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! 

When Your Old Roof Was New (The Curing Phase)

Remember when your roof was first installed and the last shingle put in place? Ah, sweet memories. Your roof was just starting out in all its glory, but oddly enough, when a roof is brand new it goes through a rapid aging phase called “curing” which lasts for its first two years. 

During this initial phase, it’s not uncommon for your shingles to lose some granules, curl a bit, and even have some blistering going on, but don’t panic. This is all totally normal as your roof settles and stabilizes while strengthening its durability against harsh weather. 

When Your Aging Roof Hits Middle Age (The Incipient Phase)

How time flies, right? After the first couple of years go by, your roof enters into an extended period of prolonged and slow aging. It’s what we would call middle-aged, but in the roofing biz, it’s referred to as the “incipient stage”. 

For about 10 years, your roof is in its prime, doing its thing, protecting your home, and keeping you safe and warm. Ah, but this is no time to become complacent! 

During this phase, maintenance becomes a top priority. You should do regular inspections and look for any signs of a midlife crisis, such as torn or missing shingles that need to be replaced. Keeping on top of and addressing small issues as they arise will help to prolong your roof’s happy and healthy life.  

Normal signs of aging in the incipient stage of your roof might include minor granule loss, cracking here and there, and areas that are a bit weathered looking. Overall, though, life is good…for now.

When Your Aging Roof Is Nearing the End (The Final Phase) 

After about 20 years, your roof starts aging rapidly again and you will notice signs of deterioration. By now it has endured all kinds of weather and has become weakened and broken down — much like we get when we’re old! Heck, it can even go bald! When you start noticing things like these, it is time to bid a fond farewell. Other signs that indicate a new roof is in order include:

• Rusted or damaged flashing
• Excessive granule loss (and those pesky bald spots!)
• Cracked, curled, or buckling shingles
• Saggy areas
• Exposed under layers
• Moss growing on shingles
• Water damage on ceilings inside your home
• Light coming through the attic

When Your Old Roof is Ready to be Replaced, Call Werner!

It’s a drag getting old, but unfortunately, you can’t stop the aging process! At some point your aging roof will need to be replaced with a new one, and the roof life cycle will begin again. 

What phase is your roof in right now? Is it getting up there in age? The experts at Werner Roofing would be happy to inspect it for wear and tear and help you decide if any repairs can extend the life of your roof, or if it might be time to consider a roof replacement. Give our team a call or contact us online for a free inspection and estimate.

Do Icicles Cause Roof Damage? 

Icicles form when water flowing down to the edge of your roof freezes as it drips off the side. Fortunately, having a few icicles is natural and usually won’t cause any harm to your roof. What’s more of a concern is the safety of those entering and exiting your home, as heavy, sharp icicles could break off, fall, and harm someone passing underneath. 

However, you should keep an eye out for your roof accumulating a lot of icicles, especially larger ones. Numerous large icicles generally indicate that your roof has poor insulation, which can lead to more serious issues like ice dams. 

Icicles vs. Ice Dams

While an icicle is a cone-shaped piece of ice that hangs from your roof, an ice dam is a large buildup of ice toward the edge of your roof. Both of them are the result of inconsistent rooftop temperatures, which usually stem from these two factors:

• Improper insulation – If your roof doesn’t have proper insulation, heat will be distributed unevenly throughout it, causing the warm and cold spots that lead to melting and refreezing.
• Natural temperature changes – Rapid changes in the weather aren’t your fault, but could be a cause of ice dams. It’s best to be aware of this, so you can keep an eye on your roof before any major damage occurs. 

Icicles aren’t much of a cause for concern by themselves, but ice dams are. Ice dams can cause serious damage to your home’s roof, gutter, and interior. When the ice dam creates a barrier, blocking melted water from draining off your roof, that water can start to pool and cause problems —   from damaging your shingles, to breaking your gutters, to leaking into your home. 

How to Prevent Icicles and Ice Dams from Forming on Your Roof

If you want to protect your roof from the dangers of winter weather and ice dams, we recommend taking one or more of the following precautionary measures:

• Remove snow from your roof – As snow accumulates on your roof, scrape it off before it turns into ice. This can be a bit labor-intensive and hazardous, so it’s best to have this done by someone with experience.
• Insulate your roof properly – Add consistent layers of insulation throughout your roof or attic, so heat is trapped inside to keep you comfortable, instead of escaping to melt snow and cause ice dams. 
• Ventilate your roof properly – Add ventilation under your roof’s ridge and eaves in order to circulate the cooler air to the underside of your roof.  
• Replace your roof – If you’re tired of worrying about ice dams every year, you could try replacing it with a roofing material that is less susceptible to ice dams, like a standing seam metal roof. 

