Though winter season is sometime away, making your roof winter ready is always beneficial. The roof is a vital structure. Any kind of roofing issues can cause a multitude of other problems to your property. Therefore it is essential to keep your roof in the best condition to avoid mid-winter repairs when the weather may not permit a smooth project execution.
Here are a few tips to keep your roof winter-ready. After all, the best time repair your roof is when the sun is shining.
Making your roof winter ready begins with a thorough cleaning. To begin with, clear away the over-hanging branches to avoid the branches from falling on your roof. Get rid of the debris that’s settled on the roof and can cause waterlogging that leads to problems like mold, mildew, and fungus. As you clean, make sure to keep an eye on trouble signs like-accumulated asphalt granules in gutters, damaged flashings, and curled, missing or cracked shingles.
Clogging of gutters can cause ice dams. Gutters hold water and moisture and during the cold weather, the moisture freezes. The ice can damage the roof over a period of time and also prevents snow from melting completely and running through the gutter. Therefore, it is essential to make sure gutters are clean for smooth flow of water. Proper insulation and attic vending also prevent ice dams.
The components such as; fascia, soffit, and fasteners, that make up your roof’s edge act as a defense mechanism against the harsh winters. If the installation of such components is not done properly or have weakened over time then it leaves your roof more vulnerable to weather. Therefore, to make your roof winter ready keep a check on warning signs such as; worn or loose fasteners, peeling, faded, or bubbling paint, cracked or missing sealant, and visible rust.
If you have noticed cracked, damaged or missing shingles then there is a possibility of a leak. Investigate the roof and fix the leaks because if it is not done than the moisture from snow may seep into your home and the heated air may leak out. However, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor as not many of us know all the safety precautions regarding working on sloped/high roofs and may miss out on some damage signs.
It is always a good idea to have a look at the attic. Ensure there is a good amount of evenly distributed insulation, roof vents near the edges of the attic are not blocked. Adequate insulation will ensure that your home remains warm.
Damaged flashings can also cause leaks. Skylights, windows, chimneys, vents are all connected by flashings to the roof. Therefore, inspecting the flashings to ensure they are in good condition is a must. If you need to replace the flashings ensure that they are properly installed. Hiring services of a roofing company is always advisable for proper installation services to avoid any leaks in the future.
Taking these steps will help you keep your roof winter ready. However, if you encounter anything difficult or you just don’t know how to do it then you should call a professional roofing contractor for getting the job done.