A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Roof for Winter

It can be easy to forget the thermal impact of changing seasons on your roof. This is what makes fall the perfect time to start considering necessary maintenance. Taking preventive action to prepare your roof before the snow begins to fall can prevent major problems down the road as the cold weather intensifies. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or this is your first winter in your home, Exteriors by Window Makeover can help you feel confident about protecting your home’s most important asset. Here’s how to best prepare for winter:

1. Clear Debris

Start by checking your roof, gutters, flashing, and downspouts for debris. Even small buildup can prematurely break down your shingles and allow ice to accumulate. Your roof can collect debris all year round, but especially towards the end of autumn as leaves consistently fall.

2. Clean Gutters

You’ll want to pay extra attention to your gutters, as this is the most common place for leaves to gather. Your gutters and your downspouts work together to protect your roof from collecting excess moisture, so take the time to ensure that your home’s gutters are clean and clear. Don’t ignore signs of a potential animal infestation, either. When in doubt, seek the advice of a professional roofing inspector.

3. Check for Loose Shingles

Any kind of damage to your shingles can leave your roof vulnerable to snow, leading to leaks and water damage. If you see chipped or peeling shingles, it’s critical to call a roofing professional who can determine if your shingles will need to be sealed or replaced.

4. Examine the Flashing

The roof flashing – a flat, thin metal sheet that protects certain components of your roofing system, like the chimney – is particularly susceptible to damage and leaks, as any type of flashing can become warped with age. When your flashing isn’t working properly, snow and ice can enter your roof and cause serious moisture damage, leading to a costly repair if left unchecked. A professional roof inspector can identify areas of concern and recommend a solution to protect your roof from further damage.

5. Inspect Your Attic

It’s easy to overlook the interior of your roofing system, but without proper ventilation and insulation in your attic, your home is at risk of everything from hazards, like ice dams, to headaches, such as higher utility bills. This is also a perfect opportunity to check your attic for early signs of roof leaks and water damage, which can lead to mold, mildew, and structural issues. Making sure your attic insulation and ventilation are working together in proper condition can go a long way toward ensuring a safe, comfortable winter for your household.

6. Consider Holiday Decorations

While your roof is at the front of your mind, it’s an ideal time to think about how you’ll be decorating for the holiday season. If you plan to hang lights, remember that you should never nail them to your roof despite what you may have seen in movies. It’s important to confirm that your roof is in good shape before hanging any decorations, so an assessment from a roofing professional would be especially wise this time of year.

Your roof is a major investment in the structural integrity of your home, so it’s worth taking the extra step to give it the attention it deserves. Our team of local roofing experts can confidently walk you through every step of winterizing your roof. Let us handle the hard work of protecting your home’s most critical component by contacting Exteriors by Window Makeover today.