Tips For Getting Your Roof Ready For Winter
Do you want to make certain your roof is prepared for winter? While this may not be the first thing you think about when considering home improvements, it's one of the most important. The roof, which is out of sight most of the time, is an important part of your home. However, you might forget about it, since it's out of your sight most of the time. When properly maintained, it provides a significant amount of energy efficiency, helping you save on heating and cooling bills.
Before winter sets in, it is important to deal with any issues with your roof. If you neglect to do so, those issues may become more severe over time, leading to a more expensive roofing problem in the spring. Here is what you should know to prepare your roof for winter.
Preparing Your Roof For Winter
Make sure you begin preparations for the cold weather and extreme elements well before they arrive, so your roof can handle anything winter throws at it. Here are some tips on how to protect your roof from harsh weather conditions.
Mind Your Gutters
Your foundation and roof are safeguarded by gutters, which collect rainwater and direct it away from your house. When they are clogged, they can cause a variety of problems. Gutters also prevent water from pooling around the base of your home, which can cause a variety of problems when they are clogged. In addition to pests entering your home, clogged gutters can trap water and cause damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
During the winter, trapped water in your gutters can cause ice dams that could be extremely hazardous. If your gutters are not cleaned before winter sets in, they may be damaged, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. Before the winter begins, you should check to see whether your gutters are blocked. You can clear them yourself, or you may hire a gutter cleaning company to remove the leaves, twigs, gunk, and other material that has accumulated to ensure proper water flow. A third alternative is to buy gutter guards to prevent future blockages.
Check For Missing Shingles
A few missing shingles here and there might not seem like a big deal. In fact, even the smallest amount of exposed roof could cause leaks in your home. This is especially true if your attic decking is made of OSB board. OSB board can be severely damaged by water since it is primarily composed of sawdust. Even if you have plywood, prolonged exposure to moisture may cause wood rot.
Inspect Shingles For Missing Granules
Shingles may have lost a lot of granules if your roof is made of asphalt. The granules protect your roof from UV rays and fires, as well as shedding rainwater and snow to prevent moisture buildup. Asphalt shingles have granules that lie perfectly on a matting of asphalt. Granules that have deteriorated from the elements appear as patches of silver and white where they have fallen off. Typically, the damage won't be even. On the other hand, there will be a few shingles with granules as well as others that appear to have a lot missing. Shingle granules can wear down over time, leaving your home vulnerable to damage. Your shingles may be missing granules because your roof is old or because of hail damage. In either case, you will likely need a new roof.
Check For Proper Attic Ventilation and Insulation
An improperly ventilated attic can cause problems with air flow. Air doesn’t flow evenly in attics during the winter, which can cause hot and cold air to flow improperly. When the attic is properly ventilated, air flows properly. This minimizes the risk of structural damage. Another method to safeguard your roof is to ensure that your attic is properly insulated. Ice dams may also form as a result of insufficient insulation. In addition to safeguarding your roof and attic space from moisture, proper attic insulation may also help to reduce your energy expenses. Ventilation and insulation in your attic can safeguard your roof during winter and help reduce your costs.
A Clean Roof Is A Happy Roof
Microorganisms, such as moss, lichen, and algae, can wreak havoc on your roof if they are not properly maintained. Although small patches of these species may grow across your roof, they can be extremely destructive. Moss, an invasive plant-like organism, sends roots into your roof decking, destroying it, and leads to leaks. Lichen, which is usually found with moss, appears white in color. These two organisms normally coexist and are destructive in unison.
The harmful microorganisms black algae, also known as Gloeocapsa magma, are destroying roofs and making them even worse as snow and ice are sitting on them during winter. This organism looks like a big blob of dirt, but it is actually living and feeding on the granules of your shingles. Preventing microorganisms from growing on your roof before winter sets in is smart because it is important to clean your roof and add zinc strips.
Look For Sagging
A downward-sloping roof decking may indicate that there is existing water damage that has caused the decking to sag. It is important to replace the decking before the winter months begin if your roof appears to be sinking. Heavy snow or ice over the winter can cause your roof to collapse.
Trim Back The Tree Branches
Inspect for low-hanging branches that might contact the roof during high winds and destroy the shingles. Also, be alert for damaged limbs that might drop onto the roof and cause extensive damage. Pruning branches and limbs that are hanging close to your roof is the best way to minimize this issue. You should not attempt to do so if you're not experienced in trimming and pruning trees. Removing branches that are up high is risky in addition to being dangerous, and it may jeopardize the structural integrity of the tree, which may cause it to collapse in the future. You may cause considerable harm to your home and other valuables or even get injured as a result.
Check For Any Leaks
The easiest and safest way to inspect for roof leaks is to look for water damage inside your attic. Even a tiny leak can cause major damage over the winter, so be sure to fix any cracks or holes immediately. If you're able to repair roofs, examining the damage on the exterior will help you determine how to proceed, particularly if there are missing shingles. Otherwise, you should leave the job to someone who knows with more experience and know-how.
With over 36 years in business as one of the best commercial and residential roofing contractors, and 80 plus industry awards, we know Royalty Roofing is the best contractor for the job. If you're interested in learning more contact us at (812) 523-8392 or send us a message.
