Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Roof in The Winter
Are you wondering how to best prepare your roof for the winter in Edmonton? You are not alone! This article will provide helpful tips to prepare your roof for the winter. These tips are not limited to the winter; you can follow these recommendations any time throughout the year.
Dwight’s Roofing has been providing expert roofing services in Edmonton for over 30 years. We are committed to helping our clients get the maximum lifespan from their investment, as your roof is crucial to maintaining your home’s structural integrity. Roof failure can lead to many serious issues, such as water damage and mould.
Follow the tips below to help increase the lifespan of your roof!
Check for Roof Damage
Complete a visual inspection of your roof every spring and fall. Dwight’s recommends a visual inspection of your roof to check for any damage or missing roof components. Ensure to have any damage repaired before winter hits. If you have damaged shingles, the heavy snow, freeze-thaw cycle, and spring melt can wreak havoc on your roof and underlying structures. You want to be sure that the roof creates a waterproof seal over your home. If you cannot see all of your roof, we recommend having a professional come out for a full inspection.
Always check for the following:
- Check for signs of any leaks.
- Looks for areas of the roof that might be sagging. We recommend fixing this issue immediately if spotted. Heavy winter snow will worsen any problems with a sagging roof.
- Periodically, have a professional inspect the flashing and caulking on your roof. Flashing connects the roofing around areas such as windows, chimneys, and vents. You want to be sure the seal around these areas is clean and waterproof.
We always recommend fixing any visual damage to your roof before winter. The potential issues and cost of a leaky roof far outweigh the cost of roof repair or replacement.
Preventative Measures to Prepare Your Roof For the Winter
The roof above your home provides a barrier to the outside elements. Ensuring your roof is in good condition is key to increasing your shingles’ lifespan while also helping you protect your home from damaging leaks. The following list is essential items that you should follow every year to help extend the life of your roof and to get it ready for the winter:
Make sure your gutters are clean and empty. In the spring and fall, clear your gutters of debris, such as leaves and branches. Clogged gutters hold water, which can then freeze and cause damaging ice dams in your gutters. Ice dams will make it harder for melting water from the roof to escape and therefore cause damage to your shingles.
Proper tree care is critical before the winter. We recommend contacting a qualified tree company to trim and prune any weak branches that hang over your roof. Snow build-up on trees increases the weight and can cause branches to break and fall. The falling branches can cause damage to the roof itself and contribute to clogged gutters.
It would be best if you cleared debris from your roof in the spring and fall. Debris on your roof can cause damage to the shingles, flashing, caulking, and gutters. We recommend safely removing debris from your roof annually.
Inspect the Inside of Your House and the Attic
Dwight’s recommends a visual inspection of your attic in the fall and during the winter. During your visual inspection, keep an eye out for the following:
- Inspect the attic for missing insulation. Proper insulation can help prevent ice dams.
- Inspect your attic and roof for any signs of sagging. If you spot any sagging, contact your roofer immediately.
- Make sure the attic has proper ventilation. Proper ventilation allows moisture to escape your attic. Water build-up can cause damage to the roof and supporting structures and lead to attic rain.
Keep an Eye on the Roof all Winter
We recommend keeping an eye on your roof throughout the winter. Check for the following during your visual inspections.
- Ice build-up.
- Areas where snow has melted, but the area around has not. It could be a sign of improper insulation.
- Inspect the roof after high winds and heavy snowfall – look for sagging areas or missing shingles.
Final Thoughts
Your home is the most significant investment a person will ever make. Having a reliable roof above you helps protect that investment. If you follow the above recommendations, you should be able to extend the lifespan of your shingles while also protecting your home from potential winter damage. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Dwight’s Roofing today!
