Winter weather can bring all sorts of trouble to your roof, including hail and ice build-up. These problems can lead to leaks and damage that would have been easily avoided if you had done some preventative maintenance earlier in the year. If you live in a climate prone to winter storms, it’s important that you take the proper precautions now so that your roof is prepared for whatever winter has planned over the next few months.
Here at RCH Roofing Services, we have seen first hand the damage winter weather and conditions can cause to roofs and properties, which is why maintaining your roof in winter is just as important as maintaining it in the summer. Here are some tips to help you keep your roof in good shape:
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
It’s important to inspect your roof on a regular basis to make sure there are no leaks or other issues. Inspect your roof for any signs of wear and tear or damage that could lead to leaks or other problems down the road. Look for cracks in the flashing or metal trim around vents and chimneys; holes caused by falling debris; loose nails or fasteners; excessive moss growth; and missing shingles.
You can also hire someone else to do this for you if you don’t have time. A professional will use tools like a moisture metre and a ladder to check for problems like missing shingles or cracks in the gutters. They’ll also look for signs of damage caused by tree branches or wildlife chewing on the shingles.
Check your Drains and Gutters
Your gutters should be cleaned out regularly so that water doesn’t pool around them and cause damage. You can do this yourself, but it’s best if you hire someone else to do gutter cleaning because they’ll know exactly how much water needs to be drained from each gutter before they start working on cleaning it out.
If you have rain gutters installed on your home, make sure they’re clear of debris like leaves or twigs. Clogged gutters will cause water to back up into your home’s foundation which can lead to major problems later on down the road such as mould or mildew growth or even structural damage from rotting wood fascia boards around windows or doors.
Trim Back Branches Overhanging Your Roof
Trees and shrubs near the roof can be a problem in the winter. Tree branches can come down on, or scratch against, your roof, causing damage.. The best way to avoid this is to trim any trees that are close to your home. Overgrown vegetation can cause leaks and other problems, so it’s important to keep it trimmed back from the edges of your roof. This is especially true if you live in an area with high winds or heavy rain, which can easily knock down limbs onto your roof.
You’ll also want to trim any branches that overhang your gutters so that water doesn’t get trapped inside them and possibly cause leaks. It’s important to keep trees trimmed around your home so they don’t overhang onto your roof or block gutters from draining properly. Tree limbs that overhang onto your roof can cause water damage as well as increase the risk of ice dams forming on your roof during winter months. If you don’t have time or the expertise to do it yourself, hire a professional landscaper who knows how to cut back branches without damaging them.
Check Chimney Flashing
Flashings are sheets of metal that cover gaps around pipes on the outside of your home and prevent moisture from entering these areas. If there are missing or damaged pieces of flashing around chimneys and skylights, repair them before winter sets in. This helps prevent leaks and damage to your home’s interior.
If there are spots where water has leaked into your loft or crawlspace, you’ll want to patch them up before they become bigger problems. They can be easily damaged by ice build-up during cold temperatures, so make sure yours are secure before winter arrives.
Annual Roof Inspection
A professional roof inspection will help you keep tabs on your roof’s condition and provide a written report that can be used as a record of how well the roof is performing over time. The report will also help you prepare for any needed repairs before they become significant problems that require costly repairs or replacement of your entire roof.
Inspectors often recommend getting a professional inspection done at least once per year because they check for problems that homeowners might not notice on their own — such as loose shingles, damaged flashing or leaks around vents or plumbing stacks.
Want to Know More? Contact RCH Roofing Services Today!
Here at RCH Roofing Services, we provide a range of services to our customers in Leamington Spa and the surrounding areas of Warwickshire, and we’re experts when it comes to roofs, flat roofs, gutter, soffits and fascias, and repairs. So don’t delay, get in touch with us today! We can provide advice and guidance for keeping your roof in exemplary condition year round!
Interested in reading more useful articles? Check out our blog for How to Effectively Clean Your Gutters and Tips to Keep Your Flat Roof in Good Condition.
