Taking steps to avoid winter roof problems will help it withstand storms and give you confidence that your home is well protected. While it’s smart to inspect your roof from the ground with binoculars, some roof issues will only be spotted by an experienced eye. A certified roofing contractor can do a thorough inspection of your roof, identify any hidden issues, and give you solid advice on roof repairs you need to attend to in order to be prepared for winter weather. Read on to gain knowledge of steps you can take to ensure your roof is prepared for winter.
How to Get Your Roof Ready for Winter
1. Visually Inspect Your Roof
Grab a pair of binoculars and from the safety of the ground inspect your roof’s components. Look for missing or damaged shingles, broken flashing, loose vents, and anything else that looks like it needs the attention of a professional roofer. Does your roof sag? If so, promptly contact a roofing contractor and have it inspected. Do you have water stains inside your house on the top floor’s ceilings? This is a clear sign of roof leaks that need quick attention from a roofer.
2. Carefully Look at the Condition of Your Shingles and Roof Penetrations
Are your shingles curled or cracked? They need to be replaced to avoid roof leaks. Take a good look at your roof penetrations—like skylights, chimneys, and roof vents—which can be the main culprits if your roof is leaking. Your flashing (the metal strips that seal the gaps between your roof and penetrations like your chimney and skylights) should be inspected. They need to be sealed well to keep water from seeping into your home.
3. Examine Your Attic Next Time It Rains
While you can inspect your attic anytime, one of the best opportunities to spot a leak is while it is raining. So the next time there’s a downpour, climb up into your attic with a flashlight and look for dripping water. If it isn’t coming through at the moment, maybe it penetrated in weeks gone by and created damp spots, water stains, and mold growth. Does it smell like mold in your attic even if you can’t spot mold? That’s a signal you need a professional roof inspection and possibly some roof repairs to seal the leak.
4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters may be small, but they have an essential job—to channel water away from your home, prevent flooding, and avoid costly structural damage. When debris clogs gutters, they can overflow and backup onto your roof decking, which causes rot, deterioration, mold, and leaks. Clean out your gutters and downspouts twice a year to ensure your roof is protected from their possible backup. Knowing your drainage system is in good working order will give you confidence your home is safeguarded from expensive moisture damage.
Note: Installing gutter guards is a smart move. They allow water to flow freely into your gutters while keeping debris out of them. This cuts down on their need for maintenance and can relieve you of the job of cleaning the muck out of them yourself.
5. Trim Your Trees
When tree limbs brush up against your roof or siding, they cause damage. If mature trees border your home’s perimeter, it may be wise to trim them back. Avoid problems by contacting a professional to have them trim your trees for you.
6. Have Your Roof Inspected Professionally
If you spot any issues that concern you on your visual inspection of your roof, or if your roof hasn’t been inspected professionally in the last year, contact a reputable roofer for a comprehensive roof inspection. The pros have safety equipment and can climb on your roof to get an up-close view of exactly what it needs. You’ll come out ahead by bringing them into the equation and dealing with any issues they spot before winter hits.
Fortify Your Home from Extreme Weather with a Durable New Roof
Your roof stands between you and the area’s weather, so it’s essential that it functions optimally—ensuring you’re warm and comfortable all winter. At Presidential Exteriors, keeping our skills sharp is key, which is why our team undergoes GAF’s CARE training annually. This ensures we’re always up to speed on the latest roofing industry innovations and best practices. Learn more about how our roofing services can fortify your home against the elements while enhancing its beauty and value.
