We can all feel that the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder. And that can only mean one thing: winter is coming! And as you go about making your home cozier for winter, do not forget to give your roof the consideration it deserves. Winter roof maintenance is an essential but sometimes neglected activity in helping to extend the lifespan of your roof to the fullest.
In this article, we’ll talk about the activities that you can carry out as a means of keeping your roof healthy especially when winter approaches.
Why is it Important to Winterize Your Roof?
There’s a lot that needs to be said for the damage summer heat, the sun and its rays can cause and even hail, but most people forget all about the risks of the cold months. Weather like heavy snow and ice dams adds extra weight to the roof which can lead to rafter and wood framing damage as well as issues with the fascias, gutters and downspouts. Furthermore, snow that remains on the roof for long durations (common in colder regions) can cause water intrusion in the house if there’s leaky flashing or bald areas in the roofing. These are just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to keep up on your winter roof maintenance before the cold months arrive.
Six Steps to Winter Roof Maintenance
These tasks outlined below can – and should! – be performed in the course of the year as the need arises without caring which season it is. It is especially crucial to make sure that your roof is safe and healthy before you enter the winter season. In the following paragraphs, we will explain how to winterize your roof by showing you six major winter roof maintenance chores you can complete.
Remove debris
What greatly characterizes the fall season are falling leaves, and your roof becomes a target for leaves if you have trees near your home. It is advisable to clear away any excess debris before snow covers your roof as the water retained by the leaf debris after the snow melts can result in roof leakage.
For instance, if your roof is not too steep, you can get rid of the leaves using a leaf blower which is one of the easiest ways to remove the leaves from the roof.
And if that does not help, and if you are feeling adventurous enough to get up on your roof, you can use a broom to brush off any debris that has fallen onto the top. We do not recommend any homeowner climb on their roof, but if you insist make sure you accept liability if you fall and hurt yourself. When it comes to large amounts of debris or leaves, I think it is best to let a professional do the roof cleaning.
Clear gutters
The end of autumn could also be the time when your winter roof maintenance should include cleaning up the gutters owing to cooler temperatures. Late fall is a great time to clear your gutters, since the chillier weather might make this task much more pleasant. Provided that your gutters are not extremely caked with a lot of debris, broken, or stuffed with all kinds of rubbish, it is possible to use only a garden hose to wash out the gutters and put them back in functional condition.
Trim overhanging branches
It’s never a good idea to allow branches to grow over your roof. The obvious issue is critters, like squirrels and roof rats, that can easily access your roof from the branches. And in the fall, leaves can accumulate on your rooftop as a result of branches. Similarly, icicles present a potential issue for your roof during the winter months.
Ensure the chimney is in good shape
The chimney does seem to be one of the features of the house that is often overlooked of an otherwise polished house, but when winter sets in and the cold weather takes over, there’s nothing more inviting than a well burning fire in the fireplace. This in particular is the reason why people need to examine if the chimney has exterior damage such as cracks, flue holes, wear and tear and even broken flashing when going down their winter roof maintenance checklist. If you cannot get a reasonable view of the chimney from the ground, a roofing professional can perform a roof inspection to put your mind at ease when it comes to the condition of your chimney.
Check attic insulation
No matter how cold winter weather may get, the house’s internal temperatures should remain comfortable and pleasant. However, this calls for proper insulation as one of the factors that help to keep the house within the desired temperatures. It would be prudent to examine the insulation in your attic so as to see if there are any problems. Tell-tale indicators that your insulation is likely due for replacement include but are not limited to formation of ice dams hanging off the roof, too much energy usage and very high energy bills, and cold drafts in the home.
Replace any missing roofing material
It is quite unwise to go into the winter season if there are parts of your winter roof maintenance which are missing or uncomplete. Even if you have to apply a roof patch, it’s advisable to act in some way. This is because beneath the patch, there may be active leaks or moisture which may lead to mold and rotting of the roof further as the colder months draw in.
Having your roof checked periodically by professional roofers will help you increase its usefulness and can help extend its lifespan, no matter what type of roofing material you have. Fall is a great time to have this done to prepare the house from the ravaging effects of winter. If you are thinking that it might just be time to get your roof replaced, check out Instant Roofer’s roof replacement cost calculator so that you have a figure in your mind of what you can expect to pay when you start receiving offers from roofers in your area.
Fact Checked By Christin Perry 9/13/2024