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Roof maintenance and repair tips for winter: A checklist

snow on roof

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season almost upon us, it’s easy to overlook something important: winterproofing your roof. Winter arrives in just a few weeks, and there’s very little time left to make sure that your roof is in tip-top shape to face the harsh weather conditions.

But if you still haven’t prepared your roof for the oncoming inclement weather and high winds, don’t fret. Here’s a handy roof maintenance and repair checklist to ensure that your roof is in optimal condition to keep you warm and cozy this winter.

Inspect the outside and inside of your roof

Even if you’re not a professional roofer, inspecting your roof may allow you to spot a small problem before it turns into a big one.

Conduct an external inspection of your roof by walking around your property and observing the visible parts of your roof. Look for any signs of deterioration, rusting, missing shingles, dented flashings, or damaged gutters.

Also, inspect the underside of your roof. Search for punctures in the roofing material that can cause leaks. Examine the structures holding your roof as well: look at the beams and rafters, and check if they are free of rot, insect infestation, or damage.

However, while internal and external roof inspections give you an idea of the severity of the damage, only a professional roofing contractor can fully and accurately assess the structural integrity of your roof.

Only a professional roofing contractor can fully and accurately assess the structural integrity of your roof.

Clean and repair your gutters

Gutters must be inspected at least twice a year, with one comprehensive cleaning routine done before winter. This is to get rid of any dirt or debris that can obstruct water from smoothly flowing through the downspout. If you don’t get your gutters cleaned before winter, rainwater and snow might clog your drainage system and cause your gutters to sag — or worse, break.

Even a clump of leaves can spell trouble. If left sitting on your roof, it may rot and cause damage that may require extensive repairs.
Apart from keeping your gutters clean, you also need to check whether they’re damaged, bent, dented, or cracked. Any loose parts will also need to be tightened or reattached, so it’s best to call a roofing expert to make sure that your gutters are in perfect condition when winter comes.

Winter-proof-roofing-infographic

Trim surrounding trees

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter to preserve energy and lower their chance of being blown over by high winds. If such trees overhang or are near your roof, trim the branches to make sure that the leaves they shed won’t clog your gutters.

Also, cut off branches that are about to break from the tree and fall on your roof should damaging storms blow through. Apart from potentially puncturing your roof, fallen trees or branches that land on your roof will add to its dead load, which can cause overloading.

Get proper attic insulation

Ice dams form because of uneven roof temperatures: snow tends to melt where the roof is warm (around the apex) and refreeze where the roof is below 32°F (around the eaves). This causes snow to pile up around the edges of the roof, dealing severe damage to the shingles, soffits, and other roof structures where the dam forms.

Properly insulating your attic ensures that every inch of your roof is evenly warmed, thus preventing ice dams from forming. It also facilitates better airflow throughout the house, contributing to the coziness of your dwelling. So before the temperature drops, call an expert to properly insulate your attic.

Schedule a professional roofing assessment

If you must do one thing to prepare your roof for winter, it’s to schedule a professional roof inspection and maintenance. DIY-ing your roof is not advisable: you might get injured, mishandle roofing equipment and void your roof warranty, or miss small things that can lead to devastating roof damage later on.

Experienced roofers will know what kind of damage to look for and how to fix them, ensuring that your home’s crowning glory is in the best condition for the coming winter.

Minimize the impact of winter on your roof by following this tried-and-tested maintenance and repair checklist. And when you get to the last item on the list, don’t just bet on any roofing contractor — pick one that’s been chosen as the best roofing service in Carson City for nine consecutive years. With D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., Inc., your roof is in the best hands. Schedule a FREE assessment with us today.

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