Winter proofing your home starts with your roof. Performing maintenance for the winter season protects you and your loved ones from costly repairs later down the road. When performing roofing maintenance, be sure to remember to clean your gutters, clear the snow, and evaluate nearby trees.
Clean Gutters
Preparing your roof for winter requires cleaning your gutters from leaves, sticks, and other materials that have found their way inside. Failure to do so will put your gutters at a high risk of getting clogged. Clogged gutters form mold from rotting debris and can cause ice dams to form in the winter. These two issues will cause extensive damage to your home if not taken care of immediately. Cleaning your gutters in preparation for, during, and after winter will help you maintain the integrity of your roof and avoid water damage.
Clearing Snow
During the winter, the buildup of snow on your roof can get very heavy, per surface square. The intensity that you have to clear snow off your roof will depend on the region you live in, the snowfall you experience, and the angle of your roof. Some roofs need a snow guard to assist with snow control, while others naturally handle snow better. It is generally recommended that you remove snow within four feet of your drains and gutters to help improve drainage and reduce the risk of ice dams forming. Failure to remove snow will result in structural integrity issues, water damage, and the possible need for an entire roof replacement.
Evaluate Nearby Trees
Trees surrounding your property can put your home at risk during the winter. Dead branches or limbs laden with snow can break off and fall on your roof in a severe winter storm. Fallen branches can cause severe damage to your roof including disruption of shingles, insulation, and general integrity. Prior to the first snowfall, it is wise to trim trees near your home’s roof that could be a threat. It is also wise to keep an eye out during the winter to identify branches that were missed during the initial trim that could be a threat.
A well-maintained roof holds its structure and its value over time. Energy costs and maintenance costs are significantly lower when you are diligent with repairs. Remember to clean gutters, clear snow, and trim trees that could pose a threat to the roofing integrity of your home.
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