When old man winter arrives, your roof needs to be ready for the perils it can bring to your home. If you do some simple maintenance in advance of freezing rain and snow, you can be assured that your roof will hold up and serve you well throughout the winter.
Check Out the Trees
Go outdoors and do a visual survey of all the trees near your home. If they are large enough to shed branches under ice and snow that would fall on your roof, then check them out. Cut off any dead tree limbs and consider removing trees that grow leaning toward your house as the branches can ruin shingles, siding or windows with high winds. Trimming the limbs away from your house can also eliminate pests, such as squirrels or raccoons from using them as a ladder to get into your attic in the colder months.
Clean Your Gutters
Before winter hits, it’s a good idea to clean your gutters that are open on top to remove any debris in them. The downspouts only work as they should if the gutters are clean so that melting snow or ice can drain away from your home. If you have a clogged downspout, it can cause the water to freeze in the gutters and cause severe damage to your roof that will need immediate repairs. Clean all of your gutters and then put water in the downspouts to make sure they are not obstructed. If there is an obstruction, use a plumber’s snake to clear the debris.
Inspect the Roof
An inspection of your roof can help you to avoid winter weather problems. The roof flashing around any protruding object on your roof is a prime suspect for leaks. Flashing lets the water runoff properly from around chimneys, skylights, and joints in your roof. Replace any loose flashing that may be lifted during winter winds and cause leaking from the roof into your home.
Look at the shingles on your roof when you are inspecting it. If you notice any twigs, leaves or debris under a shingle, it’s a sure sign that you need to replace that shingle. Any shingles that are loose or have lost their tabs should be replaced to protect you throughout the winter months.