The fall weather is gorgeous now, but if you live in the Midwest, you know that winter can come suddenly, bringing frigid temperatures, bracing winds, and plenty of snow. As you prepare the rest of your home for cooler temps, don’t forget to take a look at your roof. After all, your roof is your #1 line of defense against the harsh elements!
Fall is a great time to ensure that your roof is in good shape. Here’s how to be sure your family keeps warm and safe all winter long.
7 Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
(1) Get a Close Look and Check for Visible Damage
While you can see some issues from the ground, it’s important to take a close look at your roof before the winter brings a slippery layer of ice and snow. Now’s the time to get up close and personal. Look for loose or missing shingles, or for shingles that don’t lay flat. These need to be repaired so your roof doesn’t sustain leaks. Also, look for indications of rot and decay on the roof surface. If you see small cracks, holes, or stains, you may need to contact a professional for help. Remember, even minor damage can become major after a big snowfall. Repairing your roof now can save you significant costs in the long run!
(2) Check Your Gutters
You may be thinking about your gutters already, now that the leaves are falling. It’s important to get your gutters cleared out before winter, so they’ll drain properly. Blocked gutters can cause serious water damage to your home.
(3) Look for Overhanging Tree Branches
It’s important to look around your roof as well and make a note of any tree branches that hang over your house. Snow can be very heavy, and a big storm can cause branches to break and fall. If you trim overhanging branches before winter, you can have peace of mind.
(4) Don’t Forget to Check Your Attic
As you winterize your roof, don’t forget your attic. You should check your attic for 3 main things: insulation, mold, and pests. Proper insulation will help keep your home warm all winter, so make sure you’re in good shape. Minor leaks can lead to mold growth in your attic. That’s a big red flag that there’s something wrong. Finally, check for signs of animals that may use your home as a warm spot for their nests. Your attic should have proper ventilation, too, to help you maintain a safe, healthy home.
(5) Check Caulking and Flashings
Roof flashing is a thin metal sheet that surrounds features on your roof and prevents leaks. At times, your flashing or caulking can become loose. If you notice worn out caulking or flashing that is loose or rusted, you’ll need to replace the damaged parts.
(6) Check Indoors, Too
While you’re at it, check your ceilings! Water stains can indicate that there’s a leak on your roof that needs to be addressed. Some common areas to check are around your windows, near your fireplace, and don’t forget to check in on unused rooms. An occasional inspection of your closet ceilings and storage rooms can help you catch leaks before they become a bigger issue.
(7) If You Have a Fireplace, Get a Chimney Inspection
This last tip is for homes that have a chimney. It’s extremely important to get your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year. This will help you prevent fires. It will also help you keep a warm, cozy fire in the fireplace when those cold winds blow.
Do You Need a Roof Inspection?
The roofing experts at CWC can look at several key areas of your roof to determine its ability to withstand the onslaught of a storm, from strong winds to water intrusion. Even in a heavy thunderstorm or snowstorm, wind can push water into small imperfections in the roof structure. These little imperfections can lead to BIG problems in the long run. In order to prevent such issues, a roof inspection will help discover any problems and help determine next steps. Obviously, the newer and stronger your roof is, the more protection it will provide.
Contact CWC for an Inspection Today
Our schedule is filling up fast, so don’t wait! Be prepared for the colder weather by calling a professional roofing company today.