If you need to know how to get rid of ice dams safely, Werner Roofing is here to help. Check out our step-by-step guide below. 

What Are Ice Dams?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the edge of your roof. The ice accumulation blocks the melting snow farther up on your roof from sliding off, causing it to leak through your roof and into the insulation.

If left to their own devices, ice dams can cause significant water damage to your home, destroy gutter systems, and be costly to repair once spring finally shows up. If your home is prone to ice dams, it’s in your best interest to get ahead of them before snowfall builds up, making it impossible to counteract their harmful effects.

How To Get Rid of Ice Dams Safely: 5 Helpful Tricks

While the only long-term solution to ice dams is to have your roofer repair the ventilation or insulation issues within your roof, there are some ways to solve the problem until you can get your roof fixed permanently. 

Important Note: Do not try to hack or chip away at existing ice dams. Not only is this harmful to your roof and gutters, but you’ll also most likely cause more damage by trying to break up the ice with a shovel or ice pick than you are to get rid of ice dams. 

1. Heated Cables

Heated cables are a fantastic fix for ice dams because they essentially stop them from forming in the first place. Place the heated cables in a zigzag pattern vertically on your roof and watch as they melt snow before it even has a chance to freeze and create ice dams.

Heated cables can easily be attached to the roof with clips; the only kicker is you have to ensure you get them in place before the first snowfall. 

2. Blow Cold Air Through Your Attic

When the hot air in your home rises through the roof, snow on the roof will melt and slide down until it reaches the cold edges of your roof, where it will stay and become an ice dam. One effective way to combat this from happening is by pointing fans directly at your roof in the attic, where the problem originates. 

When you cool down the underside of your roof, snow won’t melt in the first place, and ice dams can be prevented from forming. 

3. Rake Snow From Your Roof

Another preventative measure for ice dams is to get rid of the snow on your roof before it has a chance to melt. While this involves a bit of manual labor on your part, it’s a small price to pay for keeping your roof in one piece.

Raking snow from your roof will keep ice dams from forming, but you’ll need to be careful. Purchase a rake specially made to take snow off roofs, and take care not to damage shingles in the process. Most roof rakes are on wheels to protect shingles and are long enough that you can pull the snow off from the safety of the ground. So long as you get out there after every snowfall, your roof will be safe from ice dams.

4. Calcium Chloride Deicer

Deicing your roof is a very effective way to melt ice dams after they’ve already formed. It’s important to remember, though, if you use calcium chloride to deice your roof, you’ll want to protect any plants below the gutters, as they’ll die from overexposure to the chemical.

To effectively deice your roof, fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride and throw the sock up on the roof so that it lays perpendicular to the edge of your roof. You may need to use a rake or long-handled broom to get the stocking into the correct position, but once it’s up there, you’ll start to see ice dams disappear.

5. Call a Roofing Professional

If you’re not sure you can deal with ice dams effectively on your own, know that you can always call a professional. Most methods for getting rid of ice dams are strenuous and require a bit of time in the frigid Michigan winter weather, so if you’re just not up to that this winter, don’t hesitate to call your local roofing professional. 

The professionals at Werner Roofing will come out and get rid of any existing ice dams for you and set up a solution to keep them away until you have time to fix the roof permanently.

How To Stop Ice Dams From Forming

While these solutions are all great temporary fixes, it’s important to remember that the only way to stop ice dams in their tracks is to get your roof fixed. If they’ve formed once, you’ll encounter them again. 

Whether you’re lacking insulation or your roof isn’t properly ventilated, at some point, you’ll need to call a professional to get your roof fixed permanently so that ice dams don’t form in the first place.

Werner Roofing Is Here To Help.

If you’ve got ice dams, but aren’t sure what the best method for removal is, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Werner Roofing. We’d be happy to help clear them off your roof. If you’re interested in long-term methods of preventing ice dams from forming, we can do that too! Just give us a call at 616-844-5382 or request a free initial estimate online today.

