Minneapolis Roofing Contractor Offers Winter Roofing Maintenance Tips

Nov. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- MINNEAPOLIS - Winter presents homeowners with challenges in maintaining their roof, and they must be aware of the issues and complications that can arise, said Chad Erickson, owner of Andover, Minn.-based Total Home Exteriors.

“You can anticipate what winter will bring, but it's nice to know you have a strong roof over you and your family's heads to protect you,” Erickson said. “So, it's important to make sure your roof stays in that condition.”

Erickson said depending on the location, winter can be hard on a home, from frozen pipes and fogged windows to the withered landscaping. “These are common issues,” Erickson said. “A damaged roof shouldn't be one of them.”

Erickson said ice dams are one of the most common issues during the wintertime, and to ensure roofs remain in optimum condition, homeowners need to clear them as soon as possible.

“You don't want clogged gutters and an overworking heating system,” Erickson said. “Snow will melt as it lands on your roof, thanks to your home's heat, but what doesn't drain from the gutters will freeze, causing ice damming.”

It's important homeowners regularly check their gutters during this time, Erickson said, as more problems can occur if careful attention isn't paid. “If ice becomes too heavy, your gutters can break,” Erickson noted. “Plus, if your roof isn't insulated properly, the melted snow can seep underneath shingles and leak into your home.”

Ice dams may be the most common issue, but condensation is another issue that affects Minnesota roofs during the cooler months. It occurs when warm, moist air hits a cold surface, and can cause shingles to loosen or become otherwise damaged.

“If you're suffering from condensation problems, you should have your roofing contractor address these issues,” Erickson said. “It's most likely the cause of ventilation problems.”

For more information on Total Home Exteriors, readers can visit http://www.totalhomeext.com.

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Total Home Exteriors is an Andover, Minn. based contractor that provides roofing, siding and replacement windows services. Online at http://www.totalhomeext.com.