While there’s nothing more soulful than a cup of hot chocolate by the fireside in your own home, you don’t want to be stuck inside with a roof that’s overburdened with snow or leaking into the rooms.
Winter can be brutal for your home if you don’t prepare it on time – especially if your roof needs repair. It is an integral part of any home and acts as a fundamental line of defense against bad weather and elements of nature, keeping you safe inside your home against harsh weather. Of course, this means it needs to be in good condition all year round. But since it gets difficult to call in for repairs once winters start, getting your roof inspected before that should be a priority.
So while winter is on its way, get your roof winter-ready to live comfortably through the cold weather. Here are some top tips you can use to winterize your roof before winter.
Clear Clogged Downspouts and Gutters
Clogged downspouts and gutters can result in secondary damage to the roof. Leaves often find their way to the gutters during the fall season and get stuck there until someone removes them. Moreover, birds could have built their nests in the downspouts, causing an obstruction. Hence, always remember to clear out the downspouts and gutters before winter starts.
Debris could be collecting in the gutters and downspouts. If you don’t clean them, the water held up on the roof may impact the underlying materials and slowly start leaking into your home. Installing gutter guards can take care of this issue. It will automatically clean up the debris, ensuring that your gutter never clogs.
Inspect Your Rooms for Possible Damage
A damaged roof can damage your home’s interior as well. So, if you see signs like a wet ceiling inside your home, you need to pay attention. It could mean that the integrity of your roof is compromised. No matter how slight the signs seem, they can grow into significant problems if left unattended.
In more severe cases of damage, you might find water spilled on the floor. Next, consider the possibility that you might have a leaking roof. So you need to call a professional to inspect and fix your roof. You must set these problems before winter causes further damage.
Check Your Roof for Damage
Whether you see signs or not, it is best to call professionals to inspect your roof for damage or do it yourself. For example, you might find loose or missing shingles, stains, or rot. At first, these might not seem like a call for big trouble, but they’re always a big red flag. So, when you’re winterizing your roof, don’t overlook these apparent signs of damage. They could be an indicator that your roof needs repair because even minor damage can become significant during a snowfall.
Insulate Your Attic
Insulation is the best way to prevent winter cold from entering your home. So, you can protect your roof in winter with the appropriate insulation of the attic. It will reduce heat loss from inside the house and make it home energy-efficient. Besides, it keeps the shingles cool which saves the roof from ice dams formation.
You need to get insulation in your attic that matches your region’s R-value. It represents the material’s ability to resist heat loss. A roofing service can evaluate and guide you about the insulation of your attic.
Look For Pest Infestation
While the weather is the most apparent reason for your roofs’ damage, it isn’t the only one. Insects, pests, rodents, and birds can also cause destruction to your roof. So, an essential part of your roof inspection should also include checking for their presence and addressing any harm they might have caused to the ceiling.
Check the Flashing and Caulking
The condition of your flashing and caulking deteriorates due to harsh weather. So you should always remember to check it before the winter starts. It is a metal strip that covers the joints of your home’s specific features, such as vents, chimneys, and skylights.
Wrapping Up
Every year before it starts to snow, call a professional to inspect your roof and repair it where necessary.
This practice can prevent you from bearing energy loss and save a considerable amount on your electricity bills. Moreover, roof leaks can cause water damage that ruins the integrity and appearance of your home. By hiring a roofing company, you can protect your home from further damage.
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