Winterizing Your Roof This Season

Your roof is susceptible to damage any time of the year, especially during the winter months. Things like snow, ice, and freezing temps, can contribute to roof damage. Moisture can sit on your roof longer during winter weather. Moisture can then seep into your shingles potentially leading to water damage. To prevent this, it’s imperative for homeowners to prep your roof in advance. Here are 6 ways you can winterize your roof.   

1 – Inspect your roof

The best thing you can do for your roof is to inspect it and fix any issues found before the winter season begins. Hiring the help of a professional roofing service will ensure a proper check of your shingles and flashing is done. Roofers have the tools and resources needed to do a proper check of your shingles safely.

A professional roofer can help cut expenses you’d potentially incur for repairs in the future. Roofers can also asses how much or little damage you have, and help determine if you need simple fixes or an entire roof replacement.    

2 – Insulate your attic

Ensure your attic has proper insulation for climate. Doing this helps protect your roof from outside elements entering into the home. Insulation makes your home energy efficient by reducing heat loss and preventing ice dams from forming. All of this is done by keeping the shingles cool.

Your insulation should match your region’s R-value. An R-value is a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation performance. This could lead to increased savings on your heating / cooling bill. A roofing professional can also assist in evaluating your attic’s insulation.  

3 – Clear clogged gutters and downspouts

A common roofing issue many homeowners run into is leaves and other debris clogging their gutters. Another factor to consider are pests infesting your gutter system. Insects like bees, wasps, and hornets can seek shelter in your damp gutters and clog them by nesting there.

To prevent damage to your gutters and downspouts, clear out any debris. Gutter guards help prevent debris from entering your rain gutters, and are a smart investment to reduce workload every fall.  

4 – Check the flashing and caulking

The flashing is a metal strip that helps waterproof certain features on your roof like the chimney and vents, while caulking is a sealant that preserves your shingles and protects your roof against sunlight.

The flashing helps direct water away from seams and joints, and prevents it from entering any openings or cracks in the roof. Damaged flashing or caulking compromises your roof as it can allow water to sip into any cracks and create damage.

5 – Remove overhanging tree branches

Overhanging tree branches can fall onto your roof or clog your gutters. Although it doesn’t snow much in Texas, elements like snow or ice can weigh down tree branches and cause them to break off and potentially lead to roof damage. Anytime you notice overhanging tree branches no matter the season, it’s smart to trim them back as a preventative measure. 

6 – Check for interior damage

Another way to detect damage is by inspecting the interior of your home. Keep an eye out for any leaks or soft spots in your ceiling that could point to any faults in your roof. If you find any water damage, it’s a big indication your roof is damaged and needs either replacement or repair.  

Book a roof assessment today

Although roof damage can happen during any season, the winter months tend to get overlooked. Snow, freezing temps, and ice are all extreme weather events that contribute to roof damage. It’s important as a homeowner to make sure your roof is winter-proof. Good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. Hire the help of a professional roofer to ensure your roof is prepped and ready for any season.