A damaged roof can put a dent in your upcoming holiday celebrations. Instead of enjoying the festive season, you could find yourself mired in costly repair bills and lengthy roof improvement projects. Use these suggestions to protect the flat roof on your home from damage during the holidays.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Before you deck out your home with holiday decorations, schedule a professional roofing inspection. This inspection will identify issues, such as loose or damaged shingles or clogged gutters, that could become larger problems later. It also helps ensure your roof can withstand weather elements like snow and high winds.

Clear Leaves and Other Debris

Clear leaves and other debris on your roof before winter starts. A clean roof helps prevent ice dams that can lead to pools of water and water damage on your roof. Remember to clean out the gutters and downspout to ensure water will drain off the roof properly.

Install Gutter Guards

Consider installing gutter guards or mesh screens over the gutters. These guards filter large debris like leaves and pine needles that can clog the gutters and downspout. They also help prevent ice dams.

Use Clip-On Holiday Decorations

Avoid using nails, screws, and staples that will puncture the shingles on your roof when decorating your home. Instead, use magnetic hooks or plastic clips to hang your outside holiday decorations.

Likewise, do not overload the roof when decorating. Flat roofs typically cannot handle as much weight as other types of roofs. Place large displays like heavy inflatables and light displays in other locations, such as your front yard or on the porch.

Avoid Heating Your Roof

Ensure the lights you hang on the roof will not become overly hot and are designed for outdoor use. Consider using LED lights that do not get as hot as traditional options. Avoid overloading the outlets and using numerous extension cords that can overheat and start a fire.

Remove Snow Buildup Promptly

Remove snow buildup on the roof as promptly as possible. Use equipment like a roof rake to clear the roof during winter. Wet snow in particular can stress and damage the roof because of its weight.

Ventilate and Insulate the Attic

Your first intuition might be to keep the attic in your home warm to protect your flat roof. However, a warm attic can actually lead to the formation of ice dams.

Instead, insulate the attic to keep heat inside your home. Use proper ventilation in the attic, such as soffit or ridge vents, that allow cold air to circulate and maintain a temperature similar to the outdoor temperature in the attic.

These tips help you protect your flat roof. Contact Bachman’s Roofing for flat roofing services in Allentown, PA.