Homeowners Top Tips for Winter Roofing Maintenance

To help you protect your home throughout the year, here are our top winter roof maintenance tips.

1. Remove Any Snow Fall
   When it comes to winter roof maintenance tips, you can’t ignore the snow! While it can look gorgeous to have a home blanketed in white, if you let it sit for long, then it’ll start to play havoc on your roof. Snow, like ice, is hefty, and just a few inches will create a heavy load for your home to bear.
   
   If anywhere is even a little compromised, it could be at risk of significant damage. Remove all snow as quickly as possible to prevent it from leaving you with a roof that’s no use!
   
   2. Be Aware of Ice
   When it’s not snowing, you need to be aware of ice. Ice can also be heavy, but more than that, it can lead to an ice dam which is dangerous on any roof. As water on your roof flows towards your gutters and temperatures drop overnight, it freezes in and around the guttering. This can lead to a backup of any other water which can also freeze, causing damage to your shingles and creating leaks.
   
   Hire roof services to take care of ice for you. As it’s slippery, it’s best to call out a professional to deal with it for you to avoid any personal injuries.
   
   3. Fix Your Flashing
   If you’re looking into roof care during the winter, don’t forget your flashing. Even if it was put in correctly just a few years ago, flashing could quickly become loose or warped, leading to many problems.
   
   Broken flashing can allow snow and icy water to enter your roof, leading to potential leaks inside your home. Not ideal! Carry out a check on your flashing before the cold weather hits to reduce the chance of issues.
   
   This also applies to your roof shingles. If any of your shingles look as though they’ve moved or chipped, call roof repair services to inspect and fix them.
   
   4. Check Your Gutters Regularly
   If you have a problem with ice and snow, your gutters are usually the first place that you’ll see problems. Check them regularly for build-up and ice dams. In general, if you see icicles hanging from your gutters, you are likely to have a problem, and the area needs clearing.
   
   If you leave your gutters to fill with ice, they’re going to have much more weight than they can handle and become weak. In worst-case scenarios, they can come away from your home and cause a lot of structural damage, leading to a large repair bill.
   
   Try and keep yours clear before any major damage.
   
   5. Don’t Underestimate Wind Damage
   Snow and ice are the most pressing weather matters you need to be aware of but don’t underestimate the wind. Heavy winds and storms are common in the colder months, and they can cause just as many problems!
   
   After heavy wind, inspect your roof for any signs of damage. Look for broken or missing shingles, check to make sure your gutters are still working, and do a general review of the area. If left unchecked, these can lead to vulnerable spots for leaks, so get them repaired quickly!
   
   6. Keep an Eye on Your Attic
   The state of your attic is directly linked to the condition of your roof. If you don’t go up there often, you may miss signs of leaks and other issues until they’ve caused many problems, which you don’t want!
   
   You also need to ensure your attic has excellent ventilation and insulation. You may not realize it, but these two things can have a direct impact on your roof and leave them more exposed to the elements. When conducting roof maintenance, head into your attic to ensure there are clear routes for ventilation and your insulation is working as it should.
   
   7. Clear Any Debris
   Debris can wreak havoc on your roof, especially in the winter! Before storms start to roll in and snow comes down, be sure to check your roof and surrounding areas (such as gutters and downspouts) for debris. You want them to be completely free of leaves, stones, pine needles, and any other loose items that can accumulate on the surface.
   
   If you can clear all this debris before a storm hits, the moisture doesn’t have as much to grip onto and soak. If there is debris, the items will likely become sodden and rot, leading to roof damage.
   
   Use a broom or rake to keep your roof clear in the autumn and throughout winter. Trust us; the extra work will be more than worth it!
   
   Call in the Professional to Help with Roof Maintenance
   
   Roof maintenance isn’t an easy task during any time of the year, but winter poses more challenges than usual. If you’re not comfortable being on your roof or with your home repair skills, call a professional. If your asphalt roof is older than 15 years, it may be time to replace it. While this is a significant expense, the National Association of Realtors reports that on average, homeowners recover a generous 105% of this cost when selling their home.
   
   The good news is, if you are looking to replace your roof for any reason, we can help you navigate the insurance process and get you the coverage you need to get the job done. We will work with you and your insurance company during the claims process and recommend the best action plan. Plus, you can get peace of mind with our wonderful warranties that cover your roof for years to come. Contact Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar right away to get your FREE roofing quote!