Of the many things that you can focus on when it comes to the upkeep of your house, your roof is one crucial element that should not be overlooked. The health of your roof is important to the overall protection of your home. Winter, especially, brings a new set of challenges for your home, from freezing temperatures to fallen leaves that accumulate on your roof. You must take the necessary precautions to ensure that your roof is ready to face the wintry weather. How do you prep your roof? Here’s a look at some useful tips.
Assess Your Roofline
Before you tackle anything else, begin prep work on your roof for winter with an assessment of the roofline. That means looking for signs of a curve, dip, or sag, or any other distortion that is anything but straight as it should be. A framing issue or a saturated roof deck could amount to a sagging roofline if you have a framing issue. At worse, a cave-in can happen if the roof is stressed. It’s important to note that the roof can be sagging but structurally alright, but repair is likely needed if it’s also leaky.
Check For Leaky Chimney Flashing
You will need to check your chimney, but more specifically, your chimney flashing – the strip of metal sealing the intersection of the chimney and the roof. This area is prone to developing leaks, and a leaky flashing can sometimes be mistaken for a leaky roof. You want to ensure that your chimney flashing isn’t loose or damaged and that the caulk isn’t damaged from cracking or has deteriorated. Also, check for signs of water intrusion in the region of the chimney.
Don’t Forget to Check the Attic For Signs Of Water Damage
The attic is the place where you want to first check for signs of a leak. Look for signs of water spots on the walls, wet roof decking, and water on the attic floor. Don’t hesitate or put off getting the right kind of help if you experience signs of water damage in your roofing system. Make an appointment for a professional roof inspection to fix the problem and get your roof back in tip-top shape.
Get Rid of Debris & Trim Low Hanging Branches
Following the completion of your roof inspection, move to cleaning your roof. You may find that fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris have accumulated on your roof over time. Any accumulated debris could become problematic and cause corrosion or water blockage, which could weaken your roof because of water damage. Remove debris, however necessary, either by hand or using a tool like a leaf blower. It’s also important to remove hanging branches that are close to your roof to keep it safe. Get the help of a professional arborist if need be.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters are an important component and help to protect your roof. Gutters catch not only water but also unwanted debris like leaves and sticks. It’s important to properly clean them in order to prevent clogging when you experience snowmelt or rainwater that needs to be drained off your roof.
Professional Roof Inspection
Roof damage isn’t always visible to the naked eyes, but with the help of a professional roofer, your roof can be inspected for damage, and the correct course of action can be relayed to you. The roofer will tell you if repairs are appropriate or if a replacement is best. You want your roof to be able to withstand the elements that are thrown at it.
If you have concerns about your roof, we at Salemi Exteriors can provide exceptional roofing service. Hire Salemi Exteriors, and we’ll help with any of your roofing needs, no matter how large or small. Schedule a free estimate with our expert roofers today.
