Nothing compares to coming home during winter to hide from the cold in your cozy sanctuary. Blankets, warm beverages, movies, and TV shows. Winter truly is a magical time of the year.
But it’s so dangerous at the same time. At least for those who forget that roofs need care, especially before summer and winter. Summer is over; winter is coming. So now it’s time to winterproof your home. We’ll share 9 tips for residential roofs.
If you own a commercial building, you might want to read about the common problems in commercial roofing. However, some tips for homeowners are valid for commercial roofs too.
Clean Your Roof
Many people don’t know that roofs are supposed to be cleaned. Of course, you won’t wash it once a week (and you probably won’t do it alone). But using non-corrosive roof cleaning chemicals to clean the roof before winter prolongs its life.
Clean Your Gutters
Almost everyone in the world, even people who don’t have gutters, knows it’s vital to clean them. All that debris, granules from old shingles, twigs, leaves… That doesn’t magically disappear.
And don’t forget to check your downspouts too. It doesn’t matter if your gutters are sparkling… If your downspouts are clogged, you’ll still have overflows when it rains (or snow melts).
Check Your Attic
The attic isn’t just a dark place where toys and old clothes go to die. It’s crucial for temperature regulation. During winter, your roof will be much colder than the rest of your house. If your roof vent and insulation aren’t ready to face that challenge, you’ll pay higher bills because it will be difficult to warm your home up.
Also, it will turn your attic into a moist haven for mold. When you notice black stains on your wall, it’s your attic’s last cry for help before it lets the enemy in your living area.
Take Care Of The Plants
If only you knew how often we see roof damage caused by homeowners’ trees. If you don’t check your trees and saw off every week branch (and everything too close to the house) – the wind will do it for you. Depending on the size of the branch, wind can crack a couple of shingles or break into your attic.
Take Care Of Flashings
Flashings are usually the entrance for water. If everything on your roof is perfect, but your flashings are weak – you’ll have leaks. So we advise you to check your flashings if you can.
If you notice rust or damage – call your contractor. Flashing replacement is more complicated than it looks because it must be done perfectly. Otherwise, water takes advantage of everything less than perfect.
Recaulk if Needed
Another mistake we often see during roof inspections is that people take care of everything and notice leaks because they forget to recaulk joints. If the caulk is cracked or parts are already missing, it can’t repair itself. Before winter arrives, remove the old caulk and add a new one. It’s not too tricky, so that can be your DIY roof repair project (if you don’t mind climbing to your roof).
Grab a (Free) Professional Roof Inspection
All of the above are valuable tips that will prolong the life of your roof. However, pros are pros for a reason. Roofers spend most of their time on and around roofs. When they aren’t, they’re talking about work and exchanging experiences. And we know that firsthand.
So the best way to ensure this winter passes without disasters is to call the best Greenville roofing contractor to do an inspection.
