No doubt, it’s wintertime. ‘Tis the season again when your roof becomes a basin for snow, and where the strong winds can jeopardize its very structure. Learn how it’s best to take good care of your roof, plus tips on roof repair Cleveland roofers would recommend. Let’s get to it.
Tips To Keep Roofs In Their Tip-Top Shape During Winter
Temperatures can drop tremendously in several parts of the country. It could be chilly, though winter varies from state to state, but you’ll likely see these – snow, rain, and ice. The winter couldn’t get any harsher.
If you live in these areas, you may be concerned about how this affects your roof. Though your roofer has made sure your roof is at its strongest, every property’s roof could get damaged by harsh weather if not correctly looked after. To help protect your home during this season, here are the best guidelines:
1. Remove Snow Fall
This should be a no-brainer. During winter, you couldn’t just ignore the snow. While it’s picturesque for a roof to be blanketed in snow, as seen in photographs, practically speaking, this isn’t ideal. Santa Claus may love it, but homeowners don’t. Snow is heavy and could cause a significant load for your home to bear. So, remove that snow on your roof, or ask your roofer to take care of it.
2. Be Aware Of The Ice
Whenever it’s not snowing, ice could get onto that roof, meanwhile. Ice could also be heavy, but it could lead to the so-called “ice dam” that could be dangerous for your roof’s health.
As water on your roof flows to your gutters and temperatures drop overnight, this freezes in and around the gutter areas, thus leading to a buildup or backup of any other water that may also freeze, causing damage to your shingles and creating leakage. Your roof services shall know the way.
3. Fix That Flashing
If roof care is your personal priority, keep in mind that flashing. Even if put correctly just a few years ago, flashing could swiftly become loose or warped, leading to so many problems.
Specifically, broken flashing paves the way and offers the opportunity to let snow and icy water enter your roof, leading to potential leaks inside the property. Never ideal. So, carry out a check on this flashing before winter hits to address the issues properly. The earlier, the better. Remember that this also applies to your roof shingles.
4. Regularly Check Those Gutters
If the winter gets too harsh, your gutter is the first to suffer. Check them regularly for buildup and ice dams. Generally, seeing icicles hanging from your gutters isn’t an Instagrammable scene, but this means your gutter most likely has a problem. So, clear the area from this nuisance.
Leaving your gutters filled with ice will cause them to have so much weight than what they could handle, causing them to become weak. In the worst case scenarios, they may come away from your home, causing lots of structural damage, resulting in an expensive repair bill. Keep it clear before significant damage comes in.
5. Don’t Underestimate Wind Damage
Snow and ice are your biggest enemies during the winter, but don’t underestimate what the wind could do. Heavy winds and storms are common in the colder months, causing just as many problems.
After feeling the heavy wind, immediately head over to your roof to inspect signs of damage. Spot broken or missing shingles, check whether your gutters are functioning correctly, and conduct a general review of the area. If left unchecked, this can lead to vulnerabilities that result in leaks, so it’s best to repair them ahead of time.
6. Monitor Your Attic
Attics are attics, but their condition is directly linked to your roof’s condition. If you don’t climb up there often, you’re missing signs of leaks and other issues, which you don’t want.
Plus, you must ensure this attic offers incredible insulation and ventilation. You may not realize it as first, but these two elements have a direct impact on your roof, leaving it more exposed to unwanted elements. So, when conducting that roof maintenance, go to your attic to ensure there are clear ventilation routes and your insulation is working as it should be.
7. Clear Out The Debris
Debris could wreak havoc on your roofing, especially during the winter season. So, before the winter storm starts to roll in and before the snow begins to fall, be sure to check the roof and the surrounding areas – gutters, downspouts, and so on – for debris and signs of debris. You’d want those areas to be completely free of leaves, stones, pine needles, and other loose items that could pile up.
Clearing all that debris before the winter storm hits is your best choice, since moisture won’t need to cling to it and soak in. Debris causes items to be sodden and rot, leading to roof damage. Be cautious about doing things on your own. It is recommended to hire a roofing contractor.
Have A Happy Holiday: Best Practices To Follow
Those are tips, but what are the best practices? Keep reading:
- Regularly clear gutters and downspouts.
- Remove snow buildup immediately.
- Check for loose or damaged shingles.
- Insulate and ventilate the attic well.
- Schedule a professional inspection for your winter roofs.
Keeping your roof in its best shape and condition during winter is as easy as A-B-C. It doesn’t have to be complicated.. just consistent. By clearing the debris, preventing ice dams, monitoring for leaks, and scheduling timely and regular inspections, you protect your properties from costly damage and unexpected repairs.
As winter temperatures drop, preparation is key and goes a long way in ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind for you, your family, or your co-workers. With the proper winter care, your roof stays strong, durable, and ready for whatever the cold winter season brings. The winter can get harsh and unsettling, and a keen eye for your roof draws a line between having a merry and sad holiday.
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