How to Deal with Icicles and Ice Dams Already on Your Roof

If your home has icicles and/or ice dams, don’t try to remove either of them by yourself. Without the right tools and experience, you could end up harming yourself or causing more damage to your roof.

Instead, contact a roofing contractor to get help solving the issue. They’ll be able to remove the icicles and ice dams, repair any damage your roof may have already suffered, and give you some pointers on how to help prevent more damage in the future. 

Seeing a lot of icicles this winter? If your roofing insulation is subpar, it puts your roof and your home at risk for potential problems like ice dams and roof leaks. Werner Roofing can help. We’ll assess your roof’s condition and make recommendations for how to boost your roof’s defenses against winter weather. Then, if you’d like, we can complete the necessary repairs quickly and efficiently! Contact our team for your free roof inspection today.

But for many homeowners, fall also comes with some much-needed roof maintenance. 

While roof maintenance probably isn’t something you look forward to all year, it is an important practice in ensuring your home is safe from unexpected, costly damages. As your trusted local roofing experts, we’ve combined all of our fall roof maintenance resources here to provide you with an ultimate guide for successful and rewarding roof maintenance this season.

Why Is Fall Roof Maintenance Important?

Regular roof maintenance is critical in preventing extensive damage that could result in injuries or costly repairs — and fall is the perfect time to get it done. The following articles give a general overview of the benefits of maintenance, especially during this season:

• 5 Reasons Why Regular Roof Maintenance Is So Important
• 7 Reasons Fall Is the Perfect Season to Replace Your Roof
• Fall Roof Maintenance Tips

How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Maintenance This Fall?

Even though roofs are built to last a long time, they’re not built to last forever. While your roof won’t need extensive maintenance every year, you should inspect it annually for any signs of damage and deterioration. Here are some helpful articles to help you know when your roof may need some attention:

• How Long Does a Roof Last?
• Is It Time to Replace Your Roof?

What Will My Fall Roof Maintenance Help With? 

The biggest thing fall roof maintenance will help you will is preparing your roof for winter. Cold winter conditions are never friendly to your roof, and it’s almost impossible to do any repairs while it’s icy and snowing, so you’re best off preparing ahead of time. Check out these articles about all the things fall roof maintenance can help prepare you for come wintertime:

• Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter
• Why Can’t I Get My Roof Installed in the Winter?
• 3 Reasons to Check Your Roof Insulation This Fall
• What to Do About Winter Roof Leaks
• What Are Ice Dams?
• Getting Your Gutters Ready for Winter
• Common Winter Roof Damages and How to Fix Them

How Can I Finance My Fall Roof Maintenance?

Roof repairs and replacements are no small investment. However, there are plenty of financing options available, so you’re able to choose the one that best fits your needs. Below, you’ll find a few helpful tips on how to figure out insurance and financing for various fall roof maintenance expenses:

• 5 Tips for Financing Roof Repair and Replacement
• FAQs About Home Insurance and Roof Repair
• FAQs About Home Insurance and Roof Replacement

Does your roof need some TLC this fall? Now is a great time to call Werner Roofing to get your home prepped for the winter season ahead. While the weather’s still warm, we’re doing roof repairs and replacements and can help you assess what your roof needs with a free estimate. Give our team a call to schedule your roof work today.

Many roofing experts recommend that you inspect your insulation at least once per year. Below, we’ll elaborate on why that’s important, and how to do it. 

Why Should I Check My Roof Insulation?

It’s important to check your roof insulation because it can help make your home more comfortable and prevent costly damages. Here are just a few things that properly functioning insulation can help with:

Preventing Ice Dams

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form on the edge of your roof. They’re formed by a combination of freezing temperatures, snow on your roof, and heat escaping from inside your home. They can cause a slew of problems because they prevent melting snow and other forms of precipitation from draining off your roof. 

