Winter is approaching and if you want to prevent damage and potential dangers, now is the time to start getting your roof prepared for winter.
Not only does ice and snow weigh heavily on your roof, but they can keep damage covered all winter long, leaving your roof susceptible to even more trouble.
If you want to winter-proof your roof, here are 7 tips you can use to prepare your roof for winter.
Clean Gutters
While keeping your gutters clean year-round is important, it’s essential to get the gutters ready for the hard winter months ahead.
When ice and snow begin to melt off your roof, a clean, undamaged gutter will ensure the runoff leads away from the more susceptible parts of your home. If the water doesn’t have any place to run off, you could experience water pooling on your roof or near the foundation of your home.
Once you’ve cleaned your gutters, make sure everything is tightly secured since loose gutters can also cause water buildup.
Examine the Shingles
If you spot any damage on your roof, you’ll want to get it repaired before winter hits.
Snowstorms and ice will only make the damage worse, leaving you to deal with a mess and a large repair bill.
Keep an eye out for curling shingles or shingles with missing granules since both of these can lead to leaks and water damage in your home.
Inspect Flashing
Flashing is an important component of your roof since it adds an additional measure to prevent water from running into your home.
Flashing can be found where other roof components connect with the roof, such as around skylights and where the chimney connects with the roof.
Storms can sometimes damage or loosen the flashing, leaving your roof open to leaks.
Call in your local Shamrock Roofing to assess the flashing if you’re unsure, so they can get it repaired or replaced in a timely manner.
Inspect the Attic
The attic is one of the last places most people consider when they are preparing their roof for winter, but it is an important step.
The attic should have proper insulation evenly throughout the space. Not only will this help save money on utility bills, but escaped heat through the roof can cause issues.
If the heat rises and gets under your shingles, this can create ice dams on your roof. This is when ice and snow melts and freezes again.
Trim the Trees
Trees close to your home can create a serious safety hazard in the event of bad winter storms. Falling debris such as leaves and small branches can clog your gutters, causing water to build upon your roof.
Larger branches also pose a hazard to your roof, especially if they are dead since they can fall under the weight of ice and snow in the winter.
Take the preventative steps of trimming the trees close to your home to keep the potential hazards from causing havoc on your roof in the winter.
Replace Sealant
If your roof has sealant on it, such as around antennas or plumbing stacks, you’ll want to have it inspected and replaced as needed before winter.
Sealant and caulk can become worn out over time, leaving cracks and holes around important places it should cover. Your roofing contractor will be able to assess the condition of any sealant you have on your roof and replace it, as necessary.
Be Proactive
Keep an eye on your roof during the winter, especially after heavy snow or storm.
Since conditions may be dangerous, it’s best to call in your contractor to have your roof inspected if you suspect any damage has occurred. If they notice any damage, you’ll be able to get the repair process started with your home insurance company as quickly as possible to prevent further issues.
The roof on your home goes through a lot. It sees heavy rains, snows, and ice as well as extreme heat and UV exposure. Being consistently exposed to the elements can cause damage. It’s important to prepare your roof for the winter so you don’t have leaks and trouble to deal with. By taking preventative measures, you can see your roof through another winter without leaks, sagging, and other roof worries.