Roof Protection from Rain: 4 Proactive Steps to Take

Many homeowners don’t think about maintaining their roofs until it’s too late and a leaking or flooding disaster has already struck. In order to protect your roof from rain, it’s important to be proactive. Here’s what you can (and should!) do: 

1. Complete Any Necessary Roof Repairs

If your roof is in need of repair, it’s not likely to hold up well against rain. And as more leaks accumulate, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with costly, devastating damages. That’s why it’s important to complete any necessary roof repairs as soon as possible.

Some possible damages you may look for include:

• Torn, dented, warped, or missing shingles
• Leaks
• Underlying structural damage
• Clogged, sagging, loose, or dented gutters
• Cracked flashing

Once you’ve identified a problem with your roof, you have a choice to make: repair it or replace it. This decision may depend on a few factors, including the extent of the damage, flexibility of your budget, and length of time you expect to live in your home. You may contact a local roofing professional to bring some expertise that could help guide your decision. 

2. Ensure Gutters Are Functioning Properly

Gutters are one of the most important parts of a roofing system, helping direct rain away from your home. Therefore, it’s important to make sure they’re functioning properly.

Generally speaking, gutters regularly need to be cleaned out. Any sticks, debris, or other materials that pile up in them can cause them to clog and overflow, defeating their purpose. You should also check for any leaking, sagging, loose, or improperly sloped gutters that aren’t doing the work you need them to do. 

If you notice that your home doesn’t have gutters, you might wonder if you’re missing some much-needed rain protection. The short answer is, you probably are. While some homes don’t have gutters for particular reasons, most homes in Michigan need gutters. You should contact a local roofing professional to schedule a gutter installation soon. It’s sure to pay off in the long run! 

3. Inspect Flashing Around Skylights

Skylights are capable of adding tons of natural light to your home, making it look more open and bright. However, skylights are also leak hazards, presenting more places for rainwater to seep into your home. Any openings between your skylight and roofing materials can be at risk for leakage. 

That’s why it’s important to install roof flashing around your skylights, or to check it for damage if you’ve already installed it. If you find any cracks or damage, get them fixed by a professional as soon as possible. 

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

The best way to ensure your roof is in top condition is to have a licensed professional inspect it. They’ll take a look at the interior and exterior of your roof, inspecting any and all of its components — from shingles, to gutters, to weatherproofing. It’s recommended that you schedule a roof inspection every year to ensure any issues are promptly addressed — and there’s no better time to do it than after winter snow has taken its toll and spring/summer rains start to pour down. 

At Werner Roofing, we’re proud to offer free roof inspections for every client. We’ll come out to your home, examine the condition of your roof, and prepare a document that states anything in need of repair or replacement. We’ll advocate for you and your home’s best interests, but we won’t recommend or sell anything that isn’t necessary. That’s our promise. 

If your roof needs extra protection from rain and other unpredictable weather conditions, Werner Roofing can help. Our experts will provide customized recommendations for how you can keep your roof durable and leak-free with various waterproofing and rain management systems. Give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online for more information. 

Roof flashing can make or break your roof’s ability to prevent water creeping inside your home and causing costly damage. Below, we’ll give a little more insight into what roof flashing is, where it’s needed, and what kinds are available.

What Is Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing is a flat, thin, waterproof material (usually steel) that’s placed underneath shingles and is used to direct water away from the most vulnerable areas of your roof. It helps prevent water from entering any openings or cracks on your roof. It’s a great second line of protection to ensure you avoid devastating water damage within your home’s interior. 

What Areas of Your Roof Require Flashing? 

While your entire roof doesn’t always require flashing, there are a few sections of it where flashing is critical. These areas are where openings or cracks are most common, and usually include: 

• Any roof surface that joins a side or front wall
• Valleys, or low points where two roof slopes join
• Protrusions like bathroom vents, chimneys, and skylights
• Edges, like eaves or rakes

What Are the Different Types of Roof Flashing?

