Here are 5 tips for getting your roof ready before winter arrives from HUDCO Roofing & Exteriors. The winter months are here, and it’s time to start preparing for the cold weather. This is especially important if you live in an area with snowfall or fluctuating temperatures. Winter can pose a number of problems for your roof, from increased wear and tear to damage from wind and ice. As a homeowner, it’s up to you to make sure that your roof is ready for the season. Here are five things to do before winter hits to prepare your roof.
Inspect Your Roof
Before winter hits, make sure that your roof is in good shape. Take a walk around the exterior of your home and look for any damage or signs of wear. Look for missing shingles, cracked tiles, or other problems that may affect its ability to protect your home from harsh weather conditions. If you notice anything suspicious, contact a professional as soon as possible. They should be able to help identify any issues and suggest solutions that will keep your roof safe from damage in the coming months.
Clean Out Gutters
Gutter maintenance should be one of the first things you do when preparing your home for winter. Gutters and downspouts can be filled up with leaves and debris during the fall months. When this happens, water will have nowhere to go but back onto your roof or into your basement, which can cause ice dams during the cold months ahead. Ice dams can cause serious damage if not treated promptly, so make sure to clean out any debris from your gutters before the snow begins falling this year!
Inspect Your Attic Insulation and Ventilation
There is nothing better than a home that is warm, cozy, and dry in the winter. In order to ensure this, it’s important to take a few maintenance steps throughout the season. One of these steps includes checking your attic’s insulation and ventilation system for any damage or issues. By keeping your attic’s ventilation and insulation systems in tip-top condition, you can help prevent ice dams – and the excessive stress they cause to your roof.
Make sure that your attic’s insulation and ventilation system is up to par before the chill of winter sets in. You can do so by inspecting them regularly, or by calling a professional if you aren’t sure what type of maintenance or repairs are needed.
Formulate Your Snow Removal Plan
While you may enjoy the beauty of a snow-covered roof and the peace and quiet it brings, having too much snow on your roof can cause problems. Not only can it begin to damage shingles and cause leaks over time, but more than a little bit of snow can pose serious safety risks by making the structure unstable.
Some roofs are easily accessed and can be raked off by hand, while others that are situated higher up will require the use of machinery such as a roof rake. Don’t be afraid to call on the professionals if you have concerns about safe snow removal from your roof — most reputable roofing companies will offer services for snow removal upon request.
Make Repairs Immediately
There are a lot of bad things that can happen to your roof in winter—from ice dams to slips, trips, and falls. Not to mention how a damaged roof in the winter can make the problem much worse. That’s why it’s important to do a full inspection and if any damage is found, it’s best to get it repaired right away before winter weather threatens your home and safety.
Get Your Roof Winter-Ready
The winter brings a lot of challenges to your roof and home. While it’s impossible to predict what this winter will bring, and just how bad the snow will be, these tips can at least help you prevent the most common winter-related problems.
HUDCO Roofing & Exteriors can provide you with the help you need. You can get in touch with us by calling us at 225-414-6153. We service areas in Alexandria, Houma, and Ruston, LA.