As winter approaches, homeowners start to think about protecting their roofs from the harsh conditions that come with cold weather. Snow and ice can cause significant damage, especially when ice dams form, leading to leaks and other structural problems. You may have heard that metal skirting could be a solution to prevent ice buildup on your roof — but in reality, metal skirting can cause more harm than good.

Why Metal Skirting Is NOT The Best Choice

At East Fork Roofing, we advise against installing metal skirting to protect your roof from ice. While the idea behind metal skirting is to create a barrier to stop ice from penetrating the shingles, we’ve seen firsthand the problems it can cause. Metal skirting tends to push ice dams further up the roof, trapping water and ice higher up, which can lead to even more significant damage. This not only fails to solve the problem but can make it worse.

Here’s an example of the damage we frequently see due to metal skirting and the lack of snow removal:

Image of damage caused by metal skirting and ice dams.

The issue is that metal skirting doesn’t address the root cause of ice dams: poor drainage and insulation. Rather than solving the problem, it simply shifts the ice buildup to different parts of your roof.

The Importance Of Snow Rooftop Removal

One of the most effective ways to protect your roof from ice and snow damage is regular snow removal. When snow accumulates on your roof, it can lead to ice dam formation as the lower layers melt and refreeze. By removing snow before it has a chance to melt and refreeze, you can prevent ice dams from forming altogether.

At East Fork Roofing, we always recommend snow removal as your first line of defense against winter roof damage. Regular snow removal reduces the stress on your roof and minimizes the chance of leaks or structural damage from ice.

Heat Tape: A Smart Solution

While snow removal is essential, adding roofing heat tape can be another beneficial measure to protect your roof during the winter. Heat tape works by warming key areas of your roof, preventing snow from refreezing and ice dams from forming. Unlike metal skirting, heat tape actively stops the conditions that create ice dams, allowing snow to melt and drain off properly.

Installing heat tape along roof edges, valleys, and gutters can be a smart investment to prevent winter-related roof damage. Combined with snow removal, this approach provides comprehensive protection for your home.

Winter Is Coming: Is Your Roof Prepared?

Winter is on its way, and now is the time to prepare your roof for the cold months ahead. Here’s how you can make sure your roof is ready:

  1. Inspect Your Roof: Identify any potential weak spots or damage that could be worsened by winter weather.
  2. Schedule Regular Snow Removal: Prevent ice dams by keeping your roof clear of heavy snow buildup.
  3. Install Heat Tape: Heat tape systems can keep ice dams from forming by maintaining a consistent temperature in key areas of your roof.

By taking these steps, you’ll help ensure your roof is protected from the harsh effects of snow and ice during winter.

East Fork Roofing Has You Covered

Don’t wait until winter weather strikes to protect your roof. Reach out to East Fork Roofing for a consultation on effective winter protection strategies, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your roof is ready for the season ahead.

continue reading

Related Posts