It's almost that time. Yes, the fall season will soon turn to winter. Once again, everything will be covered in a thick layer of snow. From your car to the lawn and even your roof.... that winter weather will be everywhere you turn. All of the snow can look beautiful, particularly when the holiday season rolls around. Until then, it tends to cause homeowners to panic. Will your home be ready to face the ice storms, high winds, and heavy snowfall? Don't worry away the winter season! Prepare your roofing system. Performing a few DIY projects before the harsh weather really hits will keep your roof strong and your heart rate stable.
Roof maintenance is an important part of the fall season. It can prevent damage from defining your winter. So, the first way to prepare your roofing system is by remembering to take a look up top. You need to keep an eye out for common issues like mold, torn, ripped, or missing asphalt shingles, and other obvious signs of damage or distress. In addition, you want to inspect the attic for rotted wood beams, mold, drips, or water spots. These all signal a water leak - and that will need to be taken care of immediately. Water leaks during the winter months can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Thanks to the slippery conditions and cold temperatures, a DIY repair becomes much more dangerous.
In addition to a quick scan of your roof, there are a few other things to do. Before the winter weather settles in, make sure any overgrown tree branches have been cut back, that the gutters are free from debris and build-up, that cracked roofing cement is removed and re-applied, and that any loose asphalt shingles have been secured with products like roofing cement and shingle nails. You also want to ensure that the flashing has not shifted, moved or become loose. Check that it is not warped or cracked. If any of these issues have occurred, you will need to use roofing cement to re-apply it or cut and install new flashing.
Think your roof is ready? Think again. A safe and sturdy roof doesn't just mean DIY on the outside. The inside of your home is just as important to your roofing system as the roof itself. During the preparation process, don't forget to check your vents. You want to make sure they are clear and free from any blockages. This will prevent moisture and excess heat from building up inside of your attic. When this occurs, it can cause your roof and support beams to become weak - which puts the entire structure at risk. In addition to removing those blockages, you may want to consider having additional vents installed (either by yourself or by a professional). This can prevent ice damming from becoming a serious problem.
Keep your home safe this season. By performing a roof inspection and ensuring all elements are working effectively, you can spend the winter months enjoying the snowfall, rather than dreading its return. Give your roofing system a little do it yourself attitude. The results will be worth every minute spent.
Joe Davis understands how to prepare your roof for winter. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing Shingles.
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