How To Prepare Your Roof for Winter

Winter can be challenging in many ways. The days are shorter, and the chance for inclement weather increases. Of all the areas of your home, your roof is most likely to bear the brunt of any winter storms. It is wise to add extra precautions to your seasonal roof maintenance plan.

Thorough Inspection

Before the first major freeze, have your roof inspected. Experts recommend looking for weak spots where rain or other precipitation could enter and cause water damage in your attic. Any elements that show signs of rot or rust should be replaced. Check for broken or missing shingles so that they can be replaced before the first snowstorm hits your area.

Landscaping Adjustments

During the spring and summer, the vegetation around your house may have grown exponentially. While the extra greenery may have provided extra shade from the heat, branches that are too close to your roof may damage it during the winter. Have your bushes and trees trimmed so that they don’t break and destroy your roof when seasonal winds start to blow.

Regular Maintenance

Good roof maintenance mostly centers around keeping it free of debris. Remove any items that have ended up on the roof so that they don’t damage it during a storm. The end of autumn is also a great time to clean your gutters and downspouts, ensuring that all the leaves that fell don’t end up clogging them. If they are damaged, they need to be repaired or replaced so that they can do their part to direct runoff from snowdrifts away from your home. 

The key to keeping your home nice and toasty during the winter is good roof maintenance. Replace anything that is broken, and fortify any weak spots you find. Protect your roof so that it can continue to shield your home from harsh winter weather.