The first day of winter is December 22nd. Not only does this mean that Christmas is near and the new year is approaching, but temperatures are dipping, and indoors is where you’ll want to spend most of your time. Is your roof ready to support your warm home? It is always important to strive for your roof to be in top shape, but it’s imperative to focus on roof maintenance during the cold-weather months. With the snow and freezing temperatures, this is when your roof can take the biggest hit. Therefore, taking the time to safeguard it adequately is vital to having a warm and cozy house to get home to. In this blog, we’ll look at five ways to maintain your roof during winter to ensure it’s operating at peak performance.
Repair Flashing
Examining your existing flashing is one of the essential steps to add to your wintertime roof maintenance routine. Even if you know that it is appropriately installed, flashing can loosen over time. If you notice loose or warped flashing, you should attempt to get this fixed as quickly as possible. When your flashing isn’t up to standard, then snow and precipitation can enter your roof much easier. This becomes a massive threat to your home because if too much moisture builds up, you will face an interior leak.
You should follow the same process for your shingles. If you spot any damage, then it is best to replace them immediately before water begins seeping into your ceiling. Please don’t attempt to climb onto your roof during the icy weather; it is best to contact an expert to ensure that your shingles are in good shape.
Remove Snow Immediately
We’ve all seen how picture-perfect snow on a rooftop can look, but unfortunately, that snow will lead to severe damage if left to sit too long. Snow is HEAVY, especially if mixed with ice and other frozen elements. Snow weighs approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot or 1.25 pounds per inch of depth. This means that any areas of your roof that aren’t entirely up to standard are at risk for significant damage once the snow starts to pile on.
Water on a roof is not a new event, but the refreezing of melted snow creates a problem. When temperatures reach below freezing, melted ice will harden again and build a dam in or around your gutters. This backs up any runoff precipitation and can loosen shingles or even cause a leak. You should remove ice and snow from your roof as fast and thoroughly as possible. Winter weather creates a slippery surface that you should not attempt to climb onto. If you need assistance with your roof, it’s best to contact an expert to take care of the issue.
Check Attic Ventilation
The performance of your attic is directly linked to the performance of your roof. This means that if your attic is poorly ventilated, it can directly expose your roof to winter elements, allowing issues like ice dams to form more easily. When inspecting your roof, make sure to go inside and check that your attic has sufficient insulation and solid routes for ventilation. Having consistent airflow is the key to keeping your roof protected.
Check Your Gutters
Did you know that one of the first places that freezing precipitation will gather is your gutters? This is why it is vital to check them regularly for any signs of dams. A good rule of thumb is that if you spot icicles hanging off of your gutters, you are most likely already dealing with a build-up. A big concern is that your gutters can be weakened when having to support the weight of ice build-up and can tear away from your home. This will cause serious structural damage accompanied by a hefty bill when you go to get it repaired.
Get A Professional Inspection
There are some roof maintenance tasks that you can take on yourself, but if you want to ensure that your home is in top shape to last through the chilly months, then it’s best to get a qualified roofing company to take care of all the major work. This ensures your safety and lets you know everything is checked and repaired correctly. You can enjoy all of the winter festivities without worrying about the condition of your roof.
At Arnett Roofing and Construction, we’re dedicated to being the best in the business. Contact us today for a FREE roof inspection with one of our experts!
