With winter just a few weeks away, you need to start thinking about protecting your roof. While you're busy winterizing your home, you don't want to leave your roof unprotected. Without proper winterization, your roof could suffer significant damage, which could lead to leaks. To avoid winter damage, take these five steps before the harsh winter weather officially arrives.
1. Start With a Thorough Cleaning If you haven't had your roof cleaned in a few years, now is the time to take care of that. This is particularly true if you have mature trees in your yard. Sap, dirt, and even leaf debris can wreak havoc on your shingles.
A dirty roof faces an increased risk of mold growth, which can cause additional problems inside your home. Reduce the risk of damage and mold growth by having your roof cleaned before winter arrives.
2. Repair or Replace Damaged Shingles If you are like most people, you might think that spring is the best time to take care of those roof repairs. However, you should actually repair your roof before winter arrives. After all, winter is when your roof will be subjected to the worst weather.
If you have damaged or missing shingles, you could be left to face serious leaks. Not only that, but missing and damaged shingles can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Before you're left to deal with leaks and escalating heating bills, repair or replace damaged shingles.
3. Seal the Shingles Against the Storms If you haven't applied a waterproof sealant to your roof, do that before winter arrives. Your shingles take the brunt of the summer heat and the winter chill. All that exposure can drastically reduce your roof’s life expectancy. Waterproof sealants block out the elements and help extend the life of your roof.
4. Replace Damaged Flashing
If the metal flashing on your roof shows signs of damage — dents, curling, or rust — you should have it replaced as soon as possible. The flashing on your roof provides more protection than you might think.
First, the flashing helps hold your shingles in place, protecting them from wind damage. Second, the flashing seals the seams to help lock out moisture and prevent leaks. Finally, your flashing prevents small pests from finding their way under your shingles.
5. Increase the Insulation in Your Home
If you haven't had your home reinsulated in a few years, your roof may be in danger this winter, especially if your attic insulation has worn down. Attic insulation protects your home and your roof from winter weather.
If you've discovered that your roof will need to be replaced this winter, start with a layer of rigid insulation. When you have your roofing contractor add rigid insulation beneath the shingles, you make your home more energy efficient.
6. Reduce Danger of Tree Damage
If the mature trees in your yard haven't been pruned yet, take care of that before winter. Mature trees pose considerable risks to your roof during the winter. First, seasonal flooding can saturate the soil, which can cause trees to collapse. Second, high winds can break older limbs.
If either situation occurs this winter, your roof may suffer significant damage. Have your trees pruned to reduce the risk of roof damage.
Don't take chances with your roof this winter. Use the tips provided here to get your roof ready for the inclement weather that's coming. If you have repairs that need to be taken care of,
contact us at Cal Roofing Systems Inc. Our skilled roofing contractors will get your roof ready for whatever winter brings your way.
