Winter can be a challenging time for those living in the Pacific Northwest, as we are often hit with freezing rain and snowstorms. These conditions can take their toll on your roof, especially if you don’t know how to prepare it for the winter months.
The best way to protect your home is by doing some routine maintenance before winter hits – here’s what you need to do!
#1 Trim your trees along the roofline to prevent damage
The first thing you need to do in the weeks before winter is trim any branches hanging over your roof. When it comes time for a snowstorm, these tend to break off and fall on your roof – which can cause leaks if they damage shingles. Trees are also heavy enough that their roots will lift up sections of the lawn, causing cracks in your foundation!
By cutting back tree limbs above roofs, homeowners not only make themselves more comfortable inside, but they prevent potential leaking problems from trees dropping debris onto their homes during powerful storms. For this reason alone, many insurance companies recommend pruning trees yourself instead of waiting for a professional because by doing so, policies can be voided when severe damage occurs due to neglecting recommended guidelines set forth by home insurers.
#2 Check your insulation before winter
You should check to make sure that your insulation has not fallen out or shifted during the fall. This will help keep heat inside during the winter months and prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. In order to check for insulation problems, you will need a flashlight. Use the flashlight to look for any dark spots where insulation is missing or thinning out.
You can also check inside of your attic, as this will help you know if there are problems with the insulation in other parts of your home too! Make sure that all vents are clear before winter hits – leaves often get caught up around these areas during fall time cleaning efforts, but homeowners should make an effort to clean them out once more before it starts getting cold outside again.
#3 Have your damaged shingles repaired or replaced as routine maintenance
If you have noticed any shingles that are curling or missing, make an appointment with your roofer to get them repaired. If they cannot be fixed, it is best to replace them entirely before winter hits so you can avoid leaks during the cold season. Also, replacing one damaged shingle now will prevent having to deal with multiple repairs later on!
Some homeowners might feel daunted by the idea of climbing up their roofs in order to check for problems. However, there is no need to worry too much about this. All a homeowner really needs is a trusted professional that can get the job done in the quickest and safest way possible.
#4 Ensure your attic has proper ventilation before winter hits
While it is essential to prevent ice dams from forming, you also need to make sure that your home does not get too warm. The best way to keep a roof at the right temperature during wintertime weather events is by ensuring proper ventilation in an attic space. If there are vents installed near where HVAC appliances reside, ensure they aren’t blocked off by insulation or other debris, so proper airflow exists.
In conclusion, by utilizing the tips provided here, homeowners can keep being warm and comfortable during the wintertime while reducing stress associated with home heating costs.
If you’re in the Greater Northwest, we’d love to serve you! Our professional roof repair contractors serve all of NW Oregon & SW Washington.
