During winter, your roof needs to insulate and protect your house. At the start of the fall, it is advisable to have a great plan to protect the roof from damage.
In order to prepare it for a seasonal change, you will have to repair damages and clear debris from the fall so as to keep your property safe and warm during the colder months of the winter.
Inspecting your home’s roof twice or so in a year will go a long. But it won’t be enough. You will also need to consider the following tips to winterize the roof of your home:
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1. Clear Clogged Downspouts and Gutters
During the fall, there are many leaves, which often get their way to gutters. Another issue could be insect infestation, which may result in obstructions. Wasps, bats, and bees may create clogging or build a nest on the roof.
You have to clear the dirt and debris from the downspouts and gutters in order to avoid damage to the roofing. Otherwise, water will back up and affect all the underlying materials.
With the help of roofing contractors Fairfax VA, you will be able to minimize the task of clearing debris after every fall.
2. Replace the Old Caulking
Professionals recommend checking the sealant/caulk around counter-flashing, chimneys, and vent pipes. Counter-flashing is basically sheet metal, which is installed at the joint where the walls meet the roofing. Its main function is to ensure water doesn’t enter that joint by channeling its way inside.
During winter, when everything is cold, it shrinks, and caulking might become cracked or separated when it is dry and old. New caulking can help to contract and expand with warm and cold weather, keeping junctures in the roof dry and watertight.
New caulk is normally supple and retains seal better once it is cured fully. Just make sure you remove the old caulk beforehand.
Afterward, scrape it using a screwdriver and be keen not to puncture it. Re-caulking is a simple do-it-yourself task, provided you can get on the roof for the project.
3. Get Rid of Overhanging Branches and Sticks
Branches and limbs, which hang over the roof, might become risky when ice and snow pile during the months of winter. The increased weight may make limbs snap and bend, posing a potential hazard to the roof.
Be sure to trim the tree branches far enough to ascertain they don’t overhang the roof. The rule of thumb is to ensure that foliage is three feet away from your roof.
4. Check the Attic Insulation
Insulation is similar to blankets, which keeps the house warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. So it is imperative to have a look at the attic to determine whether the insulation is in great condition.
Get rid of insulation, which is moldy or damp. Ensure insulation covers eaves, though not the vents that will block ventilation.
Final Say!
A perfect way to keep your roof safe during winter is to consider scheduling an inspection with a professional roofing contractor.
This won’t just help to prolong the lifespan of the roofing system. It as well helps to improve the safety and efficiency of a home.