Winter can bring a lot of wear and tear on your roof if you’re not careful. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures, hail; all these things can damage the roof of your home or business. It’s essential to take extra steps in preserving and caring for your roof during this harsh season – but what should you do? In this blog post, we’ll walk through tips on caring for your roof that you can take to ensure winter doesn’t harm the structural integrity of your building’s roofing system. Read on for tips and advice on keeping it well-maintained from now until spring!
Caring For Your Roof
Winter is here, and that means harsher weather conditions. While wintertime can be filled with cozy evenings cuddled up by the fire, your roof takes a beating from the snow and strong winds. Snow and wind are some of the most damaging weather conditions that can occur. To prevent costly damages in the future, it’s essential to take steps now to make sure your roof is adequately prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Here are some ways you can begin caring for your roof during winter and avoid any surprises come springtime.
inspect your roof
Before the winter, you should inspect your roof for any damage that may have occurred during the previous season. Look for cracked, missing, or loose shingles, and ensure that no debris is blocking your gutters or downspouts. If you notice any damage, make sure to have it repaired before the winter weather hits. Call us if you don’t know what to look for or don’t want to inspect it yourself. We will come out and perform a roof inspection to let you know if it is ready for the winter.
TRIM TREES AND SHRUBS AROUND YOUR HOME
If you have any trees or shrubs near your home, trim them before the winter. Snow and ice will build up and can cause branches to break and fall, which could damage your roof. This is a preventative way of caring for your roof.
Remove leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts
Leaves and debris can block your gutters and downspouts, which can cause water to back up and freeze on your roof. To prevent this from happening, make sure to remove leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts regularly throughout the fall. Caring for your roof in this way prevents buildup during the winter.
Apply a waterproof sealant to your roof
A waterproof sealant will help with caring for your roof to prevent water damage caused by melting snow and ice. Make sure to apply the sealant evenly over the entire surface of your roof.
Install a metal edge around your roof
A metal edge will help deflect snow and ice away from your roof, preventing water damage caused by melting snow and ice. Make sure to install the metal edge around the entire perimeter of your roof.
Cover vents and openings on your roof
Vents and openings on your roof can allow cold air into your home, increasing your energy bills. To prevent this from happening, make sure to cover vents and openings on your roof with insulation or a piece of plywood.
Add extra insulation to your attic
If you have an attic, make sure to add extra insulation to it before the winter starts. This will help keep heat in your home, reducing energy bills.
Check for leaks
Leaks can occur in any type of roof, but they are more common in roofs made of asphalt shingles. If you have a leak, make sure to have it repaired as soon as possible. Left unrepaired, leaks can cause severe water damage.
Snow Removal
If you live in an area with a lot of snow, hire a professional snow removal company to clear it off your roof. This will help prevent the snow’s weight from damaging your roof. Keeping up with snow removal is one of the easiest ways to begin caring for your roof this winter.
A lot of work goes into caring for your roof, especially during the winter. Taking a little time to care now will save you time, money, and stress in the future.
Damage That Occurs On A Roof
The damage that can occur on a roof can seem overwhelming and range from minor wear and tear to major structural issues. Smaller problems include cracked, curled or missing shingles due to natural aging or weather extremes. Wind-driven rain and hail may lead to water infiltration, which can cause leaking in the attic or walls since roofs need to be watertight. Moss and lichen buildup on the roof can retain moisture, damaging the materials as they deteriorate over time. Poorly done repairs can also add to existing roof damage by not properly addressing the underlying problem. Left unaddressed, roof damage will get worse and eventually result in costly repairs or even the entire roof replacement. Taking care of minor problems right away is essential for keeping your roof functioning safely and efficiently for many years to come.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE CARING FOR YOUR ROOF
Your roof is a vital and often underappreciated part of your home. Keeping it in good condition isn’t only necessary for your house’s aesthetic elements but also for the structural integrity of your home. A neglected roof can cause weak spots, which can easily be damaged by strong winds or a heavy storm, causing further damage to the structure and increasing the risk of leaks. Regularly maintaining and caring for your roof will not only extend its life expectancy and prevent unnecessary repairs, but it could also reduce energy consumption in your home, saving you money in the long run.
Do You Have A Damaged Roof?
If you’re waking up in the morning to find that your roof has gone from golden to gone, don’t panic! Virginia Chimney and Roofing is here to help. Offering a range of services with professional expertise, our knowledgeable team will have your roof looking like new again in no time. From small-scale fixes to significant renovations, trust Virginia Chimney and Roofing for complete coverage at an affordable price. So whether your roof needs simple repairs or a serious overhaul, don’t wait any longer – call Virginia Chimney and Roofing today to make your roof back to brand new!