The overall concept of roof flashing stays the same, no matter where it’s placed. However, there are several different types of flashing, and each of them is ideally suited for a specific application within the broad flashing spectrum. 

Below are the eight main types of roof flashing, as well as some information on what makes them unique. 

Base Flashing

Base flashing protects sections of your roof that meet a vertical wall juncture, such as your chimney. Base flashing is installed underneath your home’s siding and shingles, so it’s not easily seen. 

Counter Flashing

Counter flashing is the second piece of base flashing. It’s placed either above or opposite of base flashing to protect it. 

Step Flashing

Step flashing involves L-shaped pieces of flashing that are installed along the corner where your roof meets your sidewall. In most cases, this flashing can be partly seen, so some homeowners choose to find a material color that matches or complements their home’s exterior. 

Continuous Flashing

Also known as apron flashing, this is a singular, long piece of flashing that pushes water away from vertical walls and sloped roofs and then redirects it into a gutter. 

Valley Flashing

Valley flashing uses flashing to line the indent where two sides of a roof come together and form a valley. It directs water away from the valley, down the roof, and into a gutter. 

Kickout Flashing

Also known as diverter flashing, this flashing is used where gutters end against sidewalls. It directs the water into the gutter, instead of letting it run down the sidewall. 

Skylight Flashing

Today, many skylights can be purchased with flashing already attached. However, if yours doesn’t have this feature, you need to do it yourself or hire a contractor to do it for you. It’s an important way of preventing water from seeping into any openings around the skylight. 

Drip Edge Flashing

Drip edge flashing is placed around the edges of your roof to prevent water from dripping behind gutters and counterproductively damaging your roof. 

Looking for more ways to protect your roof from tough weather conditions? Let Werner Roofing help. From flashing to gutter systems, our team of experts can provide recommendations that fit the unique needs of your home. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more

But how do you know how much snow is too much for your roof to handle, and what can you do to protect your roof from snow damage? Check out our guidelines below before the next snowstorm comes calling.

How Much Snow a Roof Can Hold Depends on the Type of Roof and Type of Snow

Most residential roofs in good condition can hold 20 pounds of snow per square foot. This can vary based on your roof’s age, the materials your roof is made from, and the design of your roofline. The amount of snow that adds up to 20 pounds can vary as well, depending on whether the snow is the fluffy type or that dreaded wet and heavy kind. 

Light snow can weigh around 3 pounds per square foot, so your roof can hold several feet of it. However, wet, packed snow can weigh 21 pounds per square foot — and ice as much as 51 pounds! — which can cause collapse with only inches of accumulation. Signs your roof is straining include:

• Creaking or popping sounds
• Doors that become difficult to open and close 
• Cracks in your walls 
• Sagging, warped, water-stained, or leaking ceilings

If you spot any of these signs, it’s best to vacate your home and get some help. 

What to Do if Your Roof is Holding Too Much Snow 

On average, every 10 inches of snow equates to 5 pounds on your roof, so once a few feet accumulate, it’s a good idea to avoid any issues by removing some of that weight. However, getting on a snow and ice-covered roof is dangerous, so unless you are able to safely use a rake, broom, or specially designed roof shovel from the ground, don’t try to do this on your own! 

It’s also important to note that removing too much snow can end up causing damage to your roof, which is exactly what you were trying to avoid in the first place! When clearing snow from your roof, you should always leave a couple of inches or so behind to make sure you’re not causing any damage to your shingles.

How to Protect Your Roof From Snow Damage

To keep your roof and everyone living under it safe, you should perform regular inspections to ensure your roof is maintained well and kept in good condition before the snow flies. Once winter arrives and snow starts falling, monitor the amount of snow on your roof and be aware of any signs of trouble. 

