As the temperatures drop it is important to pay close attention to specific parts of your home to avoid problems next spring. For many people, the checklist of winterizing a home includes making sure pipes are clear and dripping to prevent water from freezing, covering plants from the frost or snow, and making sure doors and windows are sealed correctly. What many people often overlook is any need for roof repair or maintenance.
Making The List
A properly maintained roof can reduce damage and problems down the road, saving thousands in avoidable repair costs. When it comes to winterizing a roof, it is important to do the following:
Inspect the roof — look for obvious signs of damage like broken or missing shingles, loose flashing or warped underlayment. You may even want to hire a roof contractor to take deeper look into the integrity of your roof before that big snowfall hits.
Clean the roof — make sure the roof is free from debris, pests and plant materials. These materials can compromise the integrity of a roof and lead to further damage when severe weather strikes. Existing buildup of these materials is likely to increase the weight on the roof, making it less able to support additional weight like ice or snowfall.
Check the ventilation — roof vents are often overlooked by homeowners and can easily become clogged, causing air to buildup in the attic. If the attic cannot properly vent the insulation can become compromised that leads to additional heating costs.
Needing repairs while snow or ice is coming down is not any fun. Properly carrying out some basic winterization techniques can save you a lot in the long and the short run.
