How-To – Greeley Roofing Systems

by Bob
05/04/2021

How Can You Safely Remove Ice or Snow from Your Roof?

The dreaded winter months wreak havoc on a number of roofs across America. Planning wisely and properly fighting against snow and ice accumulation are musts for homeowners.

The structure of a roof varies from house to house. Knowing the weight that your particular roof can bear may be helpful. Nevertheless, too much snow or ice on your roof can cause damage or even a collapse in your roof.

It is not good to tamper with snow and ice on your rooftop on your own unless necessary. A good option is to call a professional for what could be a dangerous job. The following are a number of indicators that it may be time to remove snow and ice buildup from your roof:

1. You notice that snow accumulation is rising above three feet.

2. If you have a shallow pitch or flat roof, this will put you at a higher risk.

3. If heavy snowfall is the norm in your area, it would be good to remove the snow and ice prior to another storm approaching.

4. If snow drifts are occurring, the weight will shift to certain portions of your home, and this can lead to an excessive amount of weight in a certain spot.

5. In the event that strain is being placed on the structure of your home, your windows may be harder to open than normal – a sign that the snow/ice must be dealt with.

6. If powdery snow is all that has been falling on your home, you are less likely to need to remove it. However, if this snow has been melting, turning into ice, and then has been receiving greater amounts of snow accumulation on top, it may be a good time to remove the buildup.

While there is still more to consider, hopefully, this list will aid you in making a decision. It is important to remember that you should not attempt to remove the buildup on your own unless you deem it necessary.

How to remove snow and ice from your rooftop

This leads us to the all-important “how-to” section of our article. The following are some helpful tips on how to remove snow and ice from your rooftop.

• Snow removal

1. At the outset, it is important to know that you can hire someone for the job. It can be very dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. The best option may be to hire a professional.

2. If you decide to remove snow buildup yourself, make sure you do not get on your roof to do so.

3. Invest in an extendable plastic snow rake (do not use metal tools on your roof). This can be found at a number of hardware stores or online.

4. With your feet firmly positioned on the ground (not your roof), you can extend the rake to reach the roof of your home.

5. Begin to rake the snow down starting from the eaves. Rake the snow down gradually, working from the bottom to the top.

6. Do not allow excessive amounts of snow to collect on portions of your roof as you are raking.

7. If anyone is inside, notify them to stay away from the exits of your home, as large amounts of snow may fall toward the doorways.

• Ice removal

1. If ice dams are forming on your roof, you could hire a professional to steam your roof and remove the accumulation.

2. If you want to do it yourself, locate a large sock.

3. Fill the sock with calcium chloride.

4. Lay the sock along the base of your roof where the ice has been accumulating, with about half of the sock on your roof and the other half draped off the edge. This will melt the snow and allow the water to run off your roof rather than turn into ice.

How To Find The Right Roofer?

There is a reason why being a homeowner is referred to as having a roof over your head. The roof is one of the house’s vital parts since it helps keep us safe from all harsh elements. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that it is in good condition.

When erecting your roof, you should ensure you do it right and let professionals handle it. You should also ensure proper maintenance to avoid compromising your roof’s integrity. It is also important to determine the state of your roof and consider whether you need any repairs. You should take action and repair any leaks to increase your roof’s durability.

Your roof deserves attention and proper care to increase durability and keep your home intact, whether it be in Greeley or elsewhere. That said, you may find it necessary to hire the services of a professional roofing contractor. However, you need to make sure that you hire the right person for the job and get the value for your money. With that, here are a few tips to consider when hiring a professional roofer.

Referrals

You may come across an impeccable roof design on a random home. There is nothing wrong with giving credit where it’s due and asking for the roofer’s contact. Thus, you can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who may point out a good contractor. Asking for referrals from those with impressive roofs will also go a long way in helping you work with a credible one.

Asking for recommendations cements the roofer’s credibility. It shows you that they are reliable and professional in recommending others looking for their services. Word of mouth may be the key to helping you find a contractor that will live up to your expectations.

Research

You may also take your search for a roofer to the web and find out more about their services. You may know of a few different companies, and researching for more details will help you decide which business to hire. Check out whether the roofing company has a website where you can acquire more info about their services.

The website also offers you the opportunity to go through the roofer’s portfolio and check out their past projects. You can have a look at their past projects and determine whether they can deliver on your expectations. The website also contains their contact information, where you can reach out to them for more inquiries into their services.

The roofing company should invest in a good and fast website to ensure customers have an insight into the business. This way, you can find out more details about the roofers and determine their level of professionalism and credibility. In the end, your research will help you determine if there are any red flags associated with the roofing company.

Experience

Experience is the best teacher and should not be overlooked when hiring any professional. Thus, consider how long the roofer has been in the industry and the number of clients they have worked with before. This way, you can hire someone that has gained relevant experience by the provision of their services.

Consider how long the company has been in the market and determine its reputation. An experienced Greeley roofing company knows how to deal with various roofs and knows how best to approach your roofing projects.

Insurance

Check whether the roofing contractor has an insurance coverage policy for employees and clients. You need a guarantee that you will not be liable for anything that happens during the project. Accidents may happen, and you don’t have to deal with injury lawsuits. You also need assurance that you will get reimbursed if the damage is inflicted on your property during the roof project.

Ask for proof of insurance before hiring a contractor. This way, you can hire someone who cares about their employees’ safety and well-being and ensure their clients’ property is protected.

Contract

All the agreement details with the roofing contractor should be in writing. The contract will help you avoid any legal issues that may arise and ensure you hold the roofer accountable. Discuss the contract terms with them and ensure that you agree on every aspect of the job. This way, you can hold them accountable if everything doesn’t go according to plan and ensure they do their job.

Warranty

Consider whether the they provides a warranty for their construction projects. A warranty is vital as the roofer’s artistry may not be right, and it may take some time for the damage to reflect on your roof. Your insurance policy may not cover these mistakes, and you will need a warranty.

If the company doesn’t fix the mistake, then you may be forced to break the bank. This way, ensure you look for a roofer with warranty terms to make sure they perform installation correctly.