How To Start Preparing Your Roof For Fall And Winter

Maintaining and protecting your roof to deal with vast volumes of natural snow in the fall and degrees below freezing in the winter would significantly impact operational and safety considerations.

 

By doing frequent inspections and having a fundamental awareness of the dangers that might arise from colder weather, you will be able to take steps to alleviate any issues associated with the roofing. Follow these procedures to prepare and strengthen your roof for the fall and winter seasons.

Gutter Investment

Fall leaves typically cluster in gutters, obstructing the most significant route for water to flow off your roof correctly.

 

If you do not clear the leaves from the gutters before the fall and winter, you may end up with blockages in the downspouts. This will ultimately cause the rainfall to overflow from your roof, which can result in moisture damage to the shingles.

 

Wet leaves add more weight, affecting the gutters and creating leaks or other damage. Spend additional time getting into the nooks and crannies while cleaning your roof’s gutters. Also, the roof and gutters should regularly be cleared of waste, such as pine needles.

 

If you are comfortable and experienced going on your roof, remove the accumulated material by sweeping it off with a brush or blowing it off, giving close attention to the valleys most susceptible to water damage. Remove any obstructions to water flow and make sure they are clean.

Inspect For Corrosion And Signs of Damage

Examine the surface of a roof that has been cleaned thoroughly for shingles that are broken, bent, twisted, or shredded around the edges. Inspect from the ground with binoculars or go to the roof for a better view.

 

For damage, you should also inspect the flashing surrounding the roof’s chimneys, vents, and skylights. Personal flashing repairs aren’t guaranteed to work, so calling in professionals ensures a watertight seal before the next downpour.

Attic Insulation and Ventilation

A lack of attic ventilation can lead to greater energy costs and roof leaks during snowstorms. In addition, when the sun shines on your roof throughout the day, it warms the air in your attic. If your roof has no vents in the soffits, ridges, or gables, the hot air may condense, leading to a wet environment that might lead to mold or decay.

 

This heat may generate ice dams at higher altitudes, which attract leaks when snow builds up on your roof. And when there’s nowhere for the hot air to escape, it’ll seep inside and make things uncomfortable, forcing you to turn on the air conditioner even when it’s unnecessary. This is why insulation is so important for saving on heating and cooling costs.

 

You can hire an energy auditor or heating systems professional to assess your attic and make adjustments so that they can evaluate the ventilation and insulation there.

Cut Back Any Obstructing Branches

Check whether branches hang over your roof, particularly if trees are close to or around your home. As fall approaches, leaves on nearby trees may begin to fall to the roof, where they might gather and eventually cause problems with the gutters and the roof itself.

Schedule a Professional Visit

The drainage system is the primary concern during a roof check before fall. Water that collects on a roof during the winter can freeze and bulge, putting unnecessary stress on its structure. Because of this extra pressure, membranes may get harmed, warped, and leak.

 

Another issue is draining on the roof, which is becoming clogged up. If you want water to drain properly from the roof, you must clear away the debris blocking the gutters. You might severely damage the structure of the drains remain clogged.

 

The inspector could also look for signs of sealant that have cracked. Inevitably, the expansion and contraction of your roof as the season changes will cause the sealant on your roof to fracture.

 

New sealant application is often not achievable at lower temperatures. Because of their composition, certain sealants can only be used when temperatures are above freezing. An expert roof inspector will also check for cracks and openings in the roof that might allow water to damage the insulation, wood, or other materials below.

Start Prepping Now

To free up time for other essential activities, like spending time with family, Jancon Exteriors can help you get your roof ready for winter. Schedule an appointment with us right now to learn more about their many residential services.