive roof repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation services. If you need assistance preparing your roof for winter or repairing existing damage, call us today at (978) 726-9709 for a free estimate.