Did you know temperature often fall below the freezing point during the winter months in Denver, Colorado? It’s true. While you may have thought about having your furnace, sprinkler system, and landscape elements winterized, what about your roof?
The fact is, your roof endures quite a bit of abuse during the winter months, which means you need to ensure it can stand up and that no issues are going to occur. Protect your roof in winter with these tips.
Clear Off Any Debris on the Surface
Any pine needles, dirt, leaves, and twigs may cause damage to the shingles of the roof, or the membrane. This can allow water to infiltrate the house. Also, debris may result in the growth of fungus or mold on the roof’s surface, leading to further deterioration.
Check the Flashing
The area near the flashing is one of the most common areas where leaks occur. A professional roofing company can inspect the flashing to make sure it is completely sealed. It’s a good idea to have the flashing checked at least one time a year to make sure it hasn’t been knocked loose.
Look for Signs of Roof Damage
Any level of roof deterioration or damage can result in expensive mold and water damage (which can be a health hazard). It’s a good idea to check the roof for any cracked or missing shingles, as well as for damaged flashing (as mentioned above).
Make sure to look at the edge of the roof, too. See if there are any signs of weakness or damage from ground level, and from on top of the roof.
Clean and Secure the Gutters
The gutters have an important job, as a result, you need to make sure they can do it. Be sure to clean them in the fall and that the gutters and downspouts are securely attached to your home.
If gutters aren’t secure, it can cause an overflow. This could cause damage to the roof and the exterior walls of the home.
Trim Nearby Tree Branches
Before the first snow of the season, be sure to trim or remove any branches that are hanging over your home’s roof. This is going to help prevent the loose branches from falling and damaging your home after they are weighed down by snow.
Check the Insulation in the Attic
The insulation in your attic can also let you know if your roof has problems. Is it wet or damaged? If so, this could cause mold growth along with increased heating costs during the colder months of the year.
Additionally, having proper insulation in your attic is going to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Make sure that the damaged areas are repaired before you replace the insulation.
Protecting Your Roof in Winter: Now You Know
If you want to protect your roof in winter, then make sure to use the tips and advice found here. Doing so is going to ensure any issues that may be present are fixed and that your roof can stand up to the harsh conditions winter brings.
To learn more about protecting your roof in the winter, or to get a quote for roof repairs, contact us. Our team is here to help you with any roof-related issue you have.