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With winter nearly here, it’s an excellent time to ensure your roof is protected. Even in warmer climates, the turn of the seasons means roof inspections and maintenance. After all, it’s vital to check your roof at least a couple of times a year for damage. And, if you do live in a cooler climate, you’ll want to take extra precautions to prepare for winter weather.
Still, if you haven’t done much roof maintenance, you may have questions about what to do to prep your roofing systems for cooler temperatures. Don’t worry – this guide is here to help.
Tip 1: Request A Roof Inspection
One of the best things you can do at the turn of the season is get a roofing inspection. An experienced roofing contractor will thoroughly examine all of the elements of your roofing system. They are trained professionals who know what to look for, including signs of damage or potential issues for the winter season.
While it’s also important to know what to look for yourself, once yearly, roofing inspections can save you a lot of time and stress.
Tip 2: Check The Flashing
Roof flashing is generally made of galvanized steel. It’s thin and used to direct water from more sensitive areas of the roofing system. Flashing goes around things like vents and chimneys.
Before winter, you’ll want to look around the flashing for signs of damage. If you notice any potential issues, request a roof inspection or service. A contractor will properly seal any problems.
Tip 3: Examine Shingle Or Tiles
If you haven’t looked at your roof in a while, you should check the shingles or tiles. Look for damaged, cracked, or missing components. This damage may occur after storms or as the roof gets older.
While the occasional problem with shingles or tiles isn’t a huge deal, you may still want to repair minor damage before it worsens. If more than a third of these components are damaged, a roofing replacement might be the safest option.
Tip 4: Clean Gutters
With precipitation in the forecast for most of the country this winter, you’ll want to clean out your gutters. Your home’s gutter system is vital in preventing water damage, so be sure there aren’t any clogs.
You’ll also want to inspect the gutter for cracks or sagging and, if necessary, replace or upgrade the gutter system.
Tip 5: Keep An Eye Out For Storms
As winter goes on, check your roof following any major storms. Weather damage can occur from wind, snow, hail, and rain. So, you’ll want to look out for things like missing shingles, crooked chimneys, and more.
Tip 6: Upgrade Insulation
Insulation and the roofing system go hand-in-hand. If your attic has poor insulation, it can cause significant problems during the winter, especially in a cold climate.
Poor insulation causes the attic to heat up, which means the snow and ice on the roof will melt. Then, it will freeze again when temperatures drop the next time, creating a harmful freeze-and-thaw cycle.
Over time, this cycle can create ice dams on your roof. Ice dams are dangerous and destructive, and they must be removed by a professional.
Fixing Roofing Damage In Winter
If you need help preparing your roof for winter, a roofing contractor can assist you with this process. They can also make necessary repairs to ensure your roof is safe for the winter. Remember that getting up on your roof is a safety risk, so always be extra careful.
When in doubt, leave things to the pros.
