When it’s winter, your roof should shield and insulate your home. So, during the fall, you should prepare to guard your roof from destruction. Clear all the trash, and ensure you inspect your roof in the spring and fall. To get ready for winter, here is what you have to do.
1. Trim and get rid of hanging branches
Trees add shield to homes from sunshine during summer. However, they can also destroy your roof in winter in times of heavy snowstorms. Branches can scrape and bend your roof on impact. But before shaving and getting rid of hanging trees, consult a professional (an arborist). This expert knows the regulations for tree cutting in your area and will help protect your home in an eco-friendly manner.
2. Discard dirt, leaves, and debri
Over spring and fall, your roof may accumulate dirt and rubble. The rubble can hold moisture, dirt, and leaves and can clog your drains and grow mold. When you clean rubble from your roof, there will be good water drainage shielding the structure of your roof. So, during the fall, prepare your roof for debris accumulation by fitting protectors or screens. Ensure you clean your roof twice annually as caution. Use thick gloves or get a trained roofer when picking debris to avoid being hurt.
3. Inspect your roof
Before winter, as a homeowner, ensure you have inspected your roof. Look for an expert to help you do the inspection. Here are the things you should inspect:
- Shingles: The expert will inspect for missing, damaged, or improperly installed shingles. If the shingles are broken, they will repair them.
- Flashing: Shingles is thin metal sheet that surrounds roof features like chimneys to block leaks. Your expert will look if your flashing is bent or rusted.
- Valleys: It’s the most vulnerable area of the roof, especially in winter. The roofer will ensure your valleys are well installed and are in good condition. The roofer will collect your gutters and look for leakages and misaligned ones. In addition, they will look at the sealants and ensure it’s not cracked and dry. If you are in Fort Collins and need a Fort Collins, you can hire a professional since they already know what they are doing and will save you money in the long-haul.
4. Inspect your attic and install ventilation
The attic is a crucial part to focus on while inspecting your roof during winter. It can cause the formation of ice dams on your roof and cause damage and energy waste. If your attic is not well insulated or has no proper ventilation, the heat will escape, and cold air comes in. It will increase your heating needs, utility bills, and energy waste. So, ensure your attic has a good covering and ventilation system that allows air to circulate freely.
Preparing your roof for winter is vital for your home maintenance. It protects your home from elements, so inspecting it will keep it in good shape.
