Roof maintenance in Illinois is not exactly easy. Sometimes it is a very complex process that involves checking for damage that might not be 100% clear to the naked eye. Winters can cause a lot of snow and ice damage to the roofs, reducing their structural integrity. And you want to avoid that at all costs.
In this blog, we’ll be covering everything from inspecting shingles to clearing gutters so you can avoid costly damage. As always, we highly recommend you get in touch with a roofing contractor in Loves Park, IL in case you are unsure.
Inspect for Damage Before Snow Hits
A thorough inspection of your roof should be #1 on your priority list before the winter. In fact, roofing winterization cannot even begin until you inspect for any signs of damage first. So, what are these signs? Well, primarily, we can group all signs of damage into two broad categories—shingles and leaks.
You should check for missing or damaged shingles. Thankfully, this is not hard at all. Even chipped-away shingles are clear upon closer inspection. When you are inspecting, make sure you leave no shingle unturned!
Damaged and missing shingles need to be replaced immediately. If your roof stays with damaged or missing shingles, it’s kind of like chinks in the armor. The winter will be merciless on the roof, exacerbating the problem and causing a hefty repair bill once you finally call a contractor.
The second damage is related to water. Water (more specifically, leaks and damp spots) causes significant structural damage. It weakens the whole roof. And again, winter will cause significant damage to your roof if there is already some water-related damage.
Checking leaks and weak spots isn’t as easy as checking shingles. You need to check every crevice, turn every corner, and inspect every edge of the roof to fully make sure that there is no such damage.
If you can catch these issues early on, it not only protects you that winter but also saves you money later on. Repairs, or worse, roof replacements, can cause a major dent in your wallet, much like how water leaks can cause major dents in your roof.
Clear Those Gutters
Unfortunately, gutter cleaning isn’t something on everyone’s mind. They check the roofs, the walls, and even the flashing—but nobody pays much attention to the sorry gutters. Well, they carry away all the water, and if they are clogged, the whole roof drainage system can get backed up. This backed-up water causes serious water damage and can even cause leakage issues.
Once a leak has appeared, it’s remarkably more expensive to fix it. That’s why keeping your gutters and downspouts in a clean, working condition is super important.
Clogged gutters will also lead to ice dams in the winter, so you must read up on some safety cleaning tips for your gutters before winter is here. If you ignore downspout maintenance, you are again looking at a long, heavy bill when winter has had its way with your roof.
So, it would be an expensive mistake to believe that roof maintenance in Illinois is only about the roof, literally. The downspouts and gutters are a part of the roof’s drainage system, without which the roof is not complete. As such, they should be attended to properly before winter rolls in.
Trim Trees Around Your Roof
Next up on our list of things to do for winter roof preparation is trimming those overhanging branches and overgrown trees. We’re not against trees. They offer lovely shade and are home to many creatures living around us. But let’s face it—when winter rolls in, it’s going to be just as merciless to these trees as it will be to your roofs.
And if these branches break and fall on your roof, especially when combined with high wind speeds, you are looking at damaged shingles, clogged gutters, and a bunch of other problems. It’s just so much better to avoid this completely by trimming all trees surrounding your property.
Trimming trees will reduce the risk of falling debris, causing much damage to your roof. And it’s a must for any home that will go through winter storms.
Check for Proper Insulation
Everybody knows that good insulation helps protect your roof (and save on energy bills). You might also know a few handy tips to boost insulation before winter. But the main idea here is to ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent ice build-up.
The attic is often one of the most neglected areas in a home. It can be home to mold, mildew, or building moisture without you even realizing it. And that is a recipe for disaster come winter. So, the next of our roof insulation tips is to check your attic for any signs of pooled water, moisture, dampness, mildew, or mold growth.
A good old-fashioned thermal roof inspection is not going to take more than a couple of hours, and you can most certainly spare that.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Your home’s roof durability is arguably the most important aspect to pay attention to before winter. For most Illinois homeowners, winters might be all about shoveling snow (and even roof snow removal), but it’s so much more than that. A few concerned folks certainly look at things more closely, like they take steps to ensure ice dam prevention, but the majority of homeowners need to do even more.
That’s where a professional roof inspection comes in handy. Having a pro take a look could be the difference between a winter-proof and strong roof or expensive repairs down the line. Get in touch with Pro Restoration LLC, a leading roof replacement and installation company in IL covering Machesney Park, Loves Park, Byron, Greenville, and Rockford. You can even get an instant roof quote to get ready for winter’s onslaught!