The water that gets built up by these dams can leak into your home and cause extremely expensive damage, including mold, mildew and structural damage. The actual dams are also known to tear off gutters and loosen shingles. Roof insulation can help prevent these issues by trapping more heat within your home to combat the uncontrollable elements outdoors. 

Reducing Heat Loss

From chilly drafts to rooms that are colder than others, if you notice that your home’s temperature fluctuates quickly and dramatically, poor roof insulation is a likely culprit. In fact, roughly 25% of a home’s heat escapes from the attic or roof. 

An inspection can help you determine if your roof is underinsulated, or if it has a few pieces of insulation that are damaged and not functioning properly. Either way, once you figure out the problem, you can take steps toward fixing it and living life more comfortably. 

Increasing Energy Efficiency

Take a look at your home’s latest energy bills. Are they significantly higher than they have been in past years? It’s possible your roof insulation is old or damaged and in desperate need of replacement. 

Fully functioning, properly installed insulation prevents heat from escaping. This leads to a more energy-efficient roof and home, which makes living more comfortable and energy bills more affordable.

How Do I Check My Roof Insulation?

There are a few ways you can check for any malfunctions or damages within your roof insulation, including:

Performing a Touch Test

One basic way to measure your insulation’s performance is to do a simple touch test. When you touch your home’s interior ceilings, they should feel warm and dry. If they feel cold or damp, it’s likely your insulation isn’t working well. In contrast, if you touch your roof’s exterior, it should feel cold because your insulation is keeping the heat from escaping. 

Of course, this is not the most reliable test, so it’s recommended that you follow up with other tests and professional opinions to get a clearer understanding of what’s going on. 

Measuring the Insulation Levels

The quality and performance of roof insulation is determined by a measurement called its R-value, which tells you how well your insulation can keep heat from entering and escaping your home. 

In order to measure the R-value of your current insulation, you first need to identify which type of insulation you have: fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, vermiculite, or perlite. Then, you should measure the depth of the insulation material in inches. Finally, use the calculations below to determine the correct R-value for your insulation material and depth:

• Loose fiber fiberglass: 2.5 x depth
• Batts fiberglass: 3.2 x depth
• Rock wool: 2.8 x depth
• Cellulose: 3.7 x depth
• Vermiculite or perlite: 2.7 x depth

The total of your calculation is your R-value. Optimal R-values depend on the climate in which you live. In general, cooler climates need higher R-values than warmer ones, but there are many calculation tables and map resources available online to help you find exactly what you need.

Calling a Professional

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a professional to come to your house and check things out for you. They’ll know the type of insulation you have, what your R-value should be, and any reasons for improperly functioning insulation. They’ll also be able to provide the best advice to help fix your problem. 

Why Is Fall the Best Time to Check My Roof Insulation?

Now is the best time to get your roof inspected by a professional because proper roof insulation can help you avoid a lot of common winter roof problems. To get your roof prepared for winter weather, contact Werner Roofing. We’ll help maintain your roof and get it in shape to defend against ice dams, heavy snow, and cold temperatures.

But first, you need to know what you’re dealing with before you can deal with the damage they leave behind.

The Roof Pest Roster

The most common culprits that can invade your home and cause roof damage (as well as safety and health issues) include:

• Insects like ants, wasps, bees, and termites
• Birds
• Bats   
• Critters like chipmunks, squirrels, mice, and (gulp!) roof rats

