Oak Forest Building Department Offers Roof Tips For Winter Weather

Press release from the City of Oak Forest:

The Oak Forest Building Department is aware that many residents are concerned about the snow load and ice damming on their roofs.

If you decide to hire a contractor to remove snow or ice from your roof, please remember to call the Building Department at 708-444-4817 to confirm that they are registered and their insurance is up-to-date. We can also email you a list of registered roofers.

It is important to remember that you should leave an inch or two of snow so as not to damage your shingles during the snow removal process.

ICY ROOFTOPS ARE VERY DANGEROUS, PLEASE DO SO WITH EXTREME CAUTION.

The CRCA Chicago Roofing Contractors Association shared more information about Winter Weather and Your Roof:

• Ice dams occur when the attic warm air melts the snow above. The snow melt runs down the roof to the unheated overhang soffit, then freezes. Water keeps coming from up above and backs up under the shingles as it hits the 'dam,' causing leaks.
• Remove snow above the ice dam with snow rakes and other similar tools. Never use a torch.
• Place ice melt compatible with the roof in fabric that can melt the ice dam.
• Roofs are dangerous to be on, even in good weather. Ladders can slip, roofs are slippery and falls from height cause serious injuries. Call a professional.

This press release was produced by the City of Oak Forest . The views expressed here are the author’s own.