5 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips
An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. That aphorism certainly holds true for winter roof maintenance. Take care of maintaining and repairing your roof now, before the worst of winter weather hits.
The residential roofing contractors at Premiere Roofing & Gutters can help you with any winter roof maintenance and repair issues. Here are five winter roof maintenance tips to get your roof in condition for cold weather snow, ice, and wind:
1. Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is perhaps the most critical of all winter roof maintenance tasks. If your gutters and spouts are clogged, the likelihood of developing ice dams increases significantly. These ice dams prevent drainage and lead to ice accumulation.
The ice dam freezing and thawing cycle can cause shingle loosening. It can also introduce moisture into your home.
While gutter cleaning is sometimes a DIY project, professional cleaning is recommended for houses taller than one story. The odds of injury increase substantially when cleaning gutters on taller structures.
2. Repair Damaged Shingles
If there are missing, torn, or loose shingles, have them repaired. If not fixed, these damaged shingles will allow water to leak into your dwelling. Strong winds may blow away loose shingles.
Leaks do more than cause water damage to your home. They also increase the risk of mold development and provide breeding grounds for bacteria and mildew.
3. Attic Ventilation
Roof maintenance also involves your attic. Check your attic’s insulation and ventilation to ensure there is good airflow. If attic ventilation needs improvement, check to see if insulation is blocking the vents. Most homeowners can remove this insulation themselves. Make sure vents haven’t been painted shut in the past.
Installing additional roof vents can alleviate the ventilation problem.
While in the attic, look for signs of leaks, such as water stains on the walls or any water on the floor. If you spot such leakage, schedule roof repairs as soon as possible before the situation worsens. Leaks do not go away on their own.
4. Trim Trees
Are there trees in your yard with low branches hanging over the roof? Get them trimmed to protect your roof. Should snow and ice build up on the branches, they could easily snap off and cause serious damage.
Removing these branches gives the homeowner one less thing to worry about. This kind of work requires a professional for safety considerations.
5. Have the Roof Inspected Professionally
It’s always wise to have your roof inspected professionally before winter weather sets in. There is only so much the homeowner can see from the ground or an upstairs window. A professional on the roof will spot potential issues.
Arrange for repairs to be made before the onset of winter storms. When you know your roof is well-maintained, you can enjoy the occasional snow day!
Contact Us
If you are in need of residential roof maintenance and repair, we invite you to fill out the convenient online contact form or give us a call today. We proudly serve residents of Catawba County, including Hickory, and those in the Charlotte area.
