Winter Proof Your Home: A Guide to Roof Care

Sponsored By Kamco Roofing

Specializing in commercial and residential roofing, Kamco offers quality workmanship and uses only the best materials.

Created By Brownstoner

As winter nears, Brooklyn homeowners face a choice: Fix roof problems now or risk pricey emergency repairs during the worst weather. Knowing what to look for on your roof can help you choose between basic upkeep and full replacement.

Brownstone roofs have their own set of challenges. Their key parts – parapet walls, vents, and skylights – create many spots where water can seep in. These old buildings, while beautiful, need careful watching to stop winter damage.

Kamco Restoration says to watch these trouble spots:

• Areas where water pools or backs up
• Openings around skylights
• Vent pipes and collars
• AC unit connections
• Corners where walls meet
• Drainage areas and gutters
• Spots where snow piles up

Winter damage follows clear patterns. First comes ice damming along edges, where melting and refreezing snow creates barriers. These force water under shingles and flashing. Next, freeze-thaw cycles work on small cracks, slowly widening them. By late winter, trapped moisture can rot wooden supports and seep into walls. Even tiny gaps around vents can let in enough snow to cause ceiling stains by spring.

Getting your roof checked every three to five years can help it last 15 to 20 years – saving you money over having to replace it early. This care is most important before winter hits. Once snow falls, it can work its way into tiny cracks, creating leaks that you can’t fix until spring.

A word of warning about silicone coatings: While they might seem like a cheap fix, they often backfire badly. Many owners who try silicone coatings end up needing a complete roof replacement – making the “cheap” fix much more expensive in the long run.

For owners weighing upkeep versus replacement, here’s a key fact: A well-kept flat roof usually lasts 20 years, depending on weather and regular care. But skipping maintenance can cut this time short and lead to those costly winter emergencies.

When should you check your roof? Right now, before winter sets in. While you can look for obvious problems yourself, having a pro check your roof helps catch small issues before they become big ones – often saving thousands in emergency fixes.

Kamco Restoration Group is a family owned and operated business since 1992. For more information, visit the Kamco website.

[Photos by Susan De Vries]