One of the best things you can do before winter is to check your roof for any damage that can become worse as the season drags on. Your roof was a costly investment, so you want to do everything you can to ensure that it has a long lifespan.
Below you will find a few tips for preventing roof damage this winter.
Inspections are Critical
If you already fear that there are weak spots on your roof or there has been previous damage, then an inspection is important. Once inspected, the roof can undergo the necessary repairs to make sure everything is in order for the winter.
Professional inspections are best because they know exactly what it is to look for and can check each and every part of the roof to make sure everything is good to go.
Waterproofing the Roof
Waterproofing isn't going to solve all of your roof problems, but it also proves to be beneficial during the winter months. If there is any ice or melting snow, the waterproofing on the roof will help prevent this water from making its way into any cracks there may be. You also don't have to replace all of your shingles for this. There are ways to waterproof the roof that will go on top of existing roofing.
Attic Insulation
If your attic isn't properly insulated, this can cause a host of problems for your home during the winter. Any warm air from the home and attic can leak out and start melting the snow and ice on the roof. The cold air outside in turn then freezes that water again, and the ice begins to build up on the roof because of this continuous process.
Make sure the attic is properly insulated and purchase new insulation if necessary. It will not only help protect your roof but can also help save you on your home energy costs as well.
Clean Your Gutters
This is something that you should be doing year-round as a homeowner. Gutters should be cleaned out at least twice per year. The best times to do this are right before fall and again after fall. This allows for a clear path for water to flow down and away from the home during the winter.
If the gutter is clogged, it can create an ice dam which will force the ice and water to remain on the roof with nowhere to go which can ultimately cause more damage.
With winter here it is imperative that you take the time to check on the roof to make sure everything is in tip-top shape to avoid more costly problems later on down the road. If you are unsure about the condition of your roof or you want an assessment to determine if any repairs are needed, then contact the experts at Wilkinson Roofing. Don't wait until something happens to seek out the professional help and service your roof needs.
