Some Tricks to Help Stop Roof Damage This Winter

Some Tricks to Help Stop Roof Damage This Winter

No one wants roof damage to happen during the wintertime. It is because we want our family to stay comfortable and secure all winter long. But it is easier than it looks to help stop roof damage. Today’s homeowners don’t have to get on their roofs to ensure necessary precautions are carried out. Presented here are some tips to use the time to help lessen roof damage as the temperatures go down.

Having a roof that is in good shape and continue to protect your home from the weather is important. Not getting proper inspections and maintenance on your roof can lead to a need for a roof replacement. Even then, you may need a completely new roof and not just a roof over existing roof in order to continue to protect the home.

Get Your Gutters Cleaned and Repaired

One thing to look at is the gutter and drain system that runs along the edge of your roof. It is the one thing that helps to collect water and pull it away from the foundation of your home. Any existing clogs can cause standing water to be present in your gutters and on the top of the roof. When this water gathers, mildew and mold are sure to follow and much worse than this is something else. When temperatures drop during the winter, the water left behind can turn to ice. It is highly advised to get your gutters cleaned out thoroughly. If they have any existing issues, such as clogs or standing water, you should get them repaired.

Get Debris Away from the Roof

If you have any litter on the roof of your home, it’s an accident just waiting to happen. Small objects that are tossed around by the wind can be damaging. They can crack or cause shingles to dislodge. If stacks of wet leaves are present, they can lead to mold. If there are any nuts or berries around, these can entice pests. By the end of the fall season, the roof should be clear of any potential problems and ensure it is done safely. Falls that are roof-delated is very dangerous for both professionals and homeowners.

Treating Mildew and Mold

Do your shingles have a green, yellow, or black shine? If the answer is yes, you may very well have algae, mildew, or mold problem. This kind of growth can damage shingles and the sheathing that is underneath them. They also can cause a nasty odor. It helps to talk to a professional roofer about the safest and most effective products on the market for getting rid of invasive mildew and or mold.

Get A Professional Inspection Done

When you go walking around on the roof, it is considered risky for safety reasons. It can also lead to roof damage happening unintentionally. Roofing companies know this, and it is why they use drones to get exact measurements and look at shingles and areas of specific concerns up closely. They can now do this without putting you and your home at risk.

Replace Shingles That Are Broken and Or Missing

Besides, when you replace shingles that are broken or missing, it is the very thing that prevents moisture from seeping into your attic and causing damage to the rest of the house. If you notice the signs from the indoors, it will be a time that indicates you may need many thousands of dollars in repairs. The best way to keep bills low is by getting a thorough fall inspection and preventive maintenance.

Do Reseal for Piping, Skylights, and Other Fixtures

Any puncture made in a roof, installing a satellite or vent an appliance, can introduce the potential for water to get inside a home. Numerous products can help keep moisture out. It depends on the kinds of materials that are used. They may need regular touch-ups. Flashing that is damaged, and other materials are something that may require replacement. Fall is the best time to reseal all puncture points and help stop water from seeping indoors and wreaking havoc.

Practicing Pest Control That Is Sensible

Georgia is a state that has a lot of lovely trees. These trees bring beautiful fall colors, but they can also include pest problems, some of which are squirrels, bats, rats, and mice looking for a warm place to nestle in after winter temperatures start to set in. Once these creatures find their way inside, by chewing apart roofing material to make the entrance larger, it is the beginning of big trouble. They can also destroy insulation and wiring, bring about moisture damage, and encourage bad smells and lots of bacterial from their food and droppings. All entry points need to be repaired or covered in the fall to protect your home against these undesirable intruders.

Trim Any Trees That Are Hanging Over or Near the Roof

After the storms of summer have passed and winter winds and dropping temperatures come about, they can knock down loose branches from trees. These loose branches, in turn, can break shingles and promote further damage to one’s roof. The best way to stop these problems from happening is by making sure that trees are trimmed before cold weather occurs.

Making Interior Insulation Better

A lot of roofs don’t get damaged from the outside. It is condensation from below that can rot out beams and other supports that make your home stable. You should make sure to carry out an interior inspection every fall to stop internal moisture from becoming a problem.

Inspect Siding for Any Signs of Damage                                                              

If, and when siding has a problem, it can become the very thing to affect your roof. The very same can be said vice versa about the roof. When you do a roofing inspection, pay attention to your siding to determine that panels and soffits are both securely in place.

Help Stop Roof Damage

Every minute and dollar, you invest in helping to keep your roof safe and protect your home from damage. A typical roof leak can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,100 to repair, but that doesn’t include replacing ceilings that are water damaged, insulation, electrical wiring, and other elements in your home. The sad news is this. A simple leak can end up costing a homeowner thousands of dollars in damage.

Doing winter roof preparations can help keep a family comfortable, healthy, and safe while also increasing the home’s energy efficiency. An intact roof promotes lower bills and keeps away drafts and dangerous pests.

Alison Lurie

Alison Lurie