Since the start of January, the National Weather Service (NWS) has been issuing alerts in parts of North Carolina where conditions involving snow and frigid weather have reached critical levels. The NWS has issued a wind-chill alert for Forsyth, Guilford, Davidson, Surry, Stokes, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Davie counties. The Winston-Salem Journal, in an article published on January 6, 2014, states that:
“An arctic air mass is bulldozing into the Southeast, resulting in strong winds and producing bitterly cold wind chills,” said Dave Wert, a weather-service meteorologist in Blacksburg, Va. “It will be the coldest air we have experienced in many locations in the past couple of decades.”
“In the Triad, temperatures will fall into the teens and single digits later today. There is no chance of freezing rain or snow today in Forsyth and Guilford counties, said Brandon Locklear, a weather-service meteorologist in Raleigh.”
Once the heavy snows and frigid weather conditions have subsided in parts of North Carolina, homeowners should have their roofs inspected by licensed Winston-Salem roofers. More importantly, they should have their snow-covered roofs cleared of ice dams as soon as possible to prevent severe damages and roof collapses. When ice and snow accumulate on roofs, their increasing weight can lead to roof collapses.
At least six inches of snow can significantly damage residential roofing. Research conducted by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) indicates that about $1 of every $5 paid for home and business property losses in recent years have resulted from damages due to frigid weather conditions, as well as snow and water leaks. While fresh snow is two to three times lighter than old snow, when new snow piles on top of much older snow, it could increase the risk of roof collapses.
Fortunately, certain measures can minimize or even do away with these risks during the winter months. Before winter sets in, homeowners are advised to have their roof valleys and gutters cleared of debris. Additionally, any cracks and openings in the roof foundation will need caulking, and downspouts should be inspected to ensure that they carry water at least five feet away from foundation walls.
Homeowners who want to safeguard their roofing in Winston-Salem, NC, from the ravages of freezing temperatures should contact fully licensed and insured roofing contractors, such as Cooley Roofing, for proper assessments and repairs.
(Article Information and Image from Frigid weather arrives in the Triad, Northwest North Carolina; Winston-Salem Journal; January 6, 2014)
