Roof maintenance is a year-long endeavor, but as winter season starts to settle in, your roof maintenance gets even more important. The roof of your house has a significant impact on how cold or warm the interior stays. Since most people prefer staying indoors in winters, it is necessary to have the roof in a condition that it is able to maintain the indoor temperatures and keep your home warm throughout the cold spell.
Your roof will be exposed to snow and freezing temperatures. To make sure that your roof can withstand these environmental stresses, you need to take adequate care of your roof. We have listed down some roof maintenance tips that will help you take better care of your roof in winter.
1. Do Not Delay Snow Removal
We all know how picturesque snow-covered rooftops look, but you just can’t let snow sit on your rooftop for long. Snow puts too much weight on your roofing, and if your roofing is loose or damaged from anywhere, the weight of the snow can lead to major, costly damages.
Also, if you do not get rid of the snow as quickly as possible, it can lead to the formation of ice dams. When the snow melts, it re-freezes during the colder hours of the day and blocks the gutters. This can result in leakages or damages to the shingles. Therefore, one of the most important roof maintenance tips to follow in winters is to get rid of snow from your roof ASAP!
2. Inspect and Repair Flashing
Another of the most important roof maintenance tips for winters is to examine the flashing before the onset of winter and get it repaired if it has warped or loosened. If the flashing is not in the perfect condition, it will allow the snow to get into the roof. When that happens, you are in for an internal leak when the snow starts to melt.
3. Check the Gutters
Gutters are the first place that will receive precipitation from the snow. If they are too weak, they might fail to hold the weight of the snow and fall away from your house, causing extensive structural damage. Therefore, checking the gutters for their structural condition and strength and also for the formation of ice dams is one of the most useful roof maintenance tips for winters.
4. Repair Wind Damage
Winters are not just about snow and freezing temperatures. Strong winds can be as detrimental as snow and ice. Inspect your roof for any wind damage and get it repaired right away. This includes damaged, broken, missing shingles, or any similar damages. If any of the issues persist, winds can result in massive roof damage, which is going to cost you a lot in repairs. Also, it will make way for interior leaks, seepages, and the formation of mold.
5. Clear All Debris
Clearing all the debris on the roof is one more of the roof maintenance tips for winters that can save you from costly damages. Clear out all the leaves, grime, and needles from your roof so that the moisture does not get accumulated within.
Summary
Roof maintenance tips for winters will help you prepare your roof for facing winters. Hiring a professional roof inspection company to inspect your roof for any damages or faults is one of the smartest things to do!
