Roofing Tips, Snow Removal Advice, and More

Roofing Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Roof in Peak Condition Year-Round

Your roof works hard—shielding your family, protecting your belongings, and boosting your home’s curb appeal. But even the toughest roofing system needs a little TLC to perform its best. Follow these proven maintenance tips to extend your roof’s life span, reduce costly repairs, and safeguard your biggest investment.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection Twice a Year

• Spring Check-Up: Winter snow, ice, and freeze–thaw cycles can loosen shingles and flashings. Have a licensed roofer look for cracked, slipped, or missing materials.
• Fall Tune-Up: Before harsh weather arrives, confirm that all shingles, seams, and sealants are intact and that gutters are clear for winter runoff.

Pro Tip: Pair each inspection with a routine gutter cleaning to remove leaves, twigs, and granules that accelerate shingle wear.

2. Keep Gutters Clean and Free-Flowing

Clogged gutters allow water to back up beneath shingles and along fascia boards, leading to leaks and wood rot.

1. Remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop.
2. Flush downspouts with a garden hose.
3. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize future buildup.

3. Trim Overhanging Branches

Trees enhance a property’s beauty, but long limbs can:

• Scratch shingle surfaces in high winds.
• Drop leaves that trap moisture.
• Provide easy access for squirrels that chew through decking.

Maintain at least 6–10 feet of clearance between branches and roof surfaces.

4. Address Moss and Algae Early

Dark streaks or green patches signal algae or moss growth, which holds moisture against shingles and accelerates deterioration.

• Apply a zinc- or copper-based roof cleaner per manufacturer instructions.
• After treatment, gently rinse from the ridge downward (never power-wash asphalt shingles).
• Install a zinc or copper strip near the ridge to inhibit regrowth.

5. Check Interior Ceilings and Attic Spaces

Discoloration, mildew odor, or damp insulation often reveal hidden leaks. If you spot trouble:

• Trace water stains upward to the nearest roof penetration (vent, chimney, skylight).
• Seal small gaps with roofing sealant, but call a professional if damage is extensive.

6. Inspect and Maintain Flashings

Metal flashings around chimneys, vents, and valley joints are common leak points. Look for:

• Loose fasteners or lifted edges.
• Dried or cracked sealant that needs resealing.
• Corrosion on metal surfaces.

Replace damaged sections promptly to keep water out.

7. Keep Your Attic Ventilated and Insulated

Balanced ventilation reduces heat and moisture buildup that can warp decking and shorten shingle life. Aim for:

• Intake vents at the eaves/soffits.
• Exhaust vents near the ridge.

Combine proper airflow with R-49 insulation (zone dependent) to prevent ice dams and lower energy costs.

8. Act Quickly After Severe Weather

Hail, high winds, or heavy snowfall can compromise even newer roofs. After a storm:

1. Walk your property (binoculars help) to spot missing shingles or debris.
2. Photograph any damage for insurance records.
3. Schedule an emergency inspection if you suspect leaks or structural harm.

Snow Removal Safety Tips: Protect Your Roof, Property, and Yourself

Snow and ice can turn a winter wonderland into a costly hazard if you’re not prepared. Follow these snow-removal safety tips to keep your roof intact, your walkways clear, and your family safe all season long.

1. Know Your Roof’s Snow Load Limit

Every roof has a maximum weight it can support before structural damage occurs. In Utah, wet snow can weigh 15–20 lb per cubic foot. If snow depth exceeds 12–18 inches on a flat or low-slope roof, schedule professional removal.

2. Use the Right Tools

• Telescoping Roof Rake: Clears snow from the ground without damaging shingles.
• Plastic Shovel: Lighter than metal and less likely to scrape roofing materials.
• Calcium Chloride Ice Melt: Safer for shingles than rock salt (never use sodium chloride on roofs).

3. Dress for Safety and Traction

Wear insulated, non-slip boots, waterproof gloves, and layered clothing. Add a safety harness if you must work on the roof, and secure the line to a stable anchor point.

4. Clear Walkways Before the Roof

Always shovel driveways, paths, and entryways first so falling snow or ice from the roof doesn’t pile onto areas you’ve already cleared. Sprinkle ice melt after shoveling to prevent refreeze.

5. Prevent Ice Dams Early

Ice dams form when heat escapes from the attic, melting snow that refreezes near the eaves. Reduce the risk by:

• Keeping attic insulation to R-49 or higher.
• Ensuring intake and exhaust vents are unobstructed.
• Installing heat cables along problem edges if needed.

6. Practice Ladder Safety

If you must climb, set the ladder on level ground, secure the base, and maintain a 4:1 angle (1 ft out for every 4 ft up). Always keep three points of contact and have a spotter present.

