As we get closer to the end of the year,
winter weather is on its way. Just like you prepare your wardrobe with long
sleeves, boots, and pants, you also need to prepare your roof for colder
weather. Winter can be a wonderland, but also be harsh on your roof. Continue
reading to learn more about how to prepare your roof for colder weather.
Check
Your Attic
First, start inside your home. Go into your
attic and look for any signs of water damage. Signs of water damage include
water spots on walls, wet ceilings, any active leaks, and water stains. If you
see any signs of water damage, it's time to call a roofing contractor to
address the issues on top of your roof.
Clean
Your Gutters
Your gutters
are your best friends when it comes to precipitation. Your gutter system will
move all rainwater and melted snow down the ground. However, if your gutters
are full of leaves and other debris, they cannot work properly. With all of the
falling leaves in autumn, make sure you clean out your gutters before winter
comes.
Trim
Any Low Branches
If you have any trees that have branches
hanging over your roof, it's time to cut them back. Any storm could cause these
branches to crack from strong winds, resulting in a damaged roof. If you have
snow in your area, if the branches get too heavy with snow, they can crack
under the weight and fall on your roof. Instead of removing them yourself and
risking them falling on your roof in the process, it is best to call a tree-cutting professional.
Check
Your Roofline And Chimney Flashing
Anything that handles inspecting your roof in
detail should be done by a professional. However, you can safely look from the
ground for any problem areas. When looking at your roofline, watch out for any
dipping, curving, or sagging. Any existing damage to the roofline could worsen
with heavy rain or snowfall. Your chimney
flashing is the strip of metal that connects your chimney to your
roof to prevent any leaks in that intersection. If the chimney flashing is
damaged, it's not able to do its job. If your chimney flashing looks loose or damaged, has cracked or damaged caulking or has signs of water intrusion, a repair
is necessary to prevent any additional damage.
One way to make sure your roof is prepared for
winter every year is by participating in Roof It Forward's Roof Maintenance
program. This program allows our trained technicians to take a look at your
roof and take the proper steps to make sure it can withstand the colder
weather. Learn more about our Roof Maintenance package here.
To ensure your roof is ready for colder
weather, schedule a free video roofing inspection with ARAC Roof It Forward! A
free video roof inspection will allow our team to diagnose potential problems
before winter arrives. After the examination, we will show you any concerning
areas of your roof, review your repair options, and provide a cost estimate.
Schedule your free video inspection with Roof It Forward today.
