During winter, a lot of home maintenance gets put on the backburner. This all depends on where you live in the country. If you’re in a warm or tropical area, south of where snow falls, life goes on as normal. For those of us who live where cold, ice, and snow take over during winter, taking care of our home and property becomes too hard and we leave tasks until spring. However, when it comes to your roof, even in winter you need to be aware of issues that you may not even notice in warmer months.

What to Look On Your Roof During Winter

If you think there’s an urgent issue with your roof, never, ever get on your roof to take a look at it during winter. There could be ice or snow you don’t see, which can lead to your being injured. Look from the ground, using a pair of binoculars if you have some available. If you suspect an urgent issue, call a roofer. Despite the off-season, they’re still working and can come out and inspect your roof for issues.

During winter, ice and snow can accumulate which eventually causes issues for your roof. If you live in a climate where ice dams build up, these can overrun your gutters which lead to leaking issue that can seep under your shingles and into your home. We recommend breaking ice dams as they form before they get too large to handle safely. This will also keep those around your home and animal safe from falling ice dams.

If you notice any drafts or leaks in your home during winter, this could point to an issue with your roof. In the event of a leak, you should contact a roofer as soon as possible to come take a look. Leaks in the winter, especially in below freezing temperatures, can cause all sorts of issues that lead to more repairs or full-on roof and other areas of your home needing to be replaced.

Roofs can collapse under blizzard condition snows, especially as snow accumulates beyond a foot. If snow is accumulating, you should consider investing in a system to remove snow from your roof. Using a broom and even lawn tools can help get snow off your roof in the event of a blizzard, only if the conditions are safe enough for you to do so from the ground.

During winter, your roofer still needs you to keep an eye on it. Keep your roof in working condition year round, even during the coldest months by checking for issues and bringing a roofer into the picture if the going gets tough.