It’s easy to neglect the importance of maintaining and servicing rooftops, especially during summer. The lure of relaxing holidays and unbearable heat narrows the available time. Cleaning your rooftops can also become the last item on your to-do list, especially with school beginning. Make no mistakes — like all other parts of your house, the roof requires regular maintenance to withstand extreme winter weather conditions. Follow these five tips to help prepare and strengthen your roof for the fall and winter seasons.
1. Clean Gutters
When debris, twigs, seeds, grass, and leaves collect in your gutters, they eventually create clogs in the downspouts. Rainwater will overflow the gutter damaging your siding, trim, and roof. The added weight of wet debris and collected water can also cause your gutters to collapse. Prevent these issues and unforeseen roof repairs by keeping your gutters clear and clean.
2. Check for Deterioration and Damages
If your roof is clean, scan the surface for curled, cracked, or frayed edges. Also, check for damaged flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks. These areas are the main suspects when you’ve roof leaks. Fixing flashing issues yourself might not provide the expected results. Get in touch with a professional to ensure everything is sealed correctly before winter weather hits.
3. Inspect Your Roof Shingles
Shingles can experience wear and tear over time if the roofs are old and shabby. Missing and loose shingles can lead to several issues that might be difficult to fix during the winter. Your shingles might be loose or faulty if they start to lose their granules. You’ll also see debris like twigs and leaves lodged underneath the shingles. These signify that your shingles need replacement. Neglecting simple roof repairs like replacing a few shingles can result in roof damages, leaks, or even a complete roof replacement in the long run.
4. Remove Overhanging Branches
Trim any trees near your roof as they might fall and cause damage when the fall and winter weather arrives. Tree limbs can break shingles, punch holes in your roofs, or even crack tiles. They can also block downspouts and gutters, leading to ice dams forming on your roofs. Therefore, trim any overhanging branches near your home before the winter weather hits. Be sure to remove any dead branches that might fall and cause damage.
5. Have a Professional Inspection
If you’re unsure how to winterize your roof properly, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor. They can help identify potential issues and ensure your roof can withstand the rigors and risks of extreme winter weather.
Let Roofing Experts Lessen Your Burden
Unless you know how to winterize your roof correctly, it’s wise to contact a roofing expert for a professional checkup. These checkups will ensure that any minor issues are fixed before they worsen. At Dowd Roofing Co., we make sure your roof is equipped to handle the snowy, cold winter weather.
Our inspection services are specifically designed to check the overall condition of your attic, insulation, and roof. We repair any hidden problems and immediate concerns that might cause damage to your home. Contact us today to keep your home safe and warm all winter long.