Making Sure Your Roof Is Winter-Ready

Winter will be here before we know it. While it can be difficult for us to adjust to the new cooler weather, did you realize that your roof requires some maintenance as well? Autumn is a great time to examine your roof’s health and make sure it’s ready for the winter. 

It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected in the fall to make sure it’s in good shape before the winter prevents you from doing any repairs. It’s ideal to do this inspection after you’ve cleaned up your gutters for the fall season so that any issues may be identified quickly. 

When it comes to inspecting and maintaining your roof, you should hire someone who is trained in ladder safety and working at heights. 

What if your roof is in need of repair or replacement? Before the winter weather hits, it’s critical to complete roof repair. 

We’ll show you how to evaluate a roof for the winter so you know what to expect from the contractor you hire:

• Check your tiles

Spend the time to check your roof tiles and shingles for any damage. If left untreated, water can leak inside your home, causing further damage to the interior as well as the roof. 

These kinds of problems should ideally be addressed before any inclement weather in order to avoid worse problems down the road.

• Look for damp Spots

If you notice any damp spots on the inside of your home’s ceiling, call a roofer right once. This indicates that your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired. If left untreated, internal damage can develop, which can be exceedingly costly to repair.

• Clear Your Gutters

It’s not a comfortable task, but it’s critical to maintain your gutters clean. We receive a lot of rain and frost in the winter, so your gutters need to be able to handle it. If your gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, your gutters may overflow, causing water to pour into your home.

This rule also applies in the summer; clogged gutters can pose a serious fire threat if they are clogged with leaves, sticks, and other garden debris. After you’ve cleared your gutters, trim back any overhanging bushes, trees, or plants. This will prevent your gutters from becoming clogged so rapidly in the future.

Roof Repair Materials for the Winter

It is possible to replace shingles in the winter, but you will need to add something to glue the shingles together. Of course, shingles are nailed to the roof, but each shingle has a tar strip on it that helps it attach to the shingle next to it. 

In heavy winds, this serves to keep the shingle tabs down. Winter winds can easily harm shingles that aren’t adhered to one another. To activate the tar strip, it must be around 60°F.

A dab of roofing repair cement or tar should be applied to each shingle throughout the winter to keep them together until the tar strip is activated in the spring. Keep the items inside until you’re ready to use them so they’ll be flexible in the cold.

Conclusion

Do not underestimate the importance of your roof. Every year in the fall, invest some effort in preparing your roof for the winter. Your minimal investment guarantees that your roof is in good working order and that minor issues are caught before they become major issues.

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