Winter can be especially hard on the roof of your home. The exposure to cold, ice, snow, and winter winds can result in major damage and the need for expensive repairs. You can keep your house dry and safe by performing three tasks before the winter weather arrives.
1. Damage Inspection
Take the time to inspect the roof for any developing damages before winter arrives. It is much more difficult to diagnose and repair issues once the snow and cold weather arrives. There are three ways to safely inspect the roof. If you prefer to do it yourself, use a pair of binoculars or inspect it from the top of a ladder. Don't try to walk on the roof, as this can cause damage as well as be dangerous.
Another option is to have it professionally inspected. Many roofing companies provide low cost annual inspections. Some companies provide drone inspections, where they use a drone to fly over the roof to look for shingle and flashing damage, aging, and other issues that could affect the roof.
2. Ice Dam Prevention
Ice dams can lead to major leaks in the house and damaged shingles on top of the roof. When an ice dam forms, it causes moisture to leak into the attic and cause water damage to the interior of your home. Further, the dam itself can lift and crack shingles, leading to extensive roof damage.
The simplest way to prevent ice dams is to clean out your gutters in the fall. Then, make sure the gutters are properly aligned and that there is no damage to the eaves and drip edge of your roof. A roofer can also find at-risk areas and install heat cables to prevent freezing.
3. Attic Maintenance
Roof problems can lead to issues in the attic, while issues in the attic can make roof problems worse. In windy areas, it is important to have any roof tiedowns or hurricane hardware inspected to make sure everything is secure. Rafters should be inspected for any damage, and problems should be repaired promptly.
An attic inspection is also necessary. A roofer can determine if there are issues around vents by checking the interior of the attic for water stains, for example. Attic ventilation needs to also be assessed. Poor ventilation can lead to ice dams and roof damage and result in higher energy bills.
Contact a roofing contractor for more help.
