Winter weather can be brutal on your roof. High winds, snow, and ice can cause damage that can cost a lot of money to repair. Fortunately, taking a few proactive steps now can help ensure that your roof will remain strong throughout the colder months. Here are four ways a roof contractor can keep your roof in good shape during the harsh winter months.
1. Clean Out the Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are essential components of any well-functioning roof system. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water pooling on the roof, which can cause serious damage over time.
Make sure you have all debris cleared out before winter sets in so that melting snow and ice don't back up into your home or business.
2. Inspect Flashing and Caulking
Flashing helps protect the edges of the roof from water infiltration by keeping water out of vulnerable areas like valleys, hips, ridges, dormers, chimneys, and skylights.
The roofer should inspect for, and replace corroded flashing. They should also inspect all caulking around these areas as well since old caulk won't be able to do its job properly if it's cracked or missing pieces.
3. Add Ice and Water Shield Underlayment
During harsh winters, ice and water shield underlayment protects your roof from potential leaks caused by melting snow and ice buildup. This type of underlayment is applied directly over plywood sheathing before shingles are installed, so it forms a barrier between your home and the elements outside.
It's especially important in areas where temperatures dip below freezing regularly since it helps prevent moisture from seeping through vulnerable spots on the roof deck sheathing, such as nail holes or joints between pieces of wood sheathing material used for roofs with low slopes. Adding this extra layer of protection will help increase the lifespan of your roof significantly!
4. Replace Missing Shingles
Replacing missing shingles may seem like an obvious solution, but it's an important one nonetheless! Over time, wind, snow, and rain can cause shingles to become loose or break off completely, leaving gaps in the protective layer that covers your home's exterior walls from weather-related damage such as mold growth or rot due to heavy ice accumulation during severe storms with high wind speeds. The roofer should replace any missing shingles promptly.
As a homeowner, you need to catch any roof issues early before they become more serious (and more expensive) repairs down the line! Keeping up with regular maintenance now can help save you big bucks later. Engage a roof contractor to prepare your roof for whatever Mother Nature throws at it this season.
