How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter Weather

photo of a house from the street covered in white snow

Here are a few simple maintenance maneuvers you can do all on your own to prevent leaks, debris, and other such inconveniences from bogging you down during the winter season.

  1. Check for Leaks – How do you know if you have a leak in your roof? Water spots on your ceiling and walls are a good sign there’s a problem. The most common leak-prone areas are where water can make its way inside your home. Missing shingles, loose vents, and poorly sealed flashing, for example, all present potential problems, so make sure to check those areas of your roof first.
  2. Fix leaks fast – Even small leaks can lead to big problems if not taken care of quickly! To avoid mold or rotted insulation in your home, act on the warning signs as soon as you see a potential problem. It is possible to perform some simple shingle and flashing replacements yourself, but it’s important to note that you should never put yourself in danger just to save a few bucks. If conditions aren’t ideal and you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional.
  3. Clean your gutters and downspouts – As the seasons change, big winds and heavy rain tend to rustle remaining leaves and tree debris lose, where they will find their way onto your roof and inside your gutters. Clogged gutters and downspouts can be a big problem, so be sure to give all that rainwater a safe and unobstructed place to go – preferably three or more feet away from your home’s foundation. Many homeowners can safely take a look at their own gutters to see if a cleaning is required, but if the home is multiple stories or you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, it is best to contact a professional for assistance. After dealing with the hassle of gutter cleaning, many homeowners opt to install Gutter Guards. Gutter Guards allow water to flow freely through the gutters while preventing leaves and debris from entering.
  4. Schedule a professional inspection – Let’s face it, there’s only so much you can do to prep your roof from the elements. If a problem arises that you can’t effectively fix, save time and headaches by calling in the pros. Trained eyes can often spot problems more easily, and these problems can often be fixed on the spot. The good news is that it doesn’t cost anything for us to come and take a look.

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