How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter Weather
Winter is coming soon, so it’s best to be prepared for nearly anything which comes your way. Proactive planning, instead of a reactive response is usually the better route to take when it comes to most things in life; especially the winter weather. In this post, we’ll be going over the various ways to prepare your roof for winter weather. Enjoy!
Inspect Your Roof
Inspecting your roof, whether it’s winter, summer, spring, or fall is always an important part of being a good homeowner. Prior to winter arriving, it’s best to look for signs of wear and tear, including:
- Damaged or missing shingles which need to be replaced
- Damaged flashing around chimneys or ventilation
- Rusty, corroded metal components of roof accessories
Check for Algae or Moss: If algae or moss is present, it may be a good idea to further inspect your roof for possible excess moisture or mold damage, as algae or moss usually leads to further damage if there’s no intervention at hand on your part or from a professional roof inspector or repair service.
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning gutters is important for many reasons, yet it’s especially important to properly prevent any excessive buildup over time leading to possible rot, water flow and drainage issues, or even clogging of the gutters themselves; requiring them to eventually be replaced.
- Remove Debris: Removing debris is very important to prevent accumulation of excess materials, foliage, dirt, etc… which may result in additional weight over the course of winter when your roof is already supporting the weight of a heavy snowfall. The additional weight of excess debris, if not properly removed prior to the first snowfall, may be too much weight for your roof to handle; resulting in damage or a collapsed roofline.
- Install Gutter Guards: Gutter guards, when installed correctly, can be great to prevent buildup of debris in your gutter trays.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trimming overhanging branches is likely going to prevent many issues from arising in the form of fallen branches, lifted shingles, damaged shingles, etc…
Prevent Damage from Falling Limbs: As each snowfall occurs during the winter, the added weight of dense snowfall may be too much for tree branches and limbs. This may result in collapsing tree branches and limbs falling upon your roof, resulting in damage which could range from minor repairs, to a full blown roof replacement.
Ensure Proper Insulation and Ventilation
A well insulated and ventilated roof can make a world of difference when it comes to preserving your roof’s structure, as moisture is prevented and able to properly escape if seasonal moisture briefly accumulates as seasonal changes occur.
- Check Attic Insulation: If your roof is properly insulated, it will reduce the likelihood of ice dams from forming, as the surface temperature will likely remain consistent throughout the winter season. Ice dams tend to form when there are varied temperature differences between the snow’s temperature and the roof’s temperature; causing melting and refreezing over time.
- Improve Ventilation: Ventilation is key with any properly functioning roof, especially with winter weather patterns. Ensuring your roof is well ventilated is key to preventing issues from arising over the winter season.
- Seal Any Gaps or Cracks: Sealing gaps or cracks can be a great, temporary fix for resolving said gaps or cracks from worsening. You’ll still want to have any glaring gaps or cracks addressed promptly by a roofing professional.
- Inspect for Leaks: Leaks could be the result of erosion over time, or shifts in the roofing components. Leaks, gaps, and cracks may allow cold air, ice, and snow to make their way into your roof and attic area. If you notice any water accumulating or pooling on your ceiling, you’ll want to immediately address the issue by calling a roofing professional to prevent any further damage.
Consider Roof Raking
Roof raking is a great proactive method to prevent ice dams.
Prevent Ice Dams: Preventing ice dams can be done with the help of a roof rake where one rakes the roof after a heavy snowfall to prevent excessive accumulation and ice from developing by removing the snowfall.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Scheduling a professional inspection can never hurt. It’s important to always have a professional roofing company inspect your roof from time to time, especially before the first snowfall, as this may end up saving you thousands of dollars in roof repairs or roof replacement costs.
Hire a Roofing Expert
Hiring a roofing expert can save you time, money, and effort. We’re the right professionals for any roofing issue you may have and we want to help ensure your roof is safe for you and your family.
Prepare for Winter Storms
Preparing for winter storms comes down to having a plan of action in the event of severe weather and staying informed of weather patterns and forecasts in your area.
- Have a Plan: Planning ahead of a winter storm event can literally be a life saver in some scenarios. Knowing if the storm is going to be severe enough to cause damage will allow you and your family to take the proper precautions and stay ahead of the storm.
- Stay Informed: Staying informed as the winter storm progresses will help ease stress and allow your plan of action to run more efficiently and effectively throughout the winter weather events.
Contact American Remodeling Today for Winter Roof Preparation
When it comes to preparing your roof for winter weather, it’s vital you plan ahead and anticipate anything which may arise. Through roofing inspections, proper cleaning of gutters, effective insulation, and proper planning; you can protect your home and your family from disastrous consequences. Preparing now, instead of reacting later on will likely save you time, money, and stress. Enjoying the holidays, the winter festivities, and knowing you’ve done all you can do to best prepare for this upcoming winter season is always worth it. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help prepare your roof for winter weather with our team of roofing experts!
