Effective Methods to Protect Your Roof

Looking for ways to protect your roof? Whether you're a new homeowner, or have been living in your house for years, it's important to know the best way to do so. A damaged roof can lead to all sorts of problems, from water damage to mold growth, so it's essential to take the necessary steps to keep your roof in good condition. There are a number of different methods you can use to protect your roof, and we'll explore some of them in this post. Stay safe and dry on top of your house this winter - read on for more information about roof protection!

Natural elements that can harm your roof

There are a number of things that can harm your roof and cause damage, including:

• Rain: The water can go through the roof and cause problems in your house. It is also the biggest element that promotes mold growth.
• Hail: Hail can damage your roof. It can break windows and skylights but hail can also dent roofs and make them leak.
• Wind: Wind can loosen or break shingles and tiles. If the wind is strong enough, it can even peel back the roofing material itself, exposing the underlying structure to the elements.
• Snow and ice: When snow and ice melt, they can leak into your house through gaps in the roofing material. Melting snow and ice can also form pools of water on your roof, which can lead to leaks.
• Direct Sunlight: UV rays from the sun can fade roofing materials and cause them to break down over time.
• Trees: Overhanging branches can scratch or dent the roofing material. Fallen leaves can clog gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage. And if a tree falls on your house, it can cause serious damage to the roof.

Each of these elements can cause different types of damage, so it's essential to be aware of the dangers they pose. For example, hail can dent or crack your roof tiles, while strong winds can loosen or break them. Rain can seep into cracks and crevices, causing water damage, while snow and ice can cause the roof to collapse.

How to protect your roof from Hail and Snow

Use hail-resistant shingles on your roof

Hail-resistant shingles are designed to be more resistant to damage caused by hail and carry a UL2218 impact rating. While each shingle manufacturer creates a product that is a little different, these shingles are typically made with polymer-modified asphalt. This is asphalt with a polymer added to the shingle for increased performance.

Installing a hail-resistant roofing material like this can help protect your roof in hail storms. Hail can dent or crack your roof tiles, while strong winds can loosen or break them. Rain can seep into cracks and crevices, causing water damage, while snow and ice can cause the roof to collapse. But with these types of shingles installed, they optimally reduce the chance of these elements damaging your roof as they are made with impact-resistant materials that help absorb the force of hailstones, and they are often reinforced with steel or fiberglass to further add to their strength.

Hail resistant shingles can help you avoid costly repairs and replacements, and they can give you peace of mind knowing your home is better protected from the elements.

Reinforcing your roof with roof heat cables

This roof heat cable has been designed for the sole purpose of preventing the formation of ice dams on pitched roofs with non-combustible tab shingles and in metal or plastic gutters and downspouts.

Roof heat cables are designed to prevent ice dams from forming. They work best if you turn them on about an hour or two before the snow is expected to start falling. This helps warm the roof up so that the snow will melt immediately as it falls on it.

To use roof cables, run zigzags on the roof to create 15" wide triangles, running the cable from the overhang to the warm area of your roof. Secure the roof cable with brackets, affixed to each shingle where the roof cable bends. Run the end of the roof cable along the inside of your gutter and down the gutter's downspout. Plug it into a GFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.

Clearing snow from your roof regularly

Initially, snow on the roof isn't a bad thing but too much of it to a point that it will weigh down your roof is a completely different situation.

To avoid roof damage caused by snow, it is important to clear snow and ice from your roof regularly. If you don't, the weight of the snow and ice can cause the roof to collapse. You can use a shovel or a roof rake to remove the snow and ice.

Materials that can help protect your home's roof

Ice and Water Shield for Roof

There are many different types of ice and water shield for roof. Some of them are made from rubber, while others are made from plastic. There are also some that are made from metal. Basically, ice and water shield is a self-adhering leak barrier that is placed on the most vulnerable areas of your roof like along the eaves, valleys, around chimneys, and other penetrations on your roof to prevent leaks.

It is important to install ice and water shield correctly because if you don't, then it could cause damage to your roof. Make sure that you read the instructions before you begin so that you know what to do. If you are not sure about something, then you should ask someone who is knowledgeable about roofing to help you like Green Home Installations.

Roofing Felt and Tar Paper

Tar paper and roofing felt are somewhat similar in that they both shed water. It's a generic term and is sometimes used synonymously with roofing felt because they are used the same way. Tar paper is less wind and sun resistant than other underlayment systems.

These two are put between the roof deck and the shingles, which adds another layer of protection to your roof. These underlayments have a base made from natural materials like wood cellulose, or synthetics like fiberglass/polyester.

Things to consider when choosing roofing felt and tar paper:

1. The first is the type of material that you want to use. There are many different types of roofing felt, but the most common is asphalt-based felt. This type of felt is made from a mixture of asphalt and paper. It is very strong and durable, but it can be difficult to work with.
2. The second thing to consider is the thickness of the roofing felt. The thicker the felt, the more protection it will provide. However, thicker felt is also more difficult to install.
3. The third thing to consider is the color of the roofing felt. Most people choose black felt because it is less visible on the roof. However, white felt is also available.
4. The fourth thing to consider is the price of the roofing felt. Asphalt-based felt is the most expensive type of felt, but it is also the most durable. Paper-based felt is less expensive, but it does not last as long.

