3 Tips to Keeping Your Roof Safe in the Winter Months

With cold weather quickly approaching, many homeowners have been left scrambling to get their roof ready for winter. Winter weather brings multiple stressors to any roof system. Your roof may not appear to be problematic before snowfall, but weak spots, invisible cracks and weathered surfaces are all susceptible to giving way under the weight of snow. Snow accumulation, ice dams and high winds can cause major damage to homes and buildings. It’s during the winter months that most roofs experience damage, and for that reason, you should do everything that you can to prepare your roof now.

1. Inspect to Protect
If you know of existing leaks coming from your roof, skylight or chimney, get them looked at and repaired right away. Search for any damage that might be have been done since the last inspection. Look for cracks, broken or blistered shingles, cracked flashing and anything that could possibly lead to further damage. Wet spots on your ceiling can indicate small leaks in the roof. Also, assess the rafters and the underside of the roof for possible damage.

2. Waterproof the Roof
There are several different areas of the roof where waterproofing can be beneficial. Many homeowners will waterproof over the top of their shingles. This can be done by using a roller to roll the compounds onto the top of the shingles. They will also choose to waterproof under their shingles, but this can only be done when you are installing a new roof or repairing an old one.

3. Clean Gutters Until They Shine
Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of roof damage. You should be cleaning your gutters out on a regular basis, but it is especially important that you give them a thorough cleaning before the winter season. Eliminate any leaves, pine needles, or any other foliage that may have dropped into them. This is especially important during the winter, as they can back up quickly, and cause damage to the roof before you have a good idea that anything is happening. Make sure that all gutters are secured and all drains take the water away from the house efficiently.

Is your roof ready to take on the cold this winter? Tell us how you are planning to keep your roof safe this season on Facebook!