7 ways to prepare your roof for the winter months

By Royalty Roofing.  

This guide helps to ensure your roof is prepared for winter's harsh weather and cold conditions.

As winter approaches, it is essential to take proactive measures to ensure your roof can withstand the harsh conditions of the season. Royalty Roofing has compiled a comprehensive list of tips for you to help maintain your roof during the winter months. By addressing these tasks, your roof will be better equipped to endure the cold months and avoid long-term damage once the season ends. These practical steps can save time, money and effort come spring. Continue reading to discover how these tips can be implemented to prepare any roof for winter.

Preparing the roof for winter

Begin preparations for the cold weather and extreme elements well before they arrive, so the roof can handle anything winter throws at it. Here are some tips on how to protect the roof from harsh weather conditions.

1 - Mind the gutters

The foundation and roof are safeguarded by gutters, which collect rainwater and direct it away from the house. When they are clogged, they can cause a variety of problems. Gutters also prevent water from pooling around the base of the home, which can cause a variety of problems when they are clogged. In addition to pests entering the home, clogged gutters can trap water and cause damage to the roof, siding and foundation.
During the winter, trapped water in the gutters can cause ice dams that could be extremely hazardous. If the gutters are not cleaned before winter sets in, they may be damaged, leaving the home vulnerable to water damage. Before the winter begins, check to see whether the gutters are blocked. Clear them or hire a gutter cleaning company to remove the leaves, twigs, gunk and other material that has accumulated to ensure proper water flow. A third alternative is to buy gutter guards to prevent future blockages.

2 - Check for missing or damaged shingles

A few missing shingles here and there might not seem like a big deal. In fact, even the smallest amount of exposed roof could cause leaks in the home. One of the first steps in winter-proofing the roof is to check for any missing, cracked or damaged shingles. Shingles that are missing or compromised can allow water to seep in, leading to leaks and even structural damage over time. Take the time to do a visual inspection from the ground or if possible, get up on the roof safely to take a closer look. If there are any damaged or missing shingles, replace them promptly to ensure the roof is properly sealed against winter weather.

3 - Check for proper attic ventilation and insulation

An improperly ventilated attic can cause problems with air flow. Air doesn’t flow evenly in attics during the winter, which can cause hot and cold air to flow improperly. When the attic is properly ventilated, air flows properly. This minimizes the risk of structural damage. Another method to safeguard the roof is to ensure that the attic is properly insulated. Ice dams may also form as a result of insufficient insulation. In addition to safeguarding the roof and attic space from moisture, proper attic insulation may also help to reduce the energy expenses. Ventilation and insulation in the attic can safeguard the roof during winter and help reduce costs.

4 - A clean roof is a happy roof

Microorganisms, such as moss, lichen and algae, can wreak havoc on the roof if they are not properly maintained. Although small patches of these species may grow across the roof, they can be extremely destructive. Moss, an invasive plant-like organism, sends roots into the roof decking, destroying it and leads to leaks. Lichen, which is usually found with moss, appears white in color. These two organisms normally coexist and are destructive in unison.
The harmful microorganisms black algae, also known as Gloeocapsa magma, are destroying roofs and making them even worse as snow and ice are sitting on them during winter. This organism looks like a big blob of dirt, but it is actually living and feeding on the granules of the shingles. Preventing microorganisms from growing on the roof before winter sets in is smart because it is important to clean the roof and add zinc strips.

5 - Trim back the tree branches

Inspect for low-hanging branches that might contact the roof during high winds and destroy the shingles. Also, be alert for damaged limbs that might drop onto the roof and cause extensive damage. Pruning branches and limbs that are hanging close to the roof is the best way to minimize this issue. Do not attempt to do so if not experienced in trimming and pruning trees. Removing branches that are up high is risky in addition to being dangerous and it may jeopardize the structural integrity of the tree, which may cause it to collapse in the future. It may cause considerable harm to the home and other valuables or even get injured as a result.

6 - Check for any leaks

The easiest and safest way to inspect for roof leaks is to look for water damage inside the attic. Even a tiny leak can cause major damage over the winter, so be sure to fix any cracks or holes immediately. If able to repair roofs, examining the damage on the exterior will help determine how to proceed, particularly if there are missing shingles. Otherwise, leave the job to someone who knows it with more experience and know-how.

7 - Install ice and water shields

If the area is prone to heavy snowfall, adding ice and water shields beneath the shingles, especially along the edges of the roof, can be highly effective. These shields act as an extra barrier against ice and moisture, keeping them from seeping under shingles and damaging the roof deck. Installing them as part of the winter preparation or when replacing a roof, can help protect the home in the long term.

Original article and image source: Royalty Roofing.

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