Winter weather brings some big challenges with it when it comes to keeping a conservatory-style roof in good condition. Winter ice and snow that builds up on roof windows or skylights can cause moisture damage to the wood parts of conservatories and rooftops. The weight of the snow and ice on the roof of a building, sometimes known as an ice dam, can also cause damage through sheer weight, especially if there are enough snow and ice to cause gutters to back up. When the snow and ice melt, moisture may damage the roof and condensation could seep inside the building through the windows.
To prevent this from happening, there are several steps that you can take. By following Winter Conservatory Maintenance Checklist for skylights and roof windows, you can minimize the impact of cold weather and prevent winter storms of ice and snow from wreaking havoc on your residential or commercial rooftop.
1. Repair Leaks. Even minor leaks that may not seem like a huge issue can be the first sign that the integrity of your roof or skylight has been compromised. If you see any kind of leaks or moisture building up inside of your home or building, it is a sign that the weather is impacting the integrity of the structure: you must repair the leak as soon as possible.
2. Keep Gutters Clear. Your home or conservatory’s gutters are critical for making sure that rain and melted ice can flow properly away from the building. If your gutters are backed up or clogged, rain and melting ice and snow can cause foundation damage to your home. Clear gutters will help make sure ice dams eventually melt safely off your roof or skylight.
3. Inspect Roof Window Seals. The seals around your roof windows are what determine whether or not moisture and snow enter the building. For this reason, it is important that your roof seals are strong enough to keep your building safe from ice and snow from melting down into your home or conservatory.
4. Keep Warm Air Flowing? Whether you have an ice dam built up on a home or other kind of building with space above the ceiling, it is important that warm air is allowed to move and does not become trapped right under the roof. This can cause snow and ice to melt, exacerbating the problems caused by an ice dam.
5. Remove Snow and Ice From the Roof. If it is feasible, another excellent solution for preventing damage to your roof during the winter is manually removing accumulations of ice and snow. This way, you will know for sure that the ice dam will not melt and cause moisture damage to your building.
6. Keep Paint and Varnish Fresh. All coatings of paint and varnish on your wood need to be in good condition to stop the wood on your roof or skylight from sustaining damage. If the wood gets compromised, ice and snow could leak into the building this way.
With the right steps taken and an understanding of the dangers of cold weather precipitation to conservatories, glass rooftops, and skylights, it is possible to protect your home or building from the elements by minimizing ice and snow damage.