With fall and winter’s rough weather conditions just around the corner, now is the perfect time to assess the condition of your roof and prepare it for the cold seasons. With careful and regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your roof and protect it from major damage. The following tips can help you get your roof ready for the storms that lie ahead:

 

Assess the Framework

A professional roof assessment is added insurance for your roof. Get your roof contractor to inspect your roof’s framework annually. Fix any signs of aging before the winter storms arrive. Your roofer can spot weakness before they lead to a leak.

 

Check The Roof Flashing

The area along the flashing where it is joined to the framework is one of the most common spots for leaks to occur. It can loosen in inclement weather. Your professional roofing company should spend time inspecting this area of your roof to make sure it’s completely sealed. Check your flashing at least once a year to ensure it’s not knocked loose after a storm.

 

Inspect Roof Valleys

The valleys of your roof are prone to leaks as debris adds weight to your roof. Try and clear valleys regularly so it doesn’t build up. You will prevent excessive wear and tear on your roof.

 

Examine Roof Shingles

Like flashing, your roof’s shingles are prone to leaking as they can come loose. Missing granules and visible signs of curling are indicators that a shingle is deteriorating and may need to be replaced. Your roofer can easily replace shingles and also report on the overall condition of the shingles on your roof.

 

Clear All Debris

Before the storms of fall and winter arrive, you should clear your gutters, spouts and drains. Unless you’re comfortable with this task and don’t mind working atop a ladder, you should hire a roofer to perform this vital service for you.

 

Check Your Gutters

Apart from cleaning them make sure your gutters are tied to your home securely. Loose gutters can spell problems for your roof. Gutters that are not securely tightened can lead to multiple problems including overflow, which can damage your roof and the exterior walls of your home if not rectified.

 

Replace Old Sealant

If your roof has technology sources, plumbing stacks or brick stacks, you should definitely check the sealant around the base of these additions. Sealer and caulk do wear over time. In order to protect your roof by you should replace the sealant regularly

 

Inspect the Chimney

Ask your roofer to inspect your chimney. If pieces of mortar are missing or bricks have come loose, you’ll need to have the chimney restored. Depending on the materials used you will need to use a suitably experienced contractor

 

Look In the Attic

Many homeowners fail to check their attic when performing a roof examination as it is often awkward to get inside. Make sure your attic has plenty of evenly distributed insulation to keep the heat in your home. This will keep your winter fuel bills down. One lesser-known fact is this residual heat can become trapped under your shingles and turn into water. If this water heats and freezes it could damage the integrity of your roof without you realizing

 

Monitor Your Roof

During the cold season, it’s a prudent idea to monitor your roof and see if you re having any problems. If you do think you have a problem, don’t go on the roof yourself. Wet and icy conditions are dangerous. Be sure to entrust any winter repairs to a professional. As a matter, of course, it is always preferable to employ someone who has the correct equipment to carry out the inspection.

If you know what your contractor is looking for you can ask if all the inspections have been carried out. It’s not only important to examine your roof and facility, but you also need to look at the surrounding areas adjacent to your facility. You want to look for trees and buildings that can affect your roof during the winter season.

 

Trees

Surrounding trees and branches hanging over and around your residence or business are potential hazards. These branches can dump a significant amount of weight if there is snow and or the entire branch can break and land on your roof. Loose branches should be trimmed as they can be blown off in a storm.

 

Surrounding Buildings

If you have other buildings surrounding your facility, you have the potential of snow or water to drift or flow from roof to roof. It’s important to make sure you are aware of any dangers they could pose.

 

When you’re preparing your home for fall and wine weather, don’t forget to prioritize your roof’s inspection. Do all necessary repairs before the storms arrive. With careful roof preparation, your roof will perform to its best when conditions become challenging.