Soon the leaves will be changing, and that beautiful tapestry of color will be gone before we know it, but beware. Many of those colorful leaves that change and fall will end up on our homes’ roofs and in the gutters. Next, the snow will fall and create an even more beautiful scene, but again, beware of nature’s wrath under all that beauty.
Here are some things you can look into in order to prepare your home and roof for the winter deep freeze:
- Take a look at your roof or have it professionally inspected for missing shingles, flashings, vents/stack penetrations, siding transitions and chimney wash deterioration.
- Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of all debris/leaves.
- Check to make sure there’s no roof damage from pests – birds, insects or squirrels and other rodents.
- Make sure the gutters are properly pitched to the downspouts to ensure that they carry the water away from the house.
- Check your interior ceilings for any damage due to leaks. Water stains on the ceiling are a good indication of roof leaks.
- Eliminate any tree branches that hang over your roof to avoid wind and snow damage from them.
- Have your siding/stucco inspected for missing pieces, flashings, rotted trim work or cracking.
- Make a plan ahead of time to remove snow from your roof. Snow and ice build up on your roof could cause ice dams which can damage your roof and lead to costly repairs.
- Have your roof replaced if it shows major signs of damage, staining, buckling or other obvious signs.
The winters in our area can be long and brutally cold, so protecting your roof is the first line of defense in protecting your most valued asset, your home. The roofing season in the past many years has extended well into December but as always the weather is unpredictable. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make sure your home is “Roof Proof” before winter arrives.
