Protect Metal Roofing in El Paso From Desert Winters
Sitting in the far western corner of Texas and bordered by New Mexico and the Mexican border, El Paso is a desert climate with beautiful weather and comfortable temperatures throughout most of the year. However, winter storms do roll through western Texas dumping large amounts of rain and even a bit of snow and ice that can cause damage to metal roofing in El Paso. While metal roofs are built to be durable with excellent insulating properties, they still can get damaged and need extra care to prepare for the winter months.
Types of Potential Damage to Metal Roofing in El Paso
Roofs play a vital role in the protection and temperature control of residential and commercial buildings. Water that enters the structure through leaks or compromised seams can cause serious structural and property damage.
The following are examples of roof damage that winter weather can cause to metal roofs.
Roof Leaks: Water can get into the smallest gaps. In the colder winter months, it will freeze and expand. This can create more space for leaks and other costly damage to the home.
Leaky Ceilings: If a metal roof provides entry points for rainwater through its seams or damage. This leads to leaky ceilings and the strategic placement of buckets and pots to collect the water coming down through the roof and into the house.
Gutter Damage: Winter weather can also damage the gutters designed to lead water away from the roof and walls of the home. The weight of hard rain and accumulated ice and snow can cause major damage to gutters and prevent them from protecting the property.
Ice Dams: Rare snowfall in El Paso typically will melt quickly and can refreeze in lower sections of metal roofing when temperatures dip. This can create ice dams that restrict the proper flow of water, trapping it and backing up into the home.
Roof Collapse: In the most extreme cases of winter weather, the weight of water, ice, and snow on metal roofing can cause the roof to buckle or collapse. El Paso rarely if ever experiences enough snow heavy enough to collapse a roof, but large amounts of standing water that is left unattended for a long period of time can cause major structural damage.
Steps to Prepare Metal Roofing in El Paso For Winter
While El Paso experiences relatively mild winters compared to other parts of the country, powerful storms can result in leaks and other damage to roofs. The following are steps that can be taken to protect metal roofing in El Paso from the elements.
Get An Early Start
There is no time like the present to make sure metal roofs are secure and safe as winter approaches. Inspecting the roof and gutters for damage or gaps well before the temperature begins to dip allows time for repairs and maintenance. Gutters should be cleared of debris to permit clear passageways for rainwater and melted snow.
Avoid Letting Water, Snow Pile Up
Accumulated snow and standing water cause the majority of winter roof problems. Raking roofs of inches of snow is not a concern in southwestern Texas, but on those rare occasions when snow will stick around for any extended period of time, it is important to make sure it is not causing blockages or seeping through into the house. Puddles of rainwater collecting on the roof or in the gutters that is not addressed can lead to leaks and costly damage.
Have Metal Roofing Inspected by Professionals
The best way to ensure metal roofs are ready for the harshest of El Paso winters is to schedule a roof inspection with a professional roofing company specializing in the installation, repair, and maintenance of metal roofing. A pre-winter roof inspection can spot issues and potential problems. They can typically make needed repairs on the spot and offer professional advice and guidance for the proper care and maintenance of the roof to protect the home throughout the year.
Contact Roof Solutions and Construction Today
Roof Solutions and Construction is a full service roofing company providing a wide range of professional roofing services for residential and commercial properties. An impressive team of licensed and insured roofing contractors have years of experience installing and repairing metal roofing in El Paso from damage caused by rain, hail, and wind. To learn more about our professional roofing services, contact Roof Solutions and Construction and get a free estimate today.
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