Autumn is upon us and that means Winter is right around the corner! Winter brings snow, driving rain and ice, all extreme weather patterns that can potentially wreak havoc on your roof. There are steps you can take to minimize any damage that your roof could suffer. Roofcorp has some tips and tricks on preparing your roof for the winter.
Getting Your Roof Prepared for Winter
Any flaws or damage to your roof can be exacerbated by snow and ice so its best to nip these problems in the bed before you start receiving these conditions in the first place. You need to perform a thorough roof inspection. If you are up to the task and know what to look for you can accomplish this yourself otherwise we advise having a certified roofing contractor or inspector to give your roof a thorough inspection.
What to Look For in Your Roof Inspection
You need to first check for any obvious signs of damage. This can include shingles or tiles that are cracked, torn, missing, warped, punctured and bald or balding. Any of these problems will need to be fixed before it is too late. It is also important to check all flashing and drip edges at any protrusions in your roof such as chimneys or exhaust vents and other areas such as intersections where flashing is used. Ice dams are prevalent in roof valleys so take extra care to insure these areas are properly protected.
If there were areas of vulnerability or a small leak you had been putting off it is crucial to get these areas taken care of before temperatures drop. Moisture will expand and contract in bigger fluctuations and can turn a tiny leak into a big problem.
It is advisable to do a thorough cleaning of your gutter system before temperatures go below freezing. Any debris left in the gutters can expand when freezing and clogged gutters are known to create ice dams, warping segments of your gutter system. Poor ventilation can also be a cause of ice dams so have your ventilation system inspected to ensure it is functioning efficiently.
Other Quick Roofing Tips
Make sure there are no areas of your roof where animals or pests could get into your attic space to seek warmth. Make sure to clear any debris such as twigs or branches off of your roof as well.
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