The Dangers of Snow and Ice

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to face the fact that winter in Kansas City is here to stay. The Kansas City metro area is notorious for heavy, sporadic snowfall and sneaky ice storms. Whether your home sports trendy metal roofing, classic asphalt shingles, or a coveted tile roof, in Kansas City the damage done by snow and ice can be irreversible if your home is not adequately prepped for winter.Why It’s ImportantSnow and ice can be detrimental to your home’s overall health profile. Every home is susceptible to small cracks that are invisible to the naked eye. Water has a tendency to find these cracks and freeze in them during the winter months, enlarging the cracks to the point where they become opportunities for leaks, mold, and mildew growth.

The biggest threat arises when accumulated snow begins to melt. Aggravated cracks mixed with melting snow create the perfect recipe for disaster. Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid this setback, keeping your home safe (and dry) all winter long. What You Can Do To PrepareWhile you can’t control the weather, you can certainly take precautions to protect your home. Avoid ice storm damage cleanup in Kansas City with these simple strategies:

Eyeball the property: As the homeowner, it’s important to have an ongoing awareness of your roof health. Before winter strikes (or during a break from the snow), it’s a good idea to visually inspect your property for any obvious signs of damage. Cracked shingles or bent flashing on metal roofing systems – or any other type of roof – should be fixed immediately. Shifting gutter guards and obvious holes and gaps in the roof or gutters are also causes for alarm. These situations need to be repaired as soon as possible. You can also inspect the interior of your home, noting any watermarks or stains that may indicate a leaky roof.

Give the gutters a good cleaning: Clogged gutters are one of the most common reasons for snow and ice damage. Gutters are helpful in directing water (including melting snow) away from your home, but if your gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, their effectiveness is reduced. This makes your home more susceptible to standing water and the woes of winter storm damage.

Install snow guards: Roofing shingles in Kansas City will last longer if they’re protected by snow guards. Snow guards are a popular winterization technique used to avoid avalanche drops of accumulated snow that may force its way up under shingles if left too long. These handy gadgets work by gradually melting snow as it arrives. In this fashion, snow doesn’t accumulate en masse on your rooftop. This is helpful not only for your roof but also for the property below and people around your home.

Need Help Avoiding the Dangers of Snow and Ice This Winter? Shamrock Roofing Can Help!If you need assistance getting your roof winter-ready, look no further than Shamrock Roofing and Construction. Our experienced team of professionals is ready to help with all your winterization needs. From storm damage clean up in Kansas City to snow guard installation, we’ll help you get your house prepped for winter weather. Call today!