Prepping Your Roof For Winter

14 April 2015 by Marvin Carroll

The harsh Canadian winters can take their toll on your home's heating system. Your roofing is a major component of the home that helps to insulate and protect it, so making sure it is in good condition before the winter hits is certainly a good plan to have. Here are some ways you can prepare your roof for winter in order to ensure you and your family stay warm and protected.

Perform A Visual Inspection

Take a walk around your house and if possible, climb up on a ladder and look over your roof, giving it a good and thorough visual inspection. Look for things like loose or cracked shingles. The shingles are the roof's first line of defense against leaking and they also provide good insulation. If the integrity of the shingles has been compromised, it's time to replace them. You can replace a few shingles at once without having to replace the entire roof, and it will be well worth the work and investment.

Look For Potential Debris

Winters can cause tree limbs to bow and potentially break. If you have low hanging trees or any type of trees that are near your roof, it's a good idea to trim them back. As snow accumulates, it can make a branch snap, which could fall on your roof and cause serious damage. Be prepared in advance by removing this threat before winter arrives.

Check Your Gutters

The gutters of your home are directly attached to the roof, so they should be clear and free from any debris. Fall is the perfect time to clean them and remove any excess leaves, twigs, and other matter that has accumulated. Clogged gutters will cause water buildup, which then freezes in winter temperatures. A frozen gutter will expand, and can have a damaging effect on your roof. You can also install screens in your gutters that are designed to help filter out extra debris.

Inspect Flashing

Flashing is a metal strip that is designed to help seal out water and prevent it from getting into the home. It is typically installed directly under the roof's perimeter. If flashing is cracked, it can create issues with water damage to your home when it rains or snows. Damaged flashing with any open area also offers a nice entry point for animals like squirrels and other small rodents to enter and find a warm place to live, such as your attic. Be sure you replace or reattach any loose flashing before winter so you've created a good seal for your home.

Share

Search