Maintenance & Repairs to Keep Your Roof in Great Shape This Winter

The winter months can bring some extra wear and tear to your roof. However, forgetting to prepare your roof for the cold weather can be a costly oversight. One of the most important things for winterizing your home is performing roof maintenance tasks before the harsh winter conditions set in. This will help keep your home warm and comfortable and prevent expensive repairs caused by ice dams or leaks. Here are some essential maintenance tasks when it comes to preparing your roof for winter:

Missing, damaged, and loose shingles can expose your home to roof leaks and water damage. If not fixed before the winter months, water can seep underneath and make its way into your home. Strong winter winds can also blow away damaged and loose shingles.

Roof flashing is sometimes overlooked, but it’s a vitally important component of a well-maintained roof. Roof flashing protects your roof from water damage by diverting water from areas of the roof. Damaged or weak flashing usually occurs around chimneys, roof valleys, and overhangs.

For tips on how to spot signs of storm damage on your roof, take a look at our blog post on How to Spot Roof Storm Damage. If you are comfortable working on your roof and take safety precautions, you can repair or replace flashing and shingles yourself. Otherwise, hire a roofing pro.

It is also vital to inspect caulk/sealant around vent pipes, chimneys, and counter-flashing. When things get cold, they can shrink in the winter, and caulking can become separated or cracked if it’s old and dry. This can also allow water to seep into your home. New caulk is supple and retains its seal better once fully cured. Just be sure to remove old caulking beforehand.

While snow on your rooftop can be a beautiful sight, it can be extremely damaging to your roof if it sits too long. Along with ice, snow creates a heavyweight on your roof. This means that anywhere it’s even slightly compromised could be at risk of significant damage. In addition, if precipitation remains on your roof, it can create what’s known as an ice dam when it melts. Water on a roof is nothing new, but the re-freezing creates the issue.

A roof rake is a helpful snow removal tool to prevent snow from piling up on your roof. Anyone can easily use a roof rake. Just watch out for icicles and inspect the roof for any loose shingles or flashing, so you don’t accidentally hook onto them.

Trimming trees that hang around your roof is also an important step to take before the snow, wind, and ice arrive. Overhanging branches pose a threat to your roof. One snowstorm can cause these branches to break and fall over your home, which could damage your roof severely.

Before the winter storms roll in, make sure your roof and all surrounding elements, such as gutters, flashing, and downspouts, are free of debris. This can include sticks, leaves, and other grime accumulated on its surface. Clearing them can prevent clogs which, more often than not, lead to destructive ice dams on your roof during the winter.

As long as you take precautions, this is an easy DIY project. However, two-story or larger houses may require a professional.

While you can perform some roof maintenance tasks yourself, if you want to get your home in quality shape for the winter, it’s best to hire a professional roofing company to take care of the major work.

Leaving it to the experts will not only save you time and ensure your safety, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that everything is properly checked and repaired. That way, you can enjoy the winter and all the festivities it brings without having to stress or worry about the condition of your roof!

At Siefken Contracting, we take pride in our friendly staff and their attention to detail. Contact our team of experts for an estimate before the harsh winter weather arrives!