Roof Maintenance Tips to Ensure a Safe Winter Season
Although many people do not think about the importance of it, your roof is an absolutely essential part of protecting your family and loved ones from the seasonal elements. And in many parts of the country, winter has the most dangerous elements and temperatures to deal with. So now that winter is here, it is the time to think about the maintenance tips that will help you keep your roof in solid condition during the potentially harsh winter months.
Inspect Your Roof
If the snow has already started to fall, before inspecting your roof do yourself a favor and avoid climbing on your roof ice and snow can make your roof slippery and dangerous. Instead, take a stroll around the outside of your house and see if there are any visible signs of sagging or damage. If you find any, hire a professional to take a look at it and to fix any problems before they become dangerous.
Take the Time to Remove Roof Debris Prior to the First Snow Fall
If you have trees around your home it is crucial to remember that the branches above your home will drop leaves onto your roof. As this debris builds up and large amounts of leaves and another debris collect they will begin to fill your overhangs and clog your gutters. This is a great time to hire a professional to come in and clean your roof and gutters of any debris and build up.
Trim Those Trees!
In order to keep your roof in prime condition, it is crucial that you remove any and all dead branches around your home. It is particularly important to address the trees with branches near your roof. In many areas of the country, there are heavy snowfalls or ice storms that are strong enough to break branches and damage the physical structure or your home. This is not only incredibly dangerous for you and your family, but extremely costly as well.
Clear Snow From Your Roof
As a rule of thumb try to remember to remove any snow within four feet of your drains and gutters. This is a great way to improve your drainage and avoid clogging, freezing and build up. Roof rakes are a wonderful tool for this job. If your job is too large for a roof rake, consider calling in a pro. It might cost some up front, but it will save you both time, stress and money in the long run.
Clean Out Those Gutters!
The final tip for today is to take the time to clean gutters and drainpipes help drain the water from your roof as snow and ice melt. If this is not taken care of and water collects in your gutters, it can pose a serious problem as the temperatures dip overnight. Clogged gutters often lead to ice damming in your downspouts and gutters. Ice dams keep constant moisture around your home. Be aware that standing water can damage your home’s siding and foundation costing you thousands of dollars in repair.