Home Roof Preparation Recommendations For Winter Weather

Winter is on the way and already arrived in many parts of the country. Whether your climate has snow and ice or simply heavy rainfall in the winter, you need to prepare your roof against the onslaught. Here are some recommendations to help you prepare your home for winter weather.

Check Your Roof for Problems

A preventative maintenance schedule on your roof is a great way to prevent damage on your roof that can lead to further interior damage later on down the road. By checking your roof's surface and attic space before winter weather arrives, your roof has a better chance at remaining protected through the weather and spring thaw when all the snow and ice build-up starts to run down your roof and through the path of least resistance. If your roof is protected securely against leaks, you won't have, for example, a spot of wet drywall on the ceiling from an attic leak.

Safely access your roof to complete a basic inspection, looking for peeling up or torn and missing shingles. If you find an area that does not look right on your roof, chances are high that it is damaged and needs to be repaired.

You can also contact your local roofing professional to complete this check for you to determine your roof's condition and complete the needed repairs. A professional roof will know if the flashing on your roof's surface is secure and if the drip edge is watertight to protect your home interior against water damage. If your home needs any areas repaired or is in need of a full replacement, it is better to be alerted to it now and have the needed repairs and replacement completed rather than acting re-actively this spring with home damage.

Ensure Good Drainage

Once you have the roof fully in good repair and inspected, you can turn your attention to the roof's drainage. The gutter system, including the downspouts and drainage flow through your landscaping, all works together to protect your home from the outside in. Make sure the gutters do not drain water directly onto the soil around your home foundation. Also make sure the gutters don't contain any leaks from cracking or sagging, as this will put runoff where you don't want it. 

Clean out the gutters of any build-up, as build-up collects due to storm and wind activity, especially when leaves and twigs will find their way into the gutters. This build-up will prevent the gutters from draining well and will add extra weight that makes them pull away from your roof and sag. The more trees you have in your yard and around your home will require you to clean your gutters out more frequently, so be sure you arrange for this as needed.

For more tips on how to prepare your home for the winter, talk to a residential roofer.