Sunday, November 10, 2013

Safely Clear Snow Off Your Roof

By Jim Thorpe


Choosing roofing material is like choosing a movie experience. There are pros and cons to each option and there will always be a slight gamble to which ever option you choose. Roofing debates between steel roofing and traditional shingles pretty much revolve around three issues: quality, cost, and appearance. The same goes for movies.

Snow, though light and fluffy in appearance, is actually incredibly heavy. All that snow built up on the top of your house can put a strain on the roof and even cause collapses. Houses built prior to the 1970s are especially vulnerable to cave-ins.

Even newer homes are prone to other dangers. Built up snow can slide off roofs in large chunks, in effect creating a miniature avalanche. People caught standing outside at the wrong time have been killed by such events. Here are a few tips for dealing with your snow-topped time bomb.

First, don't play like Santa and think you belong up on the roof. This is the most dangerous method of clearing your roof of snow. One misstep and down you go. Or, your added weight could (like Santa's sleigh) be the breaking point for you roof.

Thousands of Americans fall off their roofs each year while putting up Christmas lights, and the beauty of the season is definitely decreased by these tragic occurrences. Staying safe while on a rooftop, whether clearing off snow, or putting up lights, is an important part of keeping the holiday season wonderful.

Movie fanatics and popcorn addicts would affirm the same about their IMAX evening out. In the end, you might pay big upfront for a long lasting steel roof, or pay later to fix holes and leaks. So think - would you rather have one grand expense, or let the rental fees build up. For those unsure of where their allegiance lies (pocketbook or experience) the choice might be a little more difficult to make.

Perhaps the third issue can help seal the deal. Appearance, shallow though it may be, can be a big, determining factor. A corrugated steel roof is nice and shiny, but it might be a little too harsh for some people's taste.

Lastly, there are a few things to remember to do throughout the year that can help reduce damage from built up snow on your roof. Be sure to clear out your gutters. If the gutters are clogged, melting snow won't be able to drain and can cause ice dams on your roof, which can damage your singles and leak indoors. When the first snows start to come, clean off your roof regularly and make sure your gutters aren't freezing over.

By following these simple suggestions, you should be able to enjoy a beautiful, safe holiday season, without the fear of Santa and his sleigh ending up in your living room in a cold, snowy flurry.




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