Winter weather is harsh to both residential and commercial buildings. Roofs are particularly vulnerable to elements such as strong winds, snow, and ice. While modern roofing materials are effective in protecting homes against different types of weather conditions, you still need to take steps to ensure that your roof remains effective even during the harshest winters.
Proper care of your roof can prevent common winter roofing issues such as condensation, ice dams, icicles, flashing leaks, and more. Here are some simple tips that will help prevent these roofing issues in winter:
Make sure the gutters and downspouts are clean
Cleaning gutters is no fun job, but it is an important step in preparing your roof for colder months. Clean out all the debris that has accumulated over the months. Do this task once before the onset of the winter and then check them periodically to ensure that there is no ice formation or other blockages.
Check for broken or missing shingles
Before winter, perform a site inspection and check for any broken or missing shingles. If you find any damaged shingles, have them replaced by your roofer immediately. This will prevent moisture from leaking into your attic and damaging your ceilings, floorboards, walls, insulation, and the rest of your home. Repairing or replacing a few shingles is better than spending on expensive roof repairs in the future.
Check and fix your flashing
When preparing your roof for winter, you cannot ignore your flashing. Flashing can become warped or loose over time, which can cause many issues. Water and snow can enter your roof due to broken flashing and cause leaks inside your home. So, you should check your flashing before the winter hits.
Prevent pest damage
During the winter season, pests such as birds and squirrels can get attracted to the warmth of your house. They can jump over the overhanging branches and find refuge in your roof. These pests can cause a lot of damage to your insulation, wiring, and siding, which can cause moisture damage. If you have noticed any signs of pest infestation on your roof, get pest control done before winter sets in. Also, don’t forget to plug all the entry points and repair the damaged areas.
Inspect and repair caulk and seals
Certain areas on your roof are prone to leakage and should be caulked and sealed properly. These include the area around your skylights and chimney, the point where a vent pipe comes through, and other similar areas. Before the onset of winter, you should inspect these areas, and if the caulk is cracked or peeling, you should remove and replace it.
Insulate your attic
It is extremely important to ensure that your home is properly insulated, to prevent roofing issues in winter. This will not only keep your home comfortable in winter but also save you money on heating bills. If the attic is not insulated, warm and moist air from the lower parts of the home will drift up and condense or freeze in the attic. This moisture can turn your attic into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This will not only cause roofing issues in winter but also health problems for everyone in the house.
To avoid roofing issues in winter trim trees around your property
Regular tree trimming can keep your gutters clean. Overhanging branches are a huge hazard for your roof as they can break during a storm and land on your roof, causing serious damage. This risk increases during winter because frozen branches tend to break easily. Moreover, leaves and twigs that fall on your roof can become moldy over time.
Getting on your roof and carrying out inspections and repairs can be risky. So, it is better to let the professional carry out the job for you. If you are looking for professional roof inspection, installation, repair, or maintenance services, get in touch with us right now.
