Winterizing Your Roof
We know it’s only October and winter doesn’t “officially” start until December 21st. But let’s not forget, we live in Nebraska. Halloween has been postponed due to snowstorms many times and Thanksgiving Day often brings with it a massive 2-day ice storm.
To put it mildly, things are a bit unpredictable when it comes to weather around here. That’s why it’s best to winterize your home now, while the temperatures are still relatively moderate and your roof is free of snow and ice.
Why is winterizing so important?
It helps ensure that your home is as ready as possible for whatever snowy, sleety, yucky winter weather that Mother Nature decides to throw at you…or your roof. With that in mind, here are a few of our tips on how to get your roof ready for winter.
Attic Insulation
Having both proper ventilation and insulation in your attic area can do wonders for your roof. For instance, it can prevent heat loss as well as the formation of icicles and ice dams.
Clean Your Gutters
It is so, so, SO important that your gutters are completely clear of debris (like leaves, twigs, etc) so that rainwater and melting snow are able to drain properly. If your gutters are clogged, you may wind up with water damage. Your foundation, siding, landscaping, and more can all be negatively affected by clogged up gutters.
Check Your Downspouts
Remember those gutters that you just got done checking? While you’re at it, go ahead and check your downspouts, too. Clean gutters aren’t going to do you much good if your downspouts are clogged– melting snow and ice is only able to drain properly if both your gutters and your downspouts are clear of debris. Also, making sure that there’s nothing clogging up your downspouts can help to prevent the formation of mold and rusting.
Got Trees Nearby?
Any tree limbs that are hanging over your roof can bend, bow, and snap when covered in heavy ice or snow. Depending upon how big the branch is, it could cause serious damage. Get those branches trimmed and away from the roof ASAP.
Inspect. Repair. Repeat.
Every month or two you should be doing a visual inspection of your roof (from the ground is fine). Look at the flashing for signs of damage, look for missing or broken shingles, and always take a peek at places that have been previously repaired or patched to make sure everything looks up to snuff.
If you notice any issues with your roof, don’t hesitate to give us a call! At Golden Rule Construction, we’re happy to come out and perform a more thorough inspection and, if needed, make any necessary repairs.
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