Roof Maintenance Tips for the Winter Season

The winter season can be especially tough on your roof. Here are some tips on how the average homeowner can help make sure that their roof will protect them all season long.

Remove Snowfall

Although snow on a rooftop looks amazing, especially when you pair it with holiday decorations and lights, letting snow sit on your roof can cause damage come the spring and even over the winter. If the structure of your roof is already compromised then snowfall can cause serious structural damage to your roof including a collapse. The best way to prevent this is to make sure your roofs structure is solid and not rotting or otherwise compromised. The next best way is to ensure snow does not build up too much on the roof by using a roof rake to clear snow off your roof or hiring a professional to help keep your roof clear of snow.

Get Into the Gutter

We have talked about the importance of clear gutters before but it is worth saying again. Before the winter snow comes around make sure to clear your gutter of any leaves and other debris. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself there are many companies that can do this for you as well.

Visit the Attic

If you have never been in your attic, winter is the time to check it out. Attic ventilation is essential to preventing ice dams, build up of ice and snow on the overhang of your roof because of the freeze/thaw cycle, which can prevent melt water from getting to your downspout and draining. While you’re up in the attic, check to see if you need to replace or add insulation. Old insulation or a lack of insulation can cause the warm air from the house to heat the roof causing snow to melt, drain down to the colder overhangs where it refreezes also causing ice dams.