Ready for Snow?

9/28/2019 (Permalink)

Snow!  Why talk snow in September?  

Here’s the thing.  Like it or not, Winter is coming.

We are glad you have added us to your contacts in case you have a disaster at your home or business (That’s (703) 368-4399 for SERVPRO of North Prince William County, for those just joining us); however, we like to talk prevention before a disaster occurs.

Now is the time to prevent winter disasters.  What can possibly happen in the winter? A few things.  We will start with your roof. One thing to consider is the pitch of your roof.  When you look at your roof is it steep or does it have a part that is almost level?  These are the areas to look out for. The steeper the pitch is the easier it is for the snow to slide off.  Snow is more likely to collect and dam up on a flat roof, a lot of commercial buildings have a flat roof.  

Buildings with a flat roof need to make sure their drains are clear especially after the falling leaves.  During the winter months, if we experience wet weather with cold temperatures and snow mixed in you need to make sure your drains are not blocked by ice.  Ice blockage can cause the melting snow to stay there and become heavier with each freeze and new snowfall.    

Buildings with a pitch need to keep an eye and make sure the snow is not building up too much.  Snow is water, water is heavy. It is a good idea to have a roof rake on hand to pull down the snow.  This is especially important for 3’ or 4’ around the eaves. If you have a snow build up (possibly evident by the appearance of icicles) this can cause the melting snow to be trapped creating what is called an ice dam.  An ice dam can be damaging to your roof. The snow melts, can’t run off the roof, and refreezes when the temperature drops. Water expands as it freezes and this particular water has to freeze in an upward motion pushing at your shingles in a way you do not want.  Usually this is happening under a layer of white snow so you are unaware and unable to see the ice underneath. 

My best advice to avoid winter damage to your roof is this:  Take your beautiful pictures to show your friends and family and then clean off the snow.  That includes icicles. Icicles are pretty to look at but are very dangerous when they fall.

Be prepared.  Be safe. Call SERVPRO of North Prince William County (703) 368-4399.  We are “faster to any size disaster.”