If you want your roof and home to remain secure during the cold winter months that are just around the corner, it’s essential to prepare your roof ahead of time. With a few precautions taken in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday season without worries and roofing issues.
Examine and Clean the Gutters
Preparing your roof for winter begins with gutters. The accumulation of debris in gutters can lead to several problems throughout the year, especially during the winter. The function of gutter systems is to drain rainwater from roofs and prevent melted snow from damaging them. If you stop this function, you could have severe damage to your house.
If water pools on your roof, leaks or damage may occur to your interior. You may also encounter ice dams in the winter. Cleaning your gutters is the most effective way to prevent or minimize these problems. It would be best if you could do it twice a year.
Inspect the Roof Flashing
Flashing is the piece of your roof that helps prevent leaks. It is an additional protection mechanism that prevents water from entering your home’s structure by directing it off the roof. Any issues with flashing can cause serious water damage to your home.
Flashing can tear, loosen, or corrode in cold, rainy weather and during strong winds. During the winter, it can become costly to repair damage in the flashing. Inspecting your roof to ensure the proper functioning of the flashing can prevent greater harm.
Check the Roof Shingles
Shingles, like flashing, can deteriorate over time, especially on older roofs. You can tell if your shingles are faulty when they lose granules. You might also find some leaves or twigs stuck underneath the shingles. Repairing damages caused by loose or missing shingles can be difficult during the winter. Not replacing your roof shingles can cause leaks and cracks or even result in total roof deterioration.
Ensure Proper Ventilation of the Attic
A clean attic is important for winterizing your roof and preventing ice dams from forming. Also, heat will escape from a non-insulated attic or one without proper ventilation, and cold air will enter. Heat leaks through the attic will increase your heating costs, energy waste, and utility bills. Therefore, ensure your attic has good insulation or a ventilating system that circulates air.
Winter roof preparation and inspection are essential parts of home maintenance. Taking care of your roof will prevent many troubles down the road. The best way to conduct the needed assessments is to hire a professional roofing contractor. Get in touch with our professional team at Heyn Brothers Roofing in Rochester, MN, for a complete roof evaluation and necessary repairs.
