Depending on where your home is located within the US, the winter weather will present additional challenges to your roofing in terms of snow fall, ice, and increased rainfall. To avoid the inconvenience, increased cost as well as health issues that can occur if your roof will not adequately withstand the winter weather, you need to take steps to make sure your roof is ready. With the help of a professional roofing company, here are some of the ways you can prepare your roof for winter.
- Getting insulation
If you have a flat roof, then there will be a significant snow buildup on your roof over the winter months. You need to insulate your roof or ceiling to keep the cold temperatures out of your house. There are many insulation options that are available for you depending on the type of roofing that you have and a local roofing company, such as Murfreesboro Roofing Company, Roofing Renovations, if you happen to live in Tennessee, would be able to determine the best insulation strategy to use for your home.
- Repair any existing roof damage
During the preceding summer and fall seasons, you might not be extremely affected by any small damages that could be on your roof. This includes missing tiles, small leaks, as well as damaged roof shingles. A damaged roof will not be able to withstand the harsh winter weather. You need to make sure that as you enter the winter season, your roof has no pre-existing damage. Engage a local roofing company to carry out an inspection and fix any damages your roof might have sustained.
- Clear your gutters
Your gutters redirect any precipitation on your roof safely to the ground. With the increased rainfall and snowmelt during the winter, you don’t want to have clogged gutters. Ensure that you clear all debris from your gutter prior to the winter season.
- Install snow guards
If you have a sloped roof, then there is an increased risk of the snow buildup (or an ice dam) on the roof falling all at once causing damage or injury to your property and family members. Snow guards keep the snow buildup on the roof until it melts and drains away as harmless snow-melt.
While there is the temptation to take a DIY approach to your roof preparations, your best bet for a safe winter lies with a professional roofing company.
