Preparing your roof for Winter will save you plenty in repair costs
In a couple of months from now, there will be chill in the air and it will be time to pull out the winter décor. While we prepare to welcome the winter season, we must also prepare our roof for Winter for the oncoming cold and snowy months. This can protect your home and roof from potential damage. By taking precautions on time, you will be able to enjoy the winter season without any worries and disruptions. Here are some essential tips on how to do it.
Trim the trees is the first step to prepare your roof for Winter
Trimming the overhanging branches of the trees can help avoid roof damage when winds, snow and ice arrive. A bad storm can break off the overhanging branches, which can cause serious damage to the roof.
Clear gutters, drains and downspouts
Cleaning the gutters and downspouts is an important maintenance task in preparing your roof for Winter. It that must be carried out late Fall but before winter arrives. Debris accumulation and clogged gutters can cause a lot of problems at any time of the year, but especially during the winter season. Cleaning them prevents clogs that can lead to ice dams on the roof. If ice accumulates around gutters, it can block roof drainage and the resulting freeze-thaw cycle can cause serious damage. This is an essential step to prepare your roof for the Winter months.
Check your roof flashing
Flashing is a thin and flat material used to prevent water from entering the cracks and openings of a roof. It is placed under the shingles of the roof and it redirects the water away from the roof. Flashing is placed along all the joints, areas where chimney and the roof interconnects and along the intersections of the roof. Any problems with it can cause serious water damage inside your home. Rain, low temperatures and strong winds can damage the flashing causing it to loosen or corrode. So, it is necessary to inspect the flashing and ensure that it is in proper working condition.
Inspect your attic
When winterizing your roof, you must carefully inspect the attic and ensure that it is properly insulated and ventilated. When the attic is not properly insulated, it can allow the heat to escape. This will not only increase your utility bills but it can also cause shingles to curl and lead to formation of ice dams on the roof. A proper insulation system or a ventilation system that allows air circulation will not allow the heat to escape and reach the roof. It will also reduce the energy consumption. This is an overlooked task but it’s an important step to prepare your roof for Winter.
Check the roof shingles
Apart from inspecting the flashings, you should also go over the shingles. You should especially check areas of the roof that are more prone to leaks, such as your chimney, skylights or vents. Rough weather can cause the shingles to loosen. If you see any signs of curling or missing granules, it could be a sign that the shingle needs replacement.
Replace old caulking
To ensure complete weather protection you must check the sealant or caulk around chimneys, counter flashing and vent pipes. At freezing temperatures, if the sealant is old and dry, it may shrink and become cracked. If you notice that the caulking has become separated, get new caulking as it will seal properly, and expand and contract better with temperature changes.
Get a professional roof inspection
If your roof is old or you have any concerns about your roof, it is best to schedule a professional roof inspection. It will help identify any existing problems in time and ensure that they are repaired before the harsh winter arrives. Many issues might not be noticeable to the untrained eye, but can be easily identified by a trained professional. So, you must get a professional to inspect your roof to make sure your roof is prepared for the oncoming season of snow, rain and wind.
If for any reason you are unable to prepare your roof for Winter, contact us for a roof inspection. We can give you an idea about what needs to be fixed and what is able to withstand the Winter.