7. Know When to Call the Pros

Steep-pitch roofs, heavy drifts, and stubborn ice dams call for professional equipment and experience. Attempting DIY removal in these situations can lead to injuries and costly roof damage.

Benefits of Snow Melting Systems: Protect Your Roof, Walkways & Peace of Mind

Tired of shoveling snow, battling ice dams, or worrying about slick sidewalks every winter? A professionally installed snow-melting system can keep your roof, driveway, and walkways clear—automatically. Below, we break down the key benefits and why more Utah homeowners and businesses are making the switch.

1. What Exactly Is a Snow-Melting System?

A snow-melting system is an electric or hydronic (warm-water) heating network installed beneath roofing materials, driveways, sidewalks, or patio pavers. Thermostats and moisture sensors activate the system only when conditions demand it—melting snow before it accumulates and preventing ice formation altogether.

2. Eliminate Ice Dams & Roof Damage

When attic heat melts rooftop snow, runoff can refreeze at the eaves and create ice dams that force water under shingles. Snow-melting cables maintain a consistent roof edge temperature, allowing melted snow to flow safely into gutters instead of backing up beneath the shingles.

3. Enhance Safety on Walkways & Driveways

Slip-and-fall accidents spike when packed snow turns to black ice. Heated driveways and sidewalks automatically melt precipitation on contact, ensuring a safe, dry surface for family, visitors, and delivery personnel—without constant shoveling or salt.

4. Cut Down on Labor & Maintenance Costs

• No more early-morning shoveling sessions or hiring plow services after every storm.
• Reduced need for corrosive ice-melt products that can damage concrete, landscaping, and interior floors.
• Less wear on roofing materials because snow and ice never accumulate in the first place.

5. Efficient, Sensor-Driven Operation

Modern systems pair pavement or roof-mounted moisture sensors with outdoor thermostats, activating heat only when both snow/ice and sub-freezing temperatures are detected. This targeted control keeps operating costs low—often pennies per square foot per snow event.

6. Eco-Friendly Advantages

By minimizing salt and chemical de-icers, snow-melting systems reduce runoff pollution and protect adjacent soil, plants, and groundwater. They also lessen emissions from gas-powered snow blowers and plow trucks.

7. Boost Property Value & Curb Appeal

A clear roofline, ice-free gutters, and pristine walkways make a powerful first impression on buyers or tenants. Heated driveways also prevent the freeze-thaw cracks common in concrete and asphalt, preserving your hardscape investment.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Home or Business

A new roof is a major investment—one that should deliver decades of protection, energy savings, and curb appeal. With so many options on the market, how do you select the best material for your needs and budget? Use this guide to compare key factors and make a confident decision.

1. Consider Your Climate

Utah’s hot summers, frigid winters, and dramatic freeze–thaw cycles demand a material that can handle temperature swings:

• Metal: Reflects solar heat, sheds snow quickly, and resists ice dam damage.
• Architectural Shingles: Improved wind ratings and UV protection over 3-tab shingles.
• EPDM / TPO (flat roofs): Flexible membranes tolerate thermal expansion and contraction.

2. Balance Longevity and Budget

Up-front price often correlates with life span. Compare expected service life against cost per square foot:

3. Match Style and Curb Appeal

Your roof should complement the architecture of your property:

• Contemporary homes: Standing-seam metal or single-ply membrane on low-slope sections.
• Traditional homes: Architectural shingles or composite shake for texture and depth.
• Luxury estates: Slate, clay tile, or metal shingles for distinctive character.

4. Evaluate Energy Efficiency

“Cool roof” coatings and reflective metal finishes can lower attic temperatures by up to 50 °F, cutting summer cooling costs. In snowy regions, dark asphalt absorbs heat to accelerate melt—potentially preventing ice dams.

5. Factor in Maintenance Requirements

• Metal and slate: Minimal upkeep—routine inspections and occasional fastener/sealant checks.
• Asphalt shingles: Clear debris, repair damaged tabs, and maintain gutters.
• Flat roofs (EPDM/TPO): Annual membrane inspection, seam reseal as needed.

6. Don’t Forget Environmental Impact

Many metal roofs contain up to 40 % recycled steel and are fully recyclable at end-of-life. Asphalt shingles are being recycled into road asphalt in select markets. Composite/slate alternatives offer lighter weight and lower shipping emissions versus natural stone.

7. Consult a Roofing Professional

A certified roofer can:

• Evaluate structural load limits for heavier options like tile or slate.
• Provide local code and HOA compliance guidance.
• Offer sample boards to visualize color and texture against your exterior.