Winter is just around the corner and properly preparing your roof for the cold and raining months is essential if you want to protect both the roof and your home from potential dangers and damages.
Taking some necessary precautions on time will let you enjoy the season without disruptions, worries, and roof repair hassles.
Climbing on top of the roof and fixing it when it is wet & raining can be extremely difficult and dangerous, so the best thing you could do is prepare your roof now.
Here are a few essential tips on how to do it.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your roof and your home and therefore, an essential part of preparing your roof for winter.
Clogged gutters and debris accumulation can lead to several problems at any time of the year but especially during the winter months.
The main function of gutters is leading the rainwater down and away from your roof and your home.
When that function is somehow prevented or stopped, you could be facing some serious problems and damages.
You may experience water pooling on your roof, which can lead to subsequent leaks and water damage to the interior of your home.
Many of these issues can be avoided or minimized by cleaning your gutters on time and regularly. It is recommended to do it at least twice a year and one of those times should be in Autumn, just before the winter and rain.
Trim the Trees Around Your House
Tall trees with branches that hang over your house greatly contribute to the accumulation of debris on your roof and in your gutters. Therefore, even if you clean your gutters, you may be faced with continual leaves and branches falling into them during winter.
To save yourself from these additional issues and the possibility of gutters getting clogged when the snow hits, it is best to take some time and deal with those trees as well.
Long and heavy tree limbs and dead trees can be a great hazard during storms and rains as well, as they can lean towards your home and even crash into it and destroy certain areas.
Therefore, to prevent damages, it is best to trim all the trees, as well as tall bushes around your home.
Check Your Roof Flashing
Flashing is one of the most important components of your roof that helps prevent leaks. Therefore, any issues with it can lead to serious water damage inside your home.
Flashing is made of impervious material, such as aluminum or galvanized metal. It functions as an additional protective mechanism that directs the water off the roof and prevents its passage into your home’s structure.
Flashing is located along the intersections of the roof, on all the joints, at the edges of skylights and other similar areas.
Rain, as well as strong storms and winds, can sometimes cause the flashing to tear, loosen, uplift, and to corrode.
To prevent greater damages and the troubles of a leak during the winter – which can amount to some serious costs – it is always highly recommended to inspect all the flashing to ensure that everything is in working order.
Call in a professional roofer and they will make sure all the parts are properly and tightly sealed and if there are any missing or loose pieces, they will replace them on time.
Examine Your Roof Shingles
Similarly, to the flashing, shingles can also experience wear and tear over time, especially if the roof is an older one.
Loose and missing shingles can also lead to a few problems that can be difficult to deal with during the winter once the damage is already done.
You will notice that your shingles are faulty or lose if they start to lose their granules, i.e., when you find granules in your gutters.
You will also notice visible signs of curling or see some leaves, twigs, or other debris lodged underneath the shingles. These are all signs of damaged shingles that need to be replaced.
Neglecting a simple roof repair such as replacing a few shingles can lead to roof leaks, damages or even a complete roof replacement in the future.
Therefore, make sure to call your roofer on time so that your roof is ready to welcome the winter in top shape.
Conclusion
Preparing and inspecting your roof for winter is an essential part of your home maintenance and you should always make it your priority.
The roof is there to keep your home safe and protected from the elements, so keeping it in top shape will save you a lot of trouble and aggravation in the future. Call in All Group WA and we will make sure your roof is in tip top shape for the winter.
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