As winter makes its chill presence known, mountains of snow and gusting winds are sure to come along with it. While you’re getting your home ready for the incoming cold weather, don’t forget about the roof. The heaps of snow and severe temperatures can do a number on roofs if not taken care of properly. Protect yourself against costly repairs this winter by contacting SSR Roofing or by following these 10 tricks to help prevent roof damage. Not only will these savvy tricks help keep your roof safe from harsh conditions, but they might also bring out your inner handyman (or handyperson) in the process.
Repair And Clean Your Gutters
To ensure a safe and snug environment in your home this winter, start by cleaning and repairing your gutters. Take a trip up the ladder and scoop out all the gunk that’s been collecting over the summer months – leaves, sticks, bird nests… get it all out. This step is essential if you want to prevent water overflows due to blocked gutters, which can cause damage to both the roof and siding. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” hence taking measures ahead of time is vastly better than waiting for disaster to strike before taking action.
Clear Debris From Your Roof
Clearing leaves and other debris from your roof is a smart step. Who knows, maybe Santa will follow suit and make sure his sleigh has no extra baggage before landing on your rooftop this season. Without added weight from debris, the stress between structural components can be evened out. Plus, it’ll give your home a clean and tidy look that’s sure to make Santa approve.
Treat Mold And Mildew
Mold and mildew love dampness and humidity, which makes a cozy home for them in our lovely winter weather. Get rid of that pesky pair with a quick round of treatment. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab your tools and take off the shingles yourself, or do what I usually do – call in the professionals who will get it done right (and safely). That said, if you want to show mold and mildew, they aren’t welcome on your roof this winter, treat them like old roommates – give them a big ole’ “goodbye.”
Schedule Inspections
Have a licensed pro come out and check for weak spots in your roof system before winter sets in so you don’t have to shiver through icy winds or deal with invasive repairs when temperatures plummet. Shelling out a bit of money upfront will be worth it in the end – especially when it prevents a soggy surprise from raining down on your living room at 3 am. Inspections are still important during winter, so make sure to stay ahead of potential snow-related problems.
Patch Broken Shingles
Patching broken shingles is a no-brainer, really. It may sound simple enough, but even this seemingly minor task can turn into a wild goose chase when locating a matching set of tiles in time for winter can seem like trying to find a needle in a snowstorm. While tedious and time-consuming, patching broken shingles is essential to keep the winter on your side this season.
Reseal Skylights, Piping, And other fixtures
Resealing skylights, pipes, and other fixtures every now and then is an easy way to make sure your roof keeps in top condition throughout the season. Not only will it help prevent damage caused by external forces such as heavy winds and accumulating ice, but it can also protect against unexpected leaks.
Remove Snow And Ice Buildup
It’s important to make sure you remove all snow and ice buildup as soon as possible. If left alone, ice dams can form and cause water to pool on your roof, which could result in mold or other unsightly issues when the warm weather arrives. Also, if you have an area on your roof that doesn’t get full sun exposure, you may need to chip away at any leftover icicles in the spring.
Trim Trees Near The Roof
While this might seem counterintuitive – as we think of trees providing protection from the elements – branches that are too close or hang low over the shingles actually act as conductors of heat, cold, and moisture that can damage your roof’s integrity. And in today’s modern climate, reducing tree foliage is also good for helping to reduce carbon emissions. So trim the trees near your roof responsibly, and leave the other long-term endeavors to Mother Nature herself.
Improve Attic Insulation
Start by checking the insulation in your attic to make sure it’s in good condition. Consider investing in a thermal blanket to ensure that hot air is trapped inside during the winter months. From hot chocolate trees strategically planted around your house to booby-trapping the gutters with homemade bubble wrap, these tricks will have your house feeling snug as a bug in a rug all winter long.
Check For Any Siding Damage
As unglamorous as it is, simple siding can make all the difference when it comes to staving off major roof repairs. Make sure there isn’t any cracking that needs to be fixed up before the deep freeze starts, and you’ll be one step ahead of those unreasonable weather conditions. Plus, with healthy siding, your home will look extra fine while you show off those additional 10 tricks you employed.