No matter what type of roofing felt you choose, make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. If you do not install the roofing felt correctly, it will not protect your roof properly. So if you're not sure what to do, you can contact Green Home Installations to help you.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a great choice for roofing materials because they are durable and easy to install. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, it is important to choose a type of shingle that can withstand the elements.

There are two main types of asphalt shingles: fiberglass and organic.

1. Fiberglass shingles are made of glass fibers and are coated with asphalt. They are lightweight and fire resistant. Organic shingles are made of paper or felt and are coated with asphalt. 
2. Organic asphalt shingles are heavier than fiberglass shingles and are not as fire resistant.

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are a type of roofing material or wood shingles. They are made from cedar wood and they protect your roof from the rain and the sun. Cedar is naturally insulating – providing up to twice the insulation as asphalt shingles! You'll be able to conserve heating and cooling energy and save on your bills. Cedar shingles and shakes resist heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, and other severe weather.

Cedar shakes roofing is also resistant to high winds and heavy rain damage. They also have a natural resistance to rot and insects, which helps to extend their lifespan.

Despite being worth more, cedar shingles are a great investment in your home. With a high quality and great looking material, on your roof, your curb appeal with increase. Cedar is highly valued by home value appraisers and future buyers as it is durable, looks great, and lasts longer normal shingles.

Slate Shingles

Slate is a natural stone that is found in several areas around the world. The most common type of slate used for roofing is black slate. It has a smooth, fine-grained surface that is easy to clean.

A roof out of slate tiles is something we like to call a ‘forever roof’ since homeowners will only need to put only one on in their lifetime, but a shingle roof may need to be replaced two or three times, and slate roofs are even sturdier compared to concrete tiles. Another benefit of slate roofing is its ability to increase the resale value of your home due to its natural beauty and durability. Slate is recognized as an elegant roofing material and will enhance the architectural style of your home and maintain the same appearance over the years.

Other benefits of slate roofing include its natural ability to be fire resistant and mold resistant and slate’s low water absorption makes it very resistant to frost damage and breakage due to freezing.

Cool Roofs

A cool roof is a type of roof coating that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. Cool roofs can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, asphalt, tile, and white or light-colored membranes.

Cool roofs are becoming increasingly popular in hot climates because they can help reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort. In addition, a cool roof coating can help extend the life of your roof by reducing the amount of heat and ultraviolet (UV) light that can damage roofing materials.

So if you're planning to install this coating on your new roof, costs will vary greatly depending on location and local circumstances, cool roof coatings on a low-slope roof might cost $0.75–$1.50 per square foot.

Important tips to remember to protect your roof further

1. Inspect your roof for damage and wear: Look for any missing or damaged shingles, and repair or replace them as needed. Make sure that your roof is properly ventilated, and check for any signs of water infiltration. If you notice any problems with your roof, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
2. Trim trees and shrubs around your home: Overhanging branches can damage your roof during a storm, so it's important to keep them trimmed back. Regularly check for any dead or dying branches that could fall and cause damage to your roof.
3. Seal your roof with a waterproof sealant every few years: Sealing also helps to extend the life of your roof and is a relatively inexpensive way to keep your home protected. Make sure to select a quality sealant that is specifically designed for roofs. Apply the sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions, and be sure to cover all areas of the roof. Sealants should be reapplied every few years, or as needed.
4. Snow shovel off the roof after a big storm to avoid weight damage: One important way to protect your roof is to shovel the big amount of snow that it accumulated. This will help to prevent the weight of the snow from causing damage to your roofing materials. Be careful when shoveling the snow off of your roof. Make sure that you use a sturdy ladder, and take your time so that you don't slip and fall. Try to remove the snow in small batches, so that it's not too heavy for you to handle. And be sure to avoid standing on the edge of your roof while you're shoveling. It's also important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and to take steps to protect your roof before a big storm hits. If possible, try to clear any snow or ice from your roof before it has a chance to accumulate.
5. Do not walk on the roof unless absolutely necessary: Walk on the roof only if it is absolutely necessary. Roofs are not meant to be walked on, and doing so can cause serious damage. If there is a problem with your roof that you need to address, try to find another way to do it. If you must walk on the roof, be sure to use a sturdy ladder, and take your time so that you don't slip and fall. Try to avoid standing on the edge of your roof while you're walking.
6. Choose a qualified roofing contractor for any repairs or replacement needs: When it comes time to repair or replace your roof, it is important to choose a qualified roofing contractor. Make sure to research several different contractors before making a decision. Ask for referrals from friends and family, and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against them. They must be experts in using different roofing materials and will surely not damage your roof decking so you can be assured that you will receive that wanted protection for your family.

It is important to trust your gut when it comes to choosing a roofing contractor. If something doesn't feel right, go with your instincts and move to someone else.

We hope that we were able to help you think of solutions on how to protect your roof.

We know that a lot of people often neglect their roofs because they are not easily visible and they do not think about it until there is a problem. But, we want to help you take preventive measures so that you will not have to deal with a leaky or damaged roof in the future.

You can contact us through email or call for questions and roof repair and installation services. We would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.