Winter is on its way, and here in Colorado, it’s essential to prepare your roof for the cold. Heavy rains and the weight of snow and ice can take their toll on your roof. Fortunately, with preventative maintenance, you can get your roof ready for winter and prevent the need for any future repairs!
If you’re leery of walking on the roof, you can always ask a professional roofing company to do the inspection. As your local Denver area roofing company, we’re here for you, whether it’s time for a replacement or extensive repairs. With that said, we’ve put together the following tips that you can use to help “winterize” your roof.
Tips to Get Your Roof Ready for Winter
Clean Out Your Gutters
Strong winds and rain can cause leaves, twigs, and other debris to collect in your gutters and clog the downspouts. Clogged gutters can make it harder for rainwater and melting snow to flow and drain properly. This buildup of standing water can cause water damage and leaks to your house’s exterior and interior. That’s why it’s a good idea to check your gutters and clean them out periodically. If you don’t want the hassle of climbing a ladder to clean your gutters, call us – we offer gutter cleaning services.
Clean Off Your Roof
Debris such as pine needles, leaves, and dirt add moisture to your roof’s surface. It’s critical to remove this debris because it can turn into rot and deteriorate roofing material. One of the easiest ways to clean off your roof is to use a broom or soft brush. You’ll want to be sure not to apply too much pressure, so you don’t remove roof granules.
If you notice mold, algae, or moss growth on the roof, seek the advice of a professional. Professional cleaning and treating may be required to stop further mold growth and prevent damage to your roof.
Check Your Attic’s Insulation & Ventilation
When sunlight hits your roof throughout the day, it ends up heating your attic. Without proper ventilation, this heat can turn into condensation. Condensation causes moisture, which can then turn to mold. Mold doesn’t just cause health issues; it can also rot your roof’s supports. With the proper ventilation and the right amount of insulation in your attic, you can prevent mold.
Proper attic insulation can also limit the occurrence of ice dams. As heat seeps up from the attic through the roof, it can melt accumulated snow, which refreezes into ice. This standing ice build-up can