Winter seems to always be right around the corner. As you prepare for this cuffing season by doing some fall cleaning, decorating, and getting those delicious homemade recipes down, you’ll want to be sure to check and prepare your roof as well.
As the winter months bring snow, wind, rain, and ice, you’ll want to have enough time to fix any matters before the elements come into play.
We’ve piled up a list of 9 ways to prepare your roof for the winter months.
Contents
Check Your Roofline
The first thing you’ll want to check is your roofline. You can usually check this by standing right outside of your home and looking up at the edge of your roof. If you notice any dips, curves, or sagging to it, there’s a chance that damage has already started and needs to be explored.
Usually, a sagging or curved roof isn’t technically structurally damaging. Now, if a leak accompanies it, further inspection is most likely needed.
Check Your Roof Flashing
Flashing is essential in keeping your roof watertight. Usually, flashing is primarily installed around roof fixtures, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights.
If you notice flashing that is rusted, damaged, or completely missing, there’s high chance water has already leaked through. And if it hasn’t, at this point, it’s highly capable of doing so.
Remove Debris
As you inspect your roof, you should remove any debris you find as well. It’s common for leaves, twigs, and other debris to accumulate on your roof throughout the seasons. If debris is left on your roof into the winter months, it can trap water, leaving your roof susceptible to water damage.
It’s also a good thing to keep an eye out for any animal infestations. You never know if a squirrel, raccoon, or bat decided to move in up there.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Just like your roof, your gutters are high-traffic areas for debris as well. You’ll want to make sure to clean them out fully to allow snowmelt and rainwater to drain adequately in the coming months.
Not cleaning out your gutters can lead to some serious damage to your roof, such as, ice dams. Ice Dams occur when ice builds up from the gutters and up onto the roof. You’ll definitely want to prevent this one as much as possible.
Trim Low Hanging Branches
Winter means heavy snow and rainfall. Trimming tree limbs hanging over your roof will help you avoid damage caused by these elements.
Because branches tend to build up with heavy snow and ice during the winter months, they can become susceptible to snapping and landing on your roof. Therefore, causing significant damage depending on the size of the limbs. Better to be safe than sorry and have them removed.
Tree limbs that extend over your roof are sometimes risky and should be removed by a professional.
Check Your Attic for Water Damage
The first thing you’ll want to check in your attic is for any signs of water damage. Signs of water damage can include water stains, wet roof decking, and random puddles of water on the attic floor.
Once you notice signs of water damage, it’s highly suggested to schedule an appointment with a professional roof inspector. This way, you’ll keep your roof in tip-top shape before and throughout the winter season.
Check Your Attic Ventilation
You might not realize that airflow is significant in the health of your roof. Proper ventilation keeps the attic temperature closer to the temperature outside.
In the winter, poor attic ventilation can lead to moisture buildup which can then freeze and lead to structural, insulation, and drywall damage as well.
Check Your Attic Insulation
Along with adequate ventilation, your attic also needs great insulation. While this also helps to cut your gas bill, insulation keeps heat from spreading to your roof. When your shingles stay on the cooler side, the chance of harmful ice damming formations happening on your roof reduces.
Let alone, proper insulation keeps the attic cold and the rest of the house warm.
Replace Damaged Shingles
You really won’t know if you have any damaged or missing shingles until you get up there. This is where a professional comes in.
If your professional roof inspector notices any damaged or missing shingles on your roof, they’ll let you know that they need to be replaced as soon as possible. Any shingles that are damaged or missing are highly susceptible to water leaks.
And if you get this done in the fall season, you’ll thank yourself for getting it done before the wet season comes. Your roof professional will also thank you for getting it done prior to the winter season as well.
Hire A Professional
Call for a roofing professional to inspect your roof for any roof damage like cracked, frayed, curled, and missing shingles. They have the appropriate tools and expertise to do the assessment and if required, repair or replace your roof.
These steps will ensure that your roof is ready for the different conditions the fall and winter seasons can bring. Knowing that your roof is in good condition will give you peace of mind when the bad weather hits. It will be worth your time and effort.