Q. How can ice dams be reduced or removed?
A. Remove as much snow as possible, but call a professional roofing contractor if your roof is steep, the snow is deep or the ice is thick. Hodges Roofing does not recommend using ice picks or shovels (or any tool with sharp edges) because there is a chance of damaging roof coverings and flashings. Hodges Roofing also does not recommend hosing down a roof with water or use of a hot air gun. Electric heat cables generally have limited effectiveness.
Q. Can ice damming and backup occur without gutters?
A. Yes, and it is more probable for roofs with lower slopes, especially in valleys and upslope from curbs, chimneys and penetrations.
Q. I want to use melting pellets to melt the snow on my roof. Will it harm the asphalt shingles?
A. Generally, chemical melting compounds do not reduce the overall expected service life span of asphalt shingles. Staining may occur until all the residue is washed away. Calcium or magnesium chloride pellets are less harsh and stain less than sodium chloride.
Q. How do I clean algae and moss from my asphalt shingle roof?
A. Use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and water or mild detergent gently applied with a sponge or hand-held sprayer and rinse thoroughly. Do not use a power washer or high concentrations of bleach, and do not scrub the shingle surface.
When you have questions about roofing including residential roofing maintenance, give Hodges Roofing a call. We are experts in insuring you have the best roofing system to protect your most valuable asset. Hodges Roofing & Construction – Winston Salem, NC.
