4 Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

In many parts of the country, though the calendar still says fall, winter weather has started to set in. If you haven't already winterized your home, starting from the roof can keep the rest of the house safe as the season goes on. Follow these steps to make sure your roof is ready for the ice and snow that are sure to come in the next few months.

1. Clean, Clean, Clean

A messy, leaf-covered roof can easily be a cover-up for twigs and debris that will compromise the structure of your gutters, even if the problem is as simple as clogging up space where rainwater should be. After all, pools of water will quickly become ice, which will further inhibit the space water has to flow the rest of the season. Plus, ice can break the gutters apart if the blockage becomes too severe.

Unkept gutters are a problem, but even more problematic would be if the leaves cover structural damage - or even cause it. Rotting branches or mulch can bring mold spores to your roof and cause it to deteriorate much more quickly than it should. Get up on the shingles with a broom and make sure it's nice and clean before the snow hits.

2. Get an Inspection

Even without the threat of mold, you should make plans to get on the roof and look it over or hire a contractor to inspect it for you. A few loose shingles, bent or rusted flashing, or animal infestations may not matter much over the summer, but they can make a big difference when the weather starts cooling down.

Once the area is clean, look over all of your roof space, paying particular attention to the valleys and features that break up the surface, like chimneys. If you notice any repairs that need to happen or infestations that you want to get out, call in an expert to make sure it happens before winter. That way, you'll be able to keep your house cozy and warm all season long.

3. Look Inside

Look at the roof from within the house too. Go to either the attic or your topmost rooms. Look for water damage that has made its way into the house, mostly on the ceiling or visible insulation. If your insulation was poorly installed or has suffered damage, then you'll need to hire someone to replace it before winter sets in.

Insulation is crucial in cold states; if it fails its task, you can spend a fortune on heat and still freeze all winter because it all leaks out the roof. Water damage on your insulation may indicate further problems in your roof, which you'll have to repair before the snow starts to come. Call in a contractor sooner rather than later to fix any insulation issues.

4. Keep Up the Good Work

Once you've made the necessary changes and had a roofer inspect your home, you'll have a more relaxed winter. That doesn't mean you've finished working, however. Throughout the season, keep debris off the roof, and if it snows in your area, don't let that build up either. No matter how picturesque, snow is heavy, and too much weight can cause damage. Keep everything clean and in good repair all winter long.

Do you need fast and reliable roof service before the cold kicks in? Leon Construction can perform repairs or new installations in an efficient and proper manner, giving you the security of a good roof within the time other crews may just be getting started. Get in touch today for a quote on how Leon Construction can help your home get through the winter.