Also, watch for the formation of ice dams along the edge of your roof and in gutters caused by melting and refreezing snow. When left unaddressed, ice dams can lead to shingle, structural, and gutter damage; leaks; wet insulation; and mold. 

If you are concerned your roof is holding too much ice and snow and you are unable to clear it from the ground, call in professionals for help. It is the safest way to avoid damage and injury.  

Worried about your roof’s ability to withstand winter weather? Contact the roofing specialists at Werner Roofing. We can provide recommendations to protect your home from snow and ice, or we can help you figure out a solution if your roof has already experienced damage. Give us a call or contact us online today to learn what we can do for you.

Yes, just as you need to break out your fleece PJs and cozy socks, make sure you have plenty of wood for the fire, gas for the snowblower, and several month’s supply of hot cocoa, you also need to prepare your roof for the harsh weather that lies ahead. This is especially true if there’s a chance of an ice storm in the forecast. Ice storms can be particularly damaging to roofs, and often result in costly repairs if you’re not prepared.

So, we better get to it before the iceman cometh! Here’s how to make sure your roof is as prepared for an ice storm as possible:

How to Avoid Ice Storm Roof Damage 

Putting a little prep time in now will pay dividends later when winter weather inevitably arrives! Follow these steps to ensure an ice storm doesn’t leave any damage to your roof in its wake.  

Get Your Gutters in Good Shape

Make sure your gutters are cleaned out and clear of debris. You don’t want to chance any clogging that can lead to ice dams, and in turn lead to damage. Ice dams form when water is trapped then freezes and builds up on your roof making it susceptible to leaks and water damage — not good!

Speaking of leaks, now’s the time to fix any leaky section of your gutters as well — another sure way to stop water damage in its tracks. 

Trim Your Trees

Overhanging branches are roof damage waiting to happen! If you have trees near your home, it’s a good idea to trim back any limbs that could fall on your roof as a result of strong winds or the weight of ice accumulation. 

Ready Your Roof

Piles of fall debris left on top of your house can become waterlogged and compromise your roof, so be sure to clean off any leaves, needles, sticks, and other debris your roof may have collected over the fall. 

Inspect your roof for any needed repairs and address any issues that could impair your roof’s ability to keep you safe, warm, and dry. (A roofing company can do this for you, if you prefer). Look for things like cracked, curled, balding or even missing shingles that need to be replaced. Also, repair any flashing that looks distressed. This is especially important around your chimney — a place prone to letting in leaks. 

While you’re at it, keep an eye out for any signs that critters are looking for a cozy winter getaway inside your home. Roof pests can cause plenty of damage too, making your roof that much more susceptible to the damage an ice storm can leave behind!

Attend to your Attic

On top of skirting ice storm damage, your goal is to keep cold air out, and warm air in, right? That’s why it’s super important to make sure your attic’s insulation is up to snuff, as well as its ventilation. 

This is your best line of defense against the harsh winter elements! Proper insulation and ventilation will keep you dry and cozy inside while also keeping large, damaging icicles from forming outside, as well as those dreaded ice dams.  

How to Deal with Ice Storm Roof Damage 

Of course, even if you are well prepared, and have done everything above to protect your roof, an ice storm can still prove to be a difficult adversary. Sometimes damage does occur despite your best efforts, and if that’s the case, what should you do when the storm is done? 

Needless to say, winter is not a good time to safely get up on your roof! From the ground, check for signs of damage like pieces of shingles, downed branches, broken gutters, sagging areas of your roof, and any formation of ice dams. If you spy any of these red flags, call in the pros to assist you. You might also want to call your home insurance company to see if your policy covers damage to your roof due to an ice storm. 

Remember, if the weather calls for ice, you can always call Werner Roofing. As West Michigan residents, we know what winter has in store for roofs like yours, and we’re here to help prepare your home’s roof before ice damage occurs —  and we’ll be here to help repair it after a storm, too!