5 Ways to Make Your Flat Roof Winter-Ready

by | Nov 29, 2022 | Blog

As winter approaches, you should prepare for the cold season before it hits. Now is the time to winterize your car, break out the winter clothes, and keep your snow shovel handy. If you’re not sure how you can make your flat roof winter-ready, keep reading.

Snowfall can cause significant issues for a flat roof because these structures accumulate a lot of snow. The last thing you want to see in winter is your home or carport roof collapsing after a heavy snow because you didn’t prepare it correctly.

If you want to ensure that your home is ready for the worst winter has to offer, our team here at AWS Roofing is here to help. Here are five ways to keep your flat roof one step ahead of winter.

1. Keep Your Roof Snow-Free

Our first tip is likely the most evident suggestion—but also the most crucial. Keep your roof clear of snow whenever you can. You can’t always stay ahead of the snow, but it’s best to stop it from accumulating on your roof as often as possible.

It’s dangerous to stand on a roof, especially after it has already snown. Instead, take a shovel, a snow rake, or a broom and stand on the ground, knocking off as much snow as possible.

Here are just a few benefits of keeping your roof snow-free:

  • Decreases weight
  • Prevents heat loss
  • Reduces water when ice melts
  • Prevents snow accumulation

It may not seem like much, but keeping your roof as clear as you can is an important step to take during winter.

2. Schedule a Roof Inspection Before Winter Hits

If you aren’t sure if your flat roof is winter-ready, it’s good to get a professional’s opinion. A licensed inspector or contractor can inspect your roof and offer any changes it may need ahead of winter. This way, you can take the necessary steps to secure your roof.

A certified inspector will make sure that your waterproofing, draining, and roof’s overall stability are in order. In the long run, proper inspections save you money and prevent any significant issues with your roof.

You may want to consider getting an inspection after the winter as well. This way, you can deal with any damage that may have occurred over the cold season.

3. Keep Your Roof Insulated

It’s easy to forget that snow is simply rain that hasn’t melted yet. A sloped roof includes attic space to prevent the home’s heat from melting the snow. With a flat roof, your attic insulation serves that purpose, so it’s crucial to keep your layer of insulation in good condition.

To prevent leaks and ice dams, follow these steps to insulate your roof:

  1. Place rigid foam insulation directly under your flat roof
  2. Add fiberglass insulation fibers for an extra heat-absorbing layer
  3. Invest in a system to heat and de-ice your roof

4. Trim Your Trees

Snow buildup puts pressure on everything, not just your roof. Trees accumulate a lot of snow during winter and often lose heavy branches. If you have any trees near your home, it may be wise to trim them back before winter.

Even if a branch doesn’t fall on your building, snow from the tree will inevitably put extra snow on the roof. Trimming large trees around your house is always a good rule of thumb, but it’s especially needed ahead of winter.

5. Clean Gutters and Drains

Once the snow melts, your gutters and drains will take on a lot of water. Before the first winter snow comes, you’ll want to clear your drains of any blockages to confirm that all the excess water can flow off your roof.

It’s particularly important to clear drains before winter considering fall has just passed. There’s no better time to clear your drain once all the leaves have fallen off for the year. You certainly don’t want that buildup when the snow starts to melt.

A Roof That Can Last

Perhaps the best way to have a roof that’s ready for the winter is to have an expertly installed, top-quality roof. And here at AWS Roofing, that’s what we provide.

A roof that can survive the winter months is invaluable, so let us help you make it a reality. AWS Roofing has provided the best roofing installation to the Edgewater and Daytona area for over 30 years. Call us at (386) 200-6690 for a free estimate and make sure your flat roof is winter-ready for years to come.

Contact Us

Address

875 W. Park Ave
Edgewater, FL 32132

Email

info@awsroofing.com

Call Us

Call: (386) 423-3076