Winter weather significantly impacts your roof, and it’s essential to keep on top of your roof’s condition to ensure it keeps up with the season’s demands.  You should have a professional inspect your roof and perform maintenance tasks to help keep your roof in the best condition possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Roof Inspection

Have a certified roofer inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, cracks, popped nails, and other possible damage, as well as debris you cannot see.  A professional roofer can identify potential issues that may not be obvious as a homeowner.  A professional roofer will also inspect your attic’s interior to ensure it is properly vented.  Proper ventilation in the attic helps regulate the temperature and moisture levels throughout the year, preventing moisture and condensation issues, reducing energy consumption, and prolonging the lifespan of your roof.  Natural air flow prevents extremes in temperature that can cause ice damming in the winter and degradation of the shingles and their installation materials in the summer.

Gutters and Downspouts

Always ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear.  Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters or downspouts and cause water to back onto your roof and seep under your shingles or pour over your gutters and accumulate around your home’s foundation.  Clogged gutters prevent the free flow of rainwater, melting ice, or snow and can cause leaks in your home.  Unsecured, dislodged, or blocked downspouts can cause water to pool around your foundation, erode your landscaping, and seep into your basement.

Tree Maintenance

Maintain the trees around your home and be aware of the health of the trees that could fall on your home.  Trim the branches from the trees closest to your home to prevent branches and their respective leaves from falling on your roof and into your gutters.  Trimming trees will also help prevent moss and algae growth by allowing more sunlight to hit the roof.  If you notice plant growth on your roof, hire a professional roof washer to remove the existing growth and apply preventive products to inhibit future plant growth.  If not addressed, plant growth on shingles can trap moisture and lead to roof damage.

Attic Insulation

Ensure your attic insulation does not need to be replaced.  Not only does proper insulation regulate indoor and outdoor temperatures in your attic, making your home energy efficient, but it also helps prevent ice dams.  Ice dams occur when warm air from your home rises through the attic and melts the snow on the roof.  The melted snow can refreeze at the roof’s edge, work under the roof shingles, melt into your attic, and ultimately damage your home’s ceilings.

By conducting proper maintenance, you can prevent potential damage to your roof and home and extend the life span of your roof.