During a snowstorm, the last thing that you want to worry about is your landscaping and the exterior of your home. However, the weight of snow on your roof can cause serious damage to your home, especially when there are inches and inches of wet snow piling up. Proper grounds maintenance can take some strain off of your roof, but how else can you prevent roof collapse during a snowstorm?
Get Your Roof Ready
- Have your roof inspected to make sure that there are no signs of damage or aging. You should check for lifted, missing, broken or curled shingles. If there is sagging near the ridges or anything that seems out of the ordinary, you should always take it seriously. Have any roof damage repaired as soon as possible to avoid collapse or serious damage.
- Ensure that all trees hanging over your home are properly trimmed. JFC Grounds Maintenance can inspect trees around your home and check for diseased, dead or rotten branches that can be removed before the weight of snow potentially breaks them. The weight of a fallen tree branch on top of snow could dramatically increase the chances of roof collapse, so take your grounds maintenance seriously.
- Check your downspouts and gutters and make sure they are attached to your home and free from yard debris and leaves. When the snow on your roof starts to melt, your gutters will need to be able to accommodate the heavy flow of water. Preparation in advance is key to preventing a roof collapse.
- Have a snow rake ready during the snowstorm to safely remove ice and snow from the roof during the storm. When you use a snow rake during a snowstorm, never try to get the entire surface area of the roof free from snow. Instead, focus on looser and less-packed snow on the edge of the roof. Only use a snow rake when you are standing on the ground and never use it on a ladder.
Snow Removal from JFC Grounds Maintenance
Ready to take better care of your lawn and landscape? Want an easier way to complete snow removal this winter? Give JFC Grounds Maintenance a call at (410) 655-2887.