Key Takeaways About How To Prepare Your Roof For Winter:
- It's important to protect your roof during the winter months.
- You should check your flashing, trim tree branches, and make sure there aren't any pests making homes in your roof.
- TK Roofing and Gutters can make sure your roof will hold up to the Ohio winter.
It's almost time for families in Ohio to start getting their homes ready for the winter. There is a lot to do, from putting away patio furniture to cleaning the garden. But the quality and performance of your roof is something you shouldn't forget as you prepare for winter.
If you take a few crucial steps ahead, you can enjoy the snow and the holiday season without interruptions, worries, or roof repair problems.
[Check out our article about the disadvantages of metal roofs.]
Follow these important tips to prepare your roof for winter, and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the season.
Prune and Remove Hanging Branches
Trees can provide some relief from the sun during the summer, but during winter storms, they can cause damage to your roof and roof leaks.
When tree branches hit your roof, they can scratch the shingles and make dents.
Pine needles, leaves, or fruit from trees can fall on your roof and cause mold and mildew to grow.
Consult an arborist before you prune or remove any hanging branches from your trees.
A professional in the tree industry will know the best way to trim trees in your area and will help you protect your home in an environmentally friendly way.
Almost any branch that hangs over your roof can be trimmed.
If you need to cut off more than 25% of the tree, you might want to get rid of it. You could also trim young trees to keep them from getting too big.
If you already have tree limbs, leaves, or twigs on your roof from storms in the past, clean them off.
Clean Your Gutters
The main job of a gutter is to direct water from rain and melted snow away from your house so you don't end up with a leaky roof.
When your gutters are full of branches, leaves, twigs, and other debris, it can cause many problems, especially in the winter.
You might have to deal with water pooling on your roof, ice dams, water damage, leaks, and other problems.
A clogged gutter can also collapse under the weight of snow.
You can avoid these problems if you regularly clean your gutters (especially before winter).
We suggest you check your gutters and clean them out at least twice a year, always once before winter.
You can do this yourself if you take the proper safety steps, or you can hire a roofing professional to do it.
Remove any trash and check to see if the downspout is clogged. You should also ensure the gutters are secure and that no screws or other hardware are loose.
Inspect The Flashing
Flashing is an essential part of your roof that helps prevent water leaks. So, any problems with it can cause a lot of water damage.
Flashing is made from waterproof materials like aluminum or galvanized metal.
It acts as an extra layer of protection by directing water away from the roof and keeping it from getting into your home's structure.
Flashing is put along the roof's joints, at the edges of skylights, where the chimney meets the roof, in roof valleys, and in other similar places.
Storms and strong winds, rain, cold weather, and freezing temperatures can sometimes cause the flashing to tear, come loose, lift, and rust.
It is always a good idea to check the flashing to ensure everything is in good shape.
If you don't, you could end up with more damage and a leak during the winter, which can cost a lot of money.
A professional roofer can ensure all the parts are properly and tightly sealed. Then, if there are any missing or loose pieces, they will replace them on time.
Examine Roof for Evidence of Pests
As you prepare your roof for winter, watching for critters who might be doing the same thing is essential.
During the colder months, squirrels, raccoons, birds, bugs, and mice often try to stay warm by hiding on or in your roof.
Unfortunately, these nests and points of entry can do a lot of roof damage, compromising its safety, performance, and overall lifespan.
We strongly suggest you work with an experienced pest control specialist to eliminate any animal activity in your home safely.
Check Your Shingles
You should also check your roof for cracks, breaks, or other damage.
You should check your roof's chimney, any skylights or vents, and other places more likely to leak.
If you see loose shingles, cracks, water damage, or any other signs of damage, you will need to replace the shingles or maybe even the entire roof.
Before the snow and wind of winter start, have a professional roofing company check your roof in the fall. They can figure out how bad the damage is and even fix the broken parts.
We suggest you perform regular inspections of your shingles at least twice a year.
Keep track of all roof inspections to protect the warranty on your roof. If your roof is at least 15 years old or if any of the shingles are broken or missing, you may need a new one.
Inspect Attic Insulation & Ventilation
Did you know that the insulation and ventilation in your attic can help you stay warm, save money on energy costs, and even protect your roof?
If your attic ventilation isn't up to par, moisture can build up and cause a lot of water damage, mold, and other problems that will cost a lot to fix.
Your roof may also be more likely to get heavy ice dams if you don't have the proper insulation in your attic. This happens when snow and ice melt on the shingles and run down the roof.
When preparing your house for winter, check the exterior of your roof and the attic for extra peace of mind.
Contact TK Roofing And Gutters
Preparing and checking your roof for winter is an important part of home maintenance, and you should always put it first.
The roof protects your home from the elements, so keeping it in good shape will save you a lot of trouble and stress.
You can always ask for help from a professional roofer in your area if you aren't sure you can do the necessary checks yourself or don't have the time.
TK Roofing and Gutters has been helping people like you keep your roof in good shape, no matter what time of year it is.
Call TK Roofing and Gutters today if you need a professional roof inspection, help with roof repairs, or a complete roof replacement.
We can look at your roof and give you a FREE ESTIMATE to ensure it's in good shape for the winter months.
References:
https://brothersaluminum.com/10-ways-to-get-your-roof-ready-for-winter/
https://standardcompanies.com/prepare-your-roof-for-winter/
https://www.fortifiedroofing.com/how-to-prepare-your-roof-for-winter-5-essential-tips-for-homeowners/
https://www.tsimpsonroofing.ca/roofing-tips/7-ways-to-prepare-your-roof-for-winter/