In order to make sure they are prepared for the upcoming cold, many homeowners are calling their roofing contractor to complete hurried repairs, maintenance, or even replacements. This makes perfect sense considering that winter is one of the worst seasons for your roofing system. Old shingles may become brittle and possibly fall off due to the cold weather alone. This might get worse, particularly if there is moisture present, as moisture can cause pooling water, ice dams, and roof leaks, all of which will get worse over time.
High winds must also be considered because they have the potential to entirely remove roofing shingles. This emphasizes how crucial it is to guarantee that your residential roofing system is equipped to withstand the worst of the winter weather. But for some homeowners, especially those who aren’t very familiar with their roofing system, this might be intimidating. How to inspect your roofing system is shown here.
Request a Complete Roof Inspection
Think back to the last time your roof was inspected. Did you simply request it because you were already aware that there were issues with your roof? This shouldn’t be the case because you should frequently inspect your roof for problems and determine its actual state. It is difficult to inspect your roof from the ground, and even if you are successful in climbing up onto it, you may be unaware of the warning signs of deterioration on your system.
Keep in mind that not all roofing problems are obvious; some call for the expertise of a qualified roofer. In fact, several of these underlying issues, including roof leaks, can contribute to catastrophic roofing damage throughout the winter. Before the winter even arrives, make sure to have your roof inspected.
This is due to the possibility of tiny leaks and weak spots on your roof, leaving your property exposed to snow and ice. Even if it initially seems to be a minor problem, it may develop over time into more serious problems, including wood rot, mold growth, and other problems. Additionally, even if you believe you can solve these problems on your own, you should always seek help from a qualified roofer in your area.
Ensure That Your Attic Is Properly Insulated
Make sure you have adequate insulation. On a chilly winter night, it shields your living area from the snow and ice that is accumulating on your roof. Attic insulation is important because it prevents heat from escaping through your roof, according to your roofer. This lessens the strain on your shingles and improves the comfort of your home by keeping the heat inside when you need it most. Poor insulation will make your home feel colder and use more energy during the winter because you’ll need to turn up your HVAC system even more to maintain the desired temperature.
Remove any trees and potential roofing hazards
Even though tree branches are rather far from your roof, ice and snow can accumulate on them over time, and the wind can then blow that snow onto your roof. In order to avoid this problem, make sure the neighboring tree branches are cut before winter. Given that ice dams, filth, and debris can build in this area, having your gutters cleaned and inspected also helps. Additionally, by avoiding water buildup and freezing, your roof and exterior will be efficiently shielded from harm. Although this can be accomplished on your own, since climbing up on your roof is already risky, we advise hiring a professional roofer to help you. not to mention cleaning up the surrounding clutter. It’s better to let the experts handle this task because doing it yourself puts you at a greater risk of damage, especially without the right tools.
Knowing Your Equipment
Although some home improvement stores might suggest using chemicals to “melt” snow accumulation, these aren’t the best ways to safeguard your house against winter damage. Instead, calling a roof installation and repair professional is your best choice for safeguarding both your roof and your house by having it inspected and fixing any problems in advance. There are various pieces of equipment that can help you better secure your roof, though. Here are a few examples:
Snow guards
If your roofing system slopes, a snow guard can help isolate snow and ice in one location until it melts, making it an excellent addition to your property. This makes your home safer because sliding snow can cause mishaps like slipping and falling in addition to harming your roof. Purchasing snow guards will solve this problem.
Gutter guard
A gutter guard keeps debris from building up inside your rain gutters. Thus, snow, mud, and other debris won’t enter your gutters. To make sure everything is in working order, you still need to regularly clean your gutters and get them examined.
Let the Experts Handle It
We highly advise against performing any roofing work, including repairs, on your own, especially if you lack the necessary equipment and training. In addition to putting yourself at risk, you could further harm your roof, costing you more money in the long run. Make sure to leave any upcoming roofing projects in the hands of experts. Making this choice could mean the difference between having a warm house during the winter and not.
You can have the assistance of the professionals all the way through the maintenance checklist to make sure that you don’t miss any aspects of your house that are essential to its security. Simply give us a call right now, and we will do anything we can to assist you.
