How to take care of your roof in the winter
When winterizing your home, one of the most critical steps is ensuring that your roof is ready for harsh winter conditions. Routine roof maintenance tasks can help your home stay warm, comfortable during the winter and prevent extensive repairs caused from ice dams and or leaking. Here are six tasks to prepare your roof for winter.
Repair damaged shingles: loose or damaged shingles can expose a home to roof leaks, water damage, and energy loss. When shingles are broken, water can seep underneath and make its way into your home. If shingles are loose, they have the chance to blow away in the harsh winter winds.
Repair damaged flashing: roof flashing protects your home from water damage by diverting the water flow to the correct location. During the winter, excess water and snow are often found on roofs. By ensuring that the water has a place to go, you avoid foundation problems, flooding, and other water damage.
Replace old caulk: poor caulk around vents, chimneys, doorways, gutters, and windows is prone to losing energy when the seal has given way. The cold winter air can shrink caulk again, leaving gaps and small cracks. We recommend caulking every couple of years and checking to ensure the seal is still good.
Remove snow: we recommend using a roof rake to remove snow and prevent it from piling up on your roof, keeping your roof clear of snow no higher than 6 inches. When your roof is clear, it decreases the chance of ice dams forming. Watch out for icicles, and be sure to be gentle on your shingles when raking the snowfall off.
Add insulation: checking the attic for missing or damaged insulation is a good idea every couple of years. If the installation is damaged or missing, it can lead to ice dams, energy loss, and further problems that come with damaged insulation. Hot air from your furnace can easily escape through damaged insulation. That's why we recommend Identifying the need for new insulation and replacing it as necessary.
Clean gutters and downspouts: keep your gutters and downspouts free of debris that can lead to ice dams, flooding, and clogs. If water cannot correctly flow off of your roof, water damage can result in your foundation, landscaping, and other areas of your home. We recommend clearing gutters and downspouts in early winter after all of the leaves have fallen.
New Look Roof
Taking care of your roof is essential year-round! Don't neglect your roof, especially during the winter months. If you follow these tips above, your roof will have a great chance of avoiding damage this winter. If you have identified damage to your shingles, gutters, windows, or siding, New Look Roof can tackle any repairs. Give us a call, or visit our contact page to learn more!
New Look Roof specializes in roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and repairs. We serve the greater Louisville area and pride ourselves on being industry-leading in materials, education, training, and craftsmanship. We invite all potential clients to fill out a form online or call us directly at 502.341.4415!