With many things, preventing a bad situation before it happens is important for reducing the amount of damage – and cost – that comes as a result. Your roof is no exception.
Any small leaks or issues that you can identify in advance of them becoming a major issue, will seriously reduce the long-term effects.
During the winter months, issues with your roof are more prevalent because of the weather. Major storms that blow debris or cause tree branches to fall, the weight of snow and rain on the shingles of your roof, and the temperatures can all have a serious impact on your roof and roofing materials.
Here are a few tips for prevention that you can use for keeping your roof safe from the effects of the winter weather:
- Keep your roof and your gutters clean all year around. The leading cause of roof leaks is debris. It’s a difficult concept to accept but, branches, sticks, and leaves can all puncture your roof and roofing materials – which, will lead to leaks.
- If you have trees in your yard and there are branches hanging over your roof, make sure to have the branches trimmed back. Allowing branches to hang over your roof will lead to leaves and debris dropping onto your roof.
- Clean your gutters regularly. If your gutters get clogged with water due to debris build up, and the temperatures drops low enough, the water will freeze and cause blockages of ice. This can cause a problem in your attic and the upper floor of your house.
- Make sure that your attic is well-insulated and the insulation is in good condition. A well-insulated attic is a great way to prevent roof leaks when the cold weather starts to thaw. Insulation helps to buffer the change in the temperature and protects your roofing materials from getting soggy.
- Have your roof inspected annually. During a typical roof inspection, a professional roofing contractor will inspect all of the shingles, flashing, and gutters to make sure that there isn’t any damage or leaking.
Your roof is an important part of your home all year around but, especially during the winter months when the weather is harsh. Make sure that your roof is protected from damage and leaking this winter by following these tips for prevention.