In the winter, your roof is one of the last lines of defense against harsh weather. It blocks the wind and ice while trapping heat, keeping your family warm and cozy no matter what the temperature is outside. However, if left uncared for, your roof may not offer you the protection you need.
Before the cold fully sets in, it’s important to prepare your roof for the winter months so that it can fully withstand the snow, storms, and frost on the way. In January in Wisconsin, we can get up to an average of 40 inches of snow—that’s a lot for your roof to have to hold! Prevent the risk of damages caused by these extreme conditions by following our helpful roof maintenance tips and tricks.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
Check Your Roofline
One of the first things you should do when winterizing your roof is do an initial inspection of your roofline. This can typically be done from your yard or up a bit on a ladder, and simply requires you to visually examine your roofline for any signs of dipping, curving, or sagging. Your roofline should be straight all the way across—any deviations from this may mean there is a framing issue caused by rotting wood. A repair may be necessary to prevent any future leaks or further deterioration. However, some slight sagging is part of the natural wear and tear process of a home, so don’t be afraid to contact a professional for more information.
Clean Out Gutters
Your gutters and drainpipes play an important role in diverting hundreds of gallons of snowmelt away from your roof. However, in the fall, they get frequently filled with leaves and twigs. Make sure to take the time to thoroughly remove these clogs before winter sets in. If left untreated, you run the risk of creating damaging ice dams and icicles as moisture pools there. Your gutters aren’t designed to be filled with ice—if they do, the excess weight can be too much to handle, causing them to weaken and pull away from your roof, causing structural damage and expensive repairs.
Trim Low-Hanging Branches
Although you may like the look of a lot of foliage framing your house, it’s important to not let any tree branches hang too close to your roof. During storms, the branches can be pushed up against your roof, scratching or puncturing the surface. They can also get weighed down with snow and ice, causing them to snap under the extra weight and crash onto your roof. Trim or entirely remove nearby branches to prevent this from happening. There may be some branches you can remove yourself—others will likely require the help of a professional.
Remove Debris
Your gutters aren’t the only place where debris gathers—your roof can also house large clumps of leaves, twigs, and other outdoor matter. If left throughout the winter, it runs the risk of becoming waterlogged, damaging the roof underneath due to the excess moisture. It’s common for debris to accumulate in hard-to-see spots like behind the chimney, so make sure you take the time to inspect your roof for any hidden pockets of junk. These accumulated piles can then either be removed by hand or by leaf blower.
Check Attic
One of the easiest and quickest ways to find weak spots on your roof is to head up to your attic. There, any water damage coming from your roof will become evident through water spots on the walls or puddles on the ground. These issues are important to weed out and address before the winter sets in, so make sure to have a professional come in and figure out what’s causing the water damage before ice and snow only further the issue.
Get an Inspection
Small, seemingly insignificant roof damage can quickly grow, turning into an entire roof replacement. Make sure problems don’t escalate by having a professional come in and inspect your roof if you sense there are underlying issues. They will be able to quickly find things that aren’t as visible to an untrained eye (such as loose shingles or warped flashing) and can recommend small repairs that can save you a lot of money in the long run, especially during a damaging winter.
Contact Us Today
Ready to winterize your roof? Contact us today for a free consultation or to speak to one of our representatives! At Standard Roofing & Restoration, we offer premier roof inspections, repairs, waterproofing, and insulation services. We understand the importance of preparing your roof for the harsh Wisconsin weather, and want to help you extend your roof’s lifespan while keeping your family warm and comfortable all winter long.