How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter [Guide]
When the weather begins to turn colder, it’s time to prepare your home for winter – specifically, your roof. As the barrier between you, your family, and the harsh weather, your roof needs to be in top condition to protect against the elements. Since winter weather is extremely tough on roofs, it’s important to take steps to ensure that it is up for the challenge – or replace the roof entirely before more costly structural damages occur.
In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how you can prepare your roof for winter weather – and when you should call a professional. Mid-Shore Exteriors is a roofing company helping homeowners in Maryland perform general maintenance checks and provide the necessary services to help keep their home’s structurally sound!
3 Tips to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
The best way to enjoy the snow and holiday season is by taking precautions now so you don’t have any disruptions, worries, or emergency repairs to hassle with later.
- Inspect Your Roof: The first step in preparing your roof for winter is to inspect it for any damage or wear. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles, as well as any cracks or holes in the roof. If you see any of these problems, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. Even small problems can turn into big ones when left unaddressed, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Clean Your Gutters, Downspouts, & Valleys: Another important task in preparing your roof for winter is to clean your gutters, downspouts, and roof valleys. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and pool on your roof, which can lead to leaks. If your home is surrounded by trees, be sure to remove the leaves and sticks from the roof valleys as this could lead to damming and will not allow water to flow down. In the winter, this water can freeze and cause even more damage. So, be sure to clean your gutters, downspouts, and valleys before the cold weather hits.
- Call a Professional: If you see missing shingles, damaged flashing, or an uneven sightline along the ridges of the roof, it’s time to call a professional. Roofing companies like Mid-Shore Exteriors have the knowledge and experience to properly inspect your roof. We will spot potential problems before they become serious problems – saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
If you need help preparing your roof for winter, don’t hesitate to call Mid-Shore Exteriors. We’re here to help you keep your home in top condition all year long. Schedule a free consultation today.
Risk of Seasonal Roof Damage
Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, which takes a toll over time. The sun beats down on it during summer days, while winter weather can be harsh – from freezing temperatures and ice dams to heavy snowfall. All of this can lead to damage, so it’s important to be proactive in maintaining your roof.
If you neglect your roof, you risk serious damage – and costly repairs. For example, ice dams can form when heat escapes from your home and melts the snow on your roof. This water can then refreeze and dam up, causing water to back up and seep into your home. This can lead to leaks, mold, and rot – all of which are expensive to fix.
Another issue that can arise from neglecting your roof is sagging. This can be caused by several factors, including water damage, poor ventilation, and weak rafters. Sagging puts stress on the roof and can cause the shingles to crack or break. In extreme cases, the entire roof can collapse.
So, it’s important to be proactive in maintaining your roof and address any problems as soon as they arise. By doing so, you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress in the long run.
Not sure if your roof needs replaced or repaired? Learn which is the smart choice!
When to Call Mid-Shore Exteriors
If you’re not confident in your ability to inspect or repair your roof, it’s time to call Mid-Shore Exteriors. We’re a roofing company serving homeowners along the Eastern Shore of Maryland for nearly 20 years! We have the knowledge and experience to properly inspect your roof and identify any problems.
We’ll also provide you with a free estimate for the repairs. And we’ll work with you to find a time that’s convenient for you, so you don’t have to wait – contact Mid-Shore Exteriors today!