When it comes to protecting your room from the winter weather, it’s important to be proactive and start planning early. Going through your winter checklist before the weather turns cold will help keep your home warm and protected during the colder months.
Planning for winter weather starts with having annual roofing inspections and performing maintenance tasks during the summer and fall months. As you consider what you can do now to prepare your roof for freezing temperatures and piles of snow, use this blog as a checklist to ensure your home is ready for the winter weather.
1- Secure Your Gutters
Many roof cleaning checklists will tell you to clean your gutters before the winter weather hits, which is undoubtedly an important step on your winter checklist. However, what you may not realize is that securing your gutters to your roof is equally as important. When the gutters are secure, they can better handle the heavy rain and snow characteristic of winter weather.
Secure gutters will also minimize the amount of damage your roofing materials sustain throughout the season, as they will be able to swiftly move moisture away from your roof and prevent water damage.
2- Inspect Roof Sealant
Sealant is important for all roofs but is especially vital for homes in wet climates. Checking these sealants each year before the winter season will ensure that pests and moisture aren’t able to infiltrate your home. Inspecting places like your flashing, skylights, vents, and stacks for sealant gaps is a good place to start.
If you find any areas of concern, it’s best to address them promptly. Fortunately, repairing roof sealant is a fairly straightforward process, and most homeowners can complete these repairs without professional assistance. Simply use roof caulk to seal any small gaps and prevent leaks. Larger areas of damage may need to be professionally filled in with more roofing material to keep out unwanted moisture.
3- Clear Debris From Roof Valleys
Similar to the geographical feature, roof valleys are the low spots where two sloped sections meet. No matter the season, these valleys collect a lot of debris, from leaves to tree branches to random pieces of trash blown in on the wind. Before the winter weather arrives, make sure these areas are free from obstructions that could inhibit water runoff and ultimately damage your roof.
4- Trim Surrounding Trees
Large trees with branches overhanging your roof are like a ticking time bomb, waiting until the conditions are just right to cause some serious damage. If your trees are not properly maintained, their branches can break off, damaging your roof or even causing a major collapse.
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall or strong winds, take a look around your property and see if there are any troublesome branches that could potentially snap due to the weight of accumulated snow or an intense gust of wind. Be sure to trim these branches back each year to prevent a roofing disaster.
5- Insulate the Attic
Most people have never considered the impact their attic can have on snow damage to their roofs. However, improperly insulated attics can cause ice dams to form on your roof.
When outdoor temperatures rise during the day, your attic will heat up, which in turn heats up your roof and causes any snow collected on the roof to melt. As the sun goes down, temperatures fall again, causing the melted snow to refreeze, forming ice.
The ice collects near the edge of the roof and creates a dam, blocking any future runoff from being properly drained. This further exacerbates the problem, creating a vicious cycle that eventually leads to a water backup.
To help avoid dangerous ice dams, ensure your attic is properly insulated before the winter weather descends. Not only will this extend the life of your roof, but it will also enhance your indoor comfort and reduce your reliance on your heating system.
Prepare for Winter Weather with Maintenance from Kanga Roof
Preparing your roof for winter weather starts with a thorough inspection from the experts at Kanga Roof. Our highly trained technicians are known for their respect, dependability, and attention to detail, so you can rest assured that your home is in the best hands.
We are passionate about helping Utah homeowners ensure their roofs can withstand any winter weather conditions that come their way. Don’t put off your winter checklist until it’s too late — be proactive and schedule your service appointment today.
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