Indiana winters are usually mild. Unfortunately, every now and then, there will be days when the snowfall will be particularly high and the snow build-up on the roof will mean a call to your local storm damage repair company. This is where the advantages of steep roofs shine the most. High-pitched roofing systems are designed to allow snow to melt safely into your gutters, keeping the roof protected against water-damage in the winter.
Steep roofs offer plenty of advantages when it comes to snowy weather but even they have limitations. Let our roofing experts at Moss Roofing walk you through the important steps in how to keep your steep roofs safe during winter snowstorms.
The Importance of Gutters
With higher angles, steep roofs are meant to resist snow build-up. However, none of these will make a difference without a reliable gutter system installed by a reputable gutter company. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety requires residential roofs to be able to take on 20 pounds of snow for every square-foot before they show signs of distress. When melted, this can mean massive amounts of water flowing into your gutters and downspouts, which is why they have to be cleaned, well-maintained and reinforced with braces.
Commercial Flat Roofing Systems
Flat roofs face the biggest challenge every winter. Heavy snowfall can put any type of flat roofing system under immense stress and weight, which could lead to deterioration or even early failure. While most buildings have heating and ventilation systems that can prevent buildups before they become dangerous, they are still prone to damage during a storm. These types of roofs will need routine maintenance and snow-clearing services especially if you’re anticipating blizzard-level conditions.
Essential Winter Roof Preparation
Depending on your policy, you can usually file insurance roof claims for the damage snow causes on your roof. However, in most cases, claims like these will be approved if you have taken all necessary maintenance steps to prevent damage. This includes pre-winter inspections and gutter cleaning, snow removal and other relevant preventive measures.
At Moss Roofing, we can help you prepare your roof for the snow days ahead. Give us a call at (317) 784-3227 or fill out our contact form to schedule an inspection and get a free quote today. We serve the areas of Indianapolis, IN, as well as neighboring communities.