1 – Remove the Snow ASAP
While it may look beautiful and festive, snow on your roof can cause serious problems if it’s just left there. Snow and ice add extra weight to your roof, which is a strain on the structure. Any reputable roofing company will advise you to remove as much snow from your roof as possible quickly to keep it dry. As wintery conditions can create a slippery situation, leave the job to your local roofers for safety.
2 – Flashing Repair
When handling your winter roof maintenance, check all your flashing. Even a good installation can become a problem over time as flashing warps or becomes loose. If you find deficiencies in your flashing, have your local roofers repair the problem right away. Insufficient flashing can allow snow and icy to enter the roof, causing interior damage and water leaks.
3 – Check Your Gutters
The gutters offer excellent drainage from your roof, but they can also be a major snow and ice collector. So it’s vital to check your gutters for ice dams often. Look for icicles hanging from your gutters. That’s a sure sign of an ice dam and blockage. As water expands when it’s frozen, trapped ice can weaken or damage gutters, and the weight of the blockage cannot be supported. Your gutters can separate from the building leaving you with possible roof damage and major repair costs that could include a roof replacement.
4 – Repair Wind Damage
Wind damage on your roof should be addressed quickly with proper roof repairs. Check your roof for missing, damaged, or old shingles and flashing. These vulnerable spots leave your home exposed to leaks and they are prime areas for bacteria or mold to grow. Contact your residential and commercial roofing company to take care of wind-damaged areas on your roof.
5 – Do You Have Enough Attic Ventilation?
There needs to be adequate ventilation and insulation in your attic. Too little can expose your home to direct winter weather and deteriorate your roof quickly with ice dams, moisture buildup, mold, and cold spots. Check the roof from the inside by going into your attic to look for insulation levels and the proper ventilation, ensuring airflow is unobstructed. Steady airflow keeps your roof protected.
6 – Get a Professional Roof Inspection
You can certainly do some roof maintenance on your own, but to be certain that your roof is in winter-ready condition, hire a local roofer to perform a thorough roof inspection and take care of any issues found.
Roof Maintenance Support That Helps
While there are things to take care of during winter, you can make sure that your roof is ready for the icy weather beforehand. Have your roof checked and repair any minor issues right away so you can prevent them from becoming expensive and inconvenient problems later. For expert local roofers in the Chicago area who can provide the roof maintenance and repair you need, contact our team today.
