The autumn season is the time to prepare for colder weather. As you prepare the home for winter on the inside, the roof needs preparation to withstand winter weather from the outside. These proactive measures will keep your roof in top shape to protect the home from rain, ice, hail, and snow falling from the sky.
1. Clean the Roof
Clearing the roof of falling leaves, tree branches, and other debris is a good idea. When blizzards, snowstorms, and ice storms arrive, the heavy snow and ice will land on the roof. Uncleaned debris underneath snow and ice adds unnecessary weight, increasing the chance of damage. Avoid this and clean it with a hose or a soft power wash.
2. Trim Tree Branches
Trim tree branches from trees close to the roofing. Long tree branches give rodents access to the roof, and rodents destroy roofing and gutters. Fewer tree branches mean less debris to clean up on your roof and gutters. Tree branches can also land on it due to rot, winter storms, or thunderstorms. The loose branches can break or chip shingles and asphalt.
3. Clean Gutters
As the trees prepare for winter, they shed leaves and branches in autumn. Quite a bit lands in the gutters. Clean those gutters out throughout the fall months. Water cannot drain from the roof with a clogged gutter. In winter, a clogged gutter and standing water form blockages and ice dams. Grab that debris with gloves or use a leaf blower. Additionally, examine it for mold growth and mud and remove the problem spots.
4. Get a Fall Roof Inspection
An inspection by a roofing contractor examines the roof’s condition using the latest equipment and knowledge. The contractor’s team will repair any damages, including flashing, gutters, roof angles, and roof edges. The team will also fix upcoming and hidden roofing issues (water damage, mold, etc.). Inspection and repair prolong a roof’s lifespan for many years.
5. Don’t Forget the Chimney
Chimney use starts during the chilly autumn months and increases during the winter. It would be wise to clean the chimney interior of soot and debris during the fall. Conversely, the chimney’s exterior is prone to damage from trees, debris, ice, and snow. Water seeps through cracks and holes in the chimney to loosen shingles underneath and threaten the roof’s structure. Therefore, get the chimney inspected and repaired.
6. Inspect the Attic or Attic Crawlspace
Attic or crawlspace insulation is the difference between a warm home and a freezing house in the winter months. Upgrade poor insulation with spray foam, mineral wool, or fiberglass. It would be helpful to have moisture-proof materials inserted in the attic roofing.
An attic inspection is also wise to discover rodents, water damage, and mold growth. If any or all are in the attic, get rid of them before the winter months.
Fall preparations for winter can get overwhelming when you have to juggle work, family, school, and errands. Let them carry some of the load, so you’ll have less to do. Contact Ed & J United Roofing in Bakersfield, CA, to inspect and repair your residential roof.
