When the cold winter months arrive, it’s important to ensure your roof is properly prepared. Accumulated snow, ice dams, and extreme temperature shifts can wreak havoc on your roof if you don’t take the right precautions. Taking the time to winterize your roof and attic space now will help prevent costly repairs or even dangerous structural issues down the road.
The good news is that if you take the proper precautions, you can ensure that your roof won’t be put in jeopardy. By following these simple winter roof preparation steps, it can give you peace of mind all season long.
1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clear out any debris, leaves, or twigs from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup, ice dams, and roof leaks. Ensure that the gutters are securely fastened and that downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation.
2. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Trim any overhanging tree branches that could potentially break under the weight of snow or ice, causing damage to your roof. Falling branches can puncture the roof or dislodge shingles. Pruning trees near your roofline also helps prevent leaves from accumulating and retaining moisture. Source: Herb Lodde
3. Check the attic insulation
If the insulation in your attic is wet or damaged, it may lead to mold growth and increased heating costs in the winter. Moreover, having proper insulation in the attic prevents the formation of ice dams on your roof. Be sure to first repair the damaged roof area that causes water to leak inside the attic before replacing the insulation. Source: Puro Clean
4. 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 lead to a number of 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 loose 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 fairly simple roof repair such as replacing a few shingles can lead to roof leaks, damages or even a complete roof replacement in the future. That’s why it’s crucial to have regular roof maintenance and inspections so you can spot minor problems before they turn into big and costly ones.
5. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
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, aggravation, and money in the future. Source: Fortified Roofing
All these precautionary measures will ensure that your roof and home are well-prepared for the cold season. There’s no doubt that you’ll have some peace of mind in knowing that further damage has been prevented. If ever some are too difficult for you to handle on your own, don’t be shy to enlist the help of a professional roofing company. Call us today!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
