Icy and snowy conditions are a given each winter in Minnesota. While this may be beautiful, if you are a homeowner, you should take precautions to prevent winter damage to your roofing system. For a roof that has already seen damage from previous weather, heavy and deep snow might be devastating.
It’s simpler than it seems to prevent roof damage so that your family can stay warm and safe during the winter. Today’s homeowners may take the required safeguards without ever stepping foot on their roofs.
Here are some helpful suggestions to avoid roof damage each winter…
#1 Clean and fix your guttersÂ
The gutter and drain system along your roof’s edge, for starters, helps collect water and transport it far from the foundation of your house. Clogs cause your gutters and the top of your roof to accumulate standing water. Mildew and mold will soon follow if this happens.
#2 Clean up debris on the roof
Your home’s roof is an accident waiting to happen if there is debris there. Shingles can be cracked or moved by the wind, even if the object is little. Mold can grow on piles of moist leaves. Pests are drawn to stray berries or nuts. It’s crucial to clean the roof of any potential issues towards the conclusion of the fall season. Just be careful to do it safely. For both professionals and homeowners, falls caused by a roof are among the most deadly.
#3 Manage mold and mildew
Have you noticed a green, yellow or black gloss on your shingles? You could be dealing with algae, moss, mildew or a mold issue. These emit a foul smell and have the potential to harm your shingles and the sheathing underneath. Consult your roofer for advice on the safest, most powerful products available for eliminating intrusive growth.
#4 Arrange a qualified inspection
It is dangerous to walk around on the roof for safety reasons, and it may also result in unexpected roof damage. Drone technology now allows roofing businesses to take precise measurements, inspect shingles up close and identify problem areas without endangering you or your house.
#5 Replace missing or broken shingles
Replacing missing or damaged shingles stops water from seeping into your attic and harming the interior of your home. By the time you see the symptoms from inside, repairs could cost several thousand dollars. With a complete fall inspection and preventive maintenance, you can keep costs down.
#6 Seal off the areas around skylights, piping and other fixtures
Every hole drilled into your roof, whether for satellite installation or appliance venting, increases the risk of water seeping into your house. Many products can prevent moisture from entering. Depending on the materials you use, they may require retouching frequently. Flashing that has been damaged and other materials might need to be replaced. The best time to reseal these holes is in the fall to prevent water from leaking inside and wreaking havoc.
#7 Use judicious pest control techniques
The wonderful trees located near your house may attract pests like squirrels, bats, mice and rats seeking a comfortable place to reside when the cold weather arrives. When they succeed in getting inside, they eat through your roofing material to widen the entrance. Additionally, they can damage wiring and insulation, introduce bacteria and unpleasant odors through their food and waste and result in moisture damage. To protect your home from these unwelcome guests, all entry sites should be appropriately covered or fixed in the fall.
#8 Prune trees
Winter winds and colder temperatures might loosen up loose trees. These, in turn, may crack shingles and potentially harm your roof. Before the cold season arrives, get your trees pruned to avoid issues.
#9 Enhance interior insulation
Sometimes damage to roofs is hidden from view and the pillars and beams that keep your home sturdy are rotted by dampness from below. Make sure to conduct an interior inspection each fall to avoid interior moisture issues.
#10 Examine your siding for damage
Whenever your siding experiences a problem, it may also impact your roof. Give your siding a quick once-over during a roofing check to verify panels and soffits are firmly fixed in place.
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Were you able to prepare your roof for the winter or are you experiencing some issues that need attention? If you want professional roofing services in Minnesota, call Arko Exteriors at 763-434-2756 for more information.