As any good roofing company would suggest, when the seasons change and the chill begins to hit the air, it’s time to get your home ready for snow, sleet and icy temps. Normally, homeowners start with protecting and moving outdoor furniture, removing plants and looking for gaps around windows and doors. But don’t forget to look up to get your roof ready for winter so that you aren’t surprised by an issue after a winter storm, prompting a call to a roofing company.
During fall, leaves can collect in your gutters, causing clogs and ultimately leaks and damage to your roof. The snow and ice from winter can harm your roof even further. Winter weather can be more than just cold and uncomfortable; it can wreak serious havoc to your roof.
Snow accumulation on your roof adds a substantial amount of weight. This can cause an issue called ice damming when you combined heavy snow with the heating and cooling cycles, poor ventilation, and inadequate insulation. Ice damming can prevent melting snow from draining into the gutters, causing water to pool on your roof. This can result in moisture saturating shingle nails and moisture seeping into your roof decking.
Fall Roof Maintenance
Use the still pleasant weather of Autumn as a great time for a homeowner or roofing company to check on, and complete, roof maintenance tasks. Preparing your roof for the winter ahead is always a good idea.
6 Tips to Make Sure You Don’t Have a Roof Emergency During Winter
When fall debris like leaves and pine needles clog your gutters, it prevents water from draining away from your house properly. And as we mentioned, a small clog can lead to bigger problems once winter arrives. Try these tips:
- Regular Checkups
Check your gutters regularly to catch any issues before they become more dire and more costly. Having a roofing company come take a look at your roof before winter is always a good idea. Plus, then they can get up on the ladder and you don’t need to.
- Preventative Installations
Have a roofing company install quality gutter guards to reduce debris buildup. Less leaves in your gutters mean less potential for clogging.
- Trim Those Trees
Trim any overhanging branches from nearby trees to minimize leaves falling into the gutters.
- Seek Out Roofing Professionals
Consider hiring a professional roofing company for thorough cleaning and maintenance, especially if your gutters are hard to reach. They have the equipment and know-how to make this process as pain-free as possible.
- Check Your Attic’s Insulation
Your home could be at risk for ice damming in the winter if it does not have adequate attic insulation and/or roof ventilation.
Insulation within the attic plays a key role in stopping ice damming. If a home isn’t properly insulated and the intake ventilation is covered, heated air from your conditioned spaces travels to your attic, warming the rooftop. This leads to more snowmelt.
A roofing company can inspect your home to identify areas where you might need to make changes to meet the R-value (proper insulation) in your area and find potential savings on your energy bill.
- Check Your Attic’s Ventilation
Your roof’s ventilation system usually includes an intake vent along the base of your roof and an exhaust venter either on or off the ridge. These vents allow for a continuous flow of air through the attic space and play an important role in managing excess heat and moisture that could cause problems in both hot and cold conditions.
Is Your Roof ready for cold weather? Call a Professional Roofing Company like Marroquin Exteriors!
Contact Marroquin Exteriors today to make sure that your roof is ready for the upcoming harsh weather months.