The roof is the most essential component of a house and it needs to be protected from harsh weather. Roofs help provide proper insulation to a house.
Here are some tips that you can follow to ensure that your roof is protected during the winter season:
#1 Focus On Getting Your Roof Cleaned:
If you are preparing a roofing system for the snowy season, then the very first thing to do is to get it cleaned. While cleaning, you must ensure that all the debris and dust is removed from the surface of the roof. Once you have removed all the debris (such as dried leaves, dirt, stones, and broken branches) you should use a hose to rinse off the roof. Cleaning the roof is quite essential, as it will make it easier for you to inspect the roof and analyze its actual condition.
#2 Don’t Forget To Clean The Gutters:
Along with the roof surface, you must clean out the gutters. If the gutters are not cleaned properly, then during heavy snow the gutters might get clogged. This trapped water will find its way into the house by seeping in through the walls. Moreover, if melted snow does not get the proper path to flow, it will start trickling and cause damage to the downspouts. Besides this, if the gutters are not cleaned, damaging ice dams can form.
#3 Examine The Roofing System:
Once everything is cleaned, it’s easier to inspect the roof, shingles, flashing, and more. If you think that you are unable to do it on your own then hire professional roofing contractors who can examine the health of the overall roof. They will also recommend some fixes which should get done immediately. If you delay repair work, snow and the harsh winter season will further deteriorate the condition of the roof. If the roof is not kept in good condition, damages can have a huge impact on the structural integrity of the house.
#4 Inspect The Attic Insulation & Ventilation:
During the winter season, it’s important to maintain the temperature inside the house. And for this, you must ensure that the attic and ventilation are in good shape. If so, then the surface of the shingles will remain colder and prevent ice dams. If you have had an attic or ventilation problem some time back, then it is better you get a roofing professional to review your insulation sooner than later to know if it needs to be replaced or not.
#5 Seal The Flashing:
Flashing is generally installed around the chimney, vent pipes, and also along the valley of your roof. Flashing covers up the gaps between major parts of the roof which are most vulnerable to leaks. When the flashing is sealed off perfectly, you won’t face the problem of water leakage. To seal the flashing you just have to replaster with plastic cement. It will create a strong bond and keep your roof safe.
Summary:
Winter brings with it harsh weather. Ideally, professional roofers can check a house’s roofing system before the middle of winter, to ensure that everything is working as intended. Things like the attic, ventilation, and flashing should be professionally inspected. Anytime there’s something that needs fixing, don’t delay in making repairs.