7 Tips How to Maintain Your Roof in the Winter

Winter can bring extra wear and tear to your roof. To help prevent costly damage, check out these roof maintenance tips for this winter.

It’s wintertime, which means temperatures are dipping below zero and you’ll want to stay indoors more than the rest of the year. Is your roof ready to support your warm home?

Keeping your roof in great shape is a year-round endeavor. It’s important to focus on roof maintenance during these cold-weather months. Between the snow and freezing temperatures, this is when your roof will face it’s biggest challenges.

We’ve got seven ways you can maintain your roof during the winter to make sure it’s at it’s best.

Snow Removal

Snow on a rooftop can look postcard perfect. Unfortunately, it can also cause serious damage if it’s left to sit for too long.

If ice and snow remain on your roof for too long, they can create  an ice dam when they melt. Water on a roof is nothing new, but it’s the re-freezing that creates the issue.

When temperatures drop below freezing, the melted ice hardens back up again. As a result, it creates a dam in or around your gutters.   The backed up melt water can loosen your shingles or even create a leak.

Remove ice and snow from your roof before it gets too built up.

Repair Flashing

Take a look at your flashing, even if it was installed correctly years ago, over time it can become warped or even loosened.

If it’s faulty, strive to get it fixed as soon as you can. With improper flashing, snow and other icy precipitation are allowed to more freely enter your roof. If too much excess moisture builds up, you’re looking at an interior leak.

It’s a good idea to apply the same concept to your shingles. If any are beginning to peel up or chip, have them replaced immediately as they will allow moisture to build and seep into your ceiling.

Check Your Gutters

It’s important to check your gutters regularly for any signs of ice dams. If you see icicles hanging off the gutters, you’ve got some buildup that is preventing proper drainage.

The concern is that if they’re filled with ice and debris, your gutters can simply become unable to hold all that weight.  If they were to tear away from your home it can result in  structural damage and  a large repair bill.

Fix All Wind Damage

If a major storm comes through your area, wind can be just as detrimental as any form of wet precipitation.

Check your roof for any signs of wind damage, and repair any spots that may have become compromised.  Look for any signs of  missing, broken, or damaged shingles or other roofing materials.

If left untreated these spots will lead to leaks in your roof. They’ll also be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew. So, contact Aces Roofing to come patch or replace any problem areas caused by heavy storms.

Check Your Attic Ventilation

The performance of your attic is directly linked to the performance of your roof. If your attic is poorly ventilated or insulated, it can expose your roof directly to the winter elements, allowing problems like ice dams to form.

Make sure your attic has sufficient insulation and has solid routes for ventilation. Keeping the airflow consistent is key to keeping your roof as protected as possible.

Rescue From Rot

A droopy, sagging roof is one that surely needs replacing before further damage occurs to your home.  Check the surface for signs of trapped moisture, rotting boards, or sagging spots—especially at the lowest points in the roof.  There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation.

Clear All Debris

Before the winter storms roll in, make sure your roof and all gutters, flashing, and downspouts, are free of debris. This includes pine needles, leaves, and other grime that can build up.

Take a rake or broom and clear as much as possible in the fall to keep your roof clear all winter long.

Hire Aces Roofing to do an Inspection

While there are some roof maintenance tasks you can perform yourself, if you really want to get your home in quality shape for the winter, it’s best to hire a professional roofing company to take care of the major work.

By letting the experts take the reins, you’ll not only save your back and ensure your safety, you’ll also have the peace of mind that everything is properly checked and repaired. That way, you can enjoy the winter and all the festivities it brings without having to stress or worry about the condition of your roof!