Winter can be a fun time of year for the entire family. However, it can be a very challenging time for the roof and the exteriors of your home. It is also a time of year when energy bills can get out of hand if there are any issues with your roofing and insulation.
While snow is lovely to look at, it can cause lots of problems to the roof of your home, especially if you haven’t kept on top of your maintenance. There are many ways to ensure that you stay dry and warm during the cold months, and these roof protection tips in winter will be an excellent place to start.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Roof
Your roof is continuously exposed to the elements, and even the best materials will suffer from wear and tear over time. That is why you should perform regular inspections throughout the year. Minor damage to shingles, flashing, and gutters can lead to big problems when the weather starts getting colder.
A visual inspection should reveal any missing or damaged shingles. Also, take the time to check your attic for any signs of water damage.
Check Your Gutters
The gutter system of your house plays a vital role in the defense of your home throughout the year. During the winter months, it helps to move rainwater and melting snow away from the house. Therefore, you need to make sure that the gutters are clear of debris at some point toward the end of autumn. Also, make sure that there are no signs of damage.
Blocked gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams, which can place the roof under a lot of stress. In the worst-case scenario, these ice dams could lead to leaks or structural damage, both of which will require emergency repairs.
Get Your Insulation Right
When you are checking your attic space, make sure that your insulation is still in good condition. If you notice any problems, they will need to be replaced before it gets too cold. Even if you don’t see any damage, if your attic feels too hot or cold, it would be worth getting a roofing contractor to take a look.
When your attic gets too hot, it can cause snow to melt and put extra stress on your roof shingles. On the other hand, if heat isn’t equally distributed around the house and escapes out through the roof, you will have sky-high energy bills to look forward to!
Take Care of Your Surroundings
Trees around the home might be aesthetically pleasing, but they can be major hazards during winter. Snow and heavy wind can cause branches to fall off, which can lead to significant damage to your roof.
If there are trees close to your home, ensure that they are in good health and that the branches are neatly trimmed before the snow comes. This will protect the health of the tree and also avoid any branches crashing down on your roof. Heavy branches can lead to extensive damage to your shingles and can even cause roofs to collapse.
