Keeping your roof in good shape is a year-round effort. During the winter months it’s especially vital to pay attention to your roof upkeep. This is when it will be tested the most – as inclement weather progresses. If you are looking to spend a worry-free winter then the first thing you need to do is maintain your rooftop before the temperature drops for good. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and will prepare your roof to face the bleak temperatures ahead.
Examine Your Shingles
A loose shingle is an open invitation to damage by gusty winds, rain, snow, and even UV rays. To stop further destruction, an annual check of your shingles will save you from severe damage.
While a compromised shingle is not a big threat on its own, just a single piece loose can start a whole chain of menace. If you see warped roofing, immediately replace the shingles or perform a quick reroofing to deal with the upcoming wild weather.
Ward off Debris
You may be busy enjoying the fall season and feeling heavenly, but what happens to those leftover leaves that haven’t been properly disposed of is nothing less than a nightmare. They are to blame for clogged gutters and downspouts. Not only do these clogged gutters obstruct the water to drain properly but they create moisture that can harm your home interior.
So make sure your roof, gutters, flashing, and downspouts are clean of debris and other filth that accumulates there. You can use a broom to eliminate the piled-up leaves or a leaf guard works just well.
Keep Gutters Clear
Check your gutters for any symptoms of ice dams on a regular basis. If you find icicles hanging from the gutters, you have a buildup that is obstructing the drainage system. The hitch is that if your gutters get clogged with ice and debris, they will become too heavy and potentially cause structural damage. Imagine the expensive bills coming along when your gutter ruptures or pulls away from your home!
Remove Ice & Snow Frequently
Ice and snow can create a picture-perfect scene that feels like it’s straight out of a fairyland. But beneath this idyllic scene, a not very beautiful result lies in wait. If left to sit for long, the melting and refreezing process can cause significant damage.
In this process, the ice or snow thaws and freezes again, resulting in the formation of dams in or near the gutters. Meanwhile, the meltwater that has backed up might weaken your shingles or perhaps cause a dribble that leaks into the walls of your home. That’s why it’s imperative that you remove any ice and snow before it damages anything.
Remediate Flashing
While addressing all the possible flaws of your home prior to the full onslaught of winter, don’t forget to remediate flashing. You might have installed it in previous years, but there are chances of distorted flashing appearing again as the year progresses.
If it’s broken, try to fix it as quickly as possible. Snow, ice, and other precipitation might easily infiltrate your roof due to poor flashing. If there’s surplus moisture that has rolled in, your interior assets are in danger. While you make repairs, shield your equipment with a tailor-made equipment cover so winter doesn’t cause any further damage.
Trim Overhanging Tree Limbs & Branches
While trees surrounding your house create the perfect bucolic vision, it’s a matter of concern during heavy weather and particularly in winter. The overhanging tree limbs and branches tend to break off and fall atop the roof due to heavy wind, rain, and icing. Use heavy duty tarps to collect your trimmed limbs, and it’s best to put custom covers on your outdoor furniture to safeguard them from your work, not to mention the subsequent winter weather wreaking havoc.
When these heavy limbs break off they can do significant damage to not only your shingles but to the framing beneath as well. Even the smallest hole becomes a gateway for animals to enter your home.
Inspect Your Attic Ventilation & Insulation
Your attic’s winter performance is inextricably connected to that of your roof. If your attic isn’t properly ventilated or insulated, it might expose your roof to unwanted elements in the winter, resulting in ice dams. Make sure your attic has adequate routes for airflow and has sufficient insulation.
Get a Roof Inspection
A proper roof inspection could save a lot of time and money. Any structural flaws will only be amplified by the weight of snow and ice during the height of winter. So make a smart move and check your local listings for a professional roofer as an alternative option to the DIY route. You can use these 10 tips for home winter protection in milder climates as well to make your abode always welcoming.
Hire a Roofing Professional
Doing any type of roofing repairs brings with it possible hazards. For instance, being less knowledgeable about roofs means you have a greater risk of falling during this dangerous task.
While you can undertake certain roof maintenance jobs yourself, if you really want to keep your home in good shape for the winter, you need to call roofing experts to handle the major work. You’ll not only save your back and guarantee your safety by entrusting the job to the professionals, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that everything is properly checked and mended. Then you can enjoy the winter and all of the celebrations it offers without worry.
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