6 Common Roof Pests And The Damage They Can Cause

1. Roof Rats & Mice – These roof pests don’t just give you the heebie-jeebies knowing they’re crawling around above you. They also chew through pretty much anything, including insulation, pipes, and electrical wires. This can be dangerous as it creates a fire hazard, and can kill rats or mice, leaving behind a dead animal odor — neither of which is exactly pleasant.. 
2. Chipmunks & Squirrels – With the ability to gnaw through shingles and sheathing, these critters can create holes in your roof, leaving it susceptible to further damage from the elements. Plus, once they cozy up inside your attic, be prepared for some pretty smelly stuff! Between the pungent odor of their urine which can penetrate your ceiling and the possibility of a squirrel dying and decaying, you will definitely have to plug your nose to say the least!
3. Birds – Though you may enjoy watching a variety of birds using baths or feeders in your yard when they decide to make your roof a home, things can get a lot less enjoyable. Bird droppings can eat away at roof shingles and sheathing, causing structural damage and leaks. They also like to build nests in gutters and vents which can lead to blockages, leaks, and water damage.
4. Bees & Wasps – No one wants these roof pests around for obvious reasons, but they pose more than just a possibility of being stung. All it takes is a small hole in your roof to invite bees and wasps to come on in and build a nest. Hives ultimately cause larger holes, hollow sections of your roof, and even structural damage due to the nest’s weight. In addition, hives can block vents causing not only water clog issues, but also concerns regarding proper and safe airflow. 
5. Termites – Perhaps the most destructive roof pest there is, termites love to eat wood, including the all-you-can-eat buffet of your roof decking, trusses, and rafters! Their appetite can quickly destroy the structural integrity of your roof, and if left to eat ‘til their hearts’ content, you could end up having to replace your roof all together.  
6. Bats – Besides the fact that bats can carry rabies and transfer the disease to humans by bite, bat droppings can result in an even larger hazard. Bat waste (called guano) carries a microscopic fungus that can become airborne, and when inhaled, resulting in a lung infection which may be mild, but can also be deadly. Needless to say, if you have these particular roof pests, you need to eradicate the problem immediately.   

What are Common Signs Roof Pests Have Arrived?

If you hear scurrying and scampering going on above you, it’s likely that chipmunks or squirrels, mice, or roof rats have invaded your home. You might also hear high-pitched sounds or even flapping wings which would indicate birds or bats have found their way in. 

Other obvious signs you’re dealing with roof pests include nests, droppings, gnawed items, and dead insects or rodents.  

How Can You Deal with these Common Roof Pests?

While in some circumstances an exterminator is necessary, there are a few things you can try without the risks to kids and pets that poison can pose. 

• Strategically placed mothballs around your attic and other areas of your home can repel some roof pests. For instance mothballs are actually toxic to roof rats, as well as bats. 
• Items with certain smells pests can’t stand can be used as repellents too, such as peppermint oil, ammonia, or hot pepper flakes. 
• There are plug-in devices that keep critters away by emitting a high-pitched sound, unnoticeable to humans, but definitely noticeable to the sensitive ears of unwanted animal guests. There are also contraptions out there that can allow pests to exit but not reenter. 
• You can also purchase traps or natural insecticides, or make a concoction of your own, such as a mixture of water, vinegar, peppermint oil, and dish soap which has been known to conquer wasp and bee problems. 
• Installing bright lights can deter bats, and placing faux hives and homes away from yours can make roof pests think twice before deciding on their ultimate location. 

There are a number of ways to get rid of roof pests, depending on the type of pest and the severity of your infestation. If you’re unsure what to do to remove the birds, bats, or rodents in your roof, it’s always a good idea to call a professional who can list all of the options available to you. 

What Attracts Roof Pests to Your Home?

The best way to keep roof pests out is to know what attracts them in the first place, and do your best to make your home inhospitable for them. 

The biggest attraction to any roof pest is an older roof, especially one that’s worn or in need of repair. This is like a beacon for roof pests to come and stay for a while! Insects and animals looking for a safe place to hang out or protect themselves from the elements love to make their way into your home and set up camp in your attic by way of cracks and holes in your roof. 

They can get in by chewing through damaged or rotting shingles and wood, causing even more destruction in their wake, and making your roof even more vulnerable for future damage (not to mention future unwanted guests!).

The best way to avoid roof pests from taking a liking to your roof and home is to ensure you perform regular roof inspections and fix any issues quickly. Staying on top of roof maintenance will allow you to discover possible problem areas and repair them before roof pests discover them too.  

4 Ways to Make Roof Pests Feel Unwelcome 

Besides regular roof care, there are a few things you can do to make your house less inviting to birds, bats, and other rodents: 

• Keep trees and other foliage near your home trimmed. This will help avoid creating shady areas on your roof that promote moss and mold — a roof pest’s idea of a welcome mat. 
• Make sure you clean your roof regularly to wash away bird droppings and nest-worthy debris.
• Reduce your home’s temptations by keeping your yard and garage clean and storing seed and fertilizer in tightly-sealed containers. 
• Enlist in the help of a roofing company for a thorough inspection.

Have Roof Damage from Pests? Werner Roofing Can Help You Deal

Have your unwanted roof guests caused damage to your home’s roof? Give Werner Roofing a call. We’re happy to assess the damage free of charge and make recommendations for how to repair it quickly and efficiently. In the war against roof pests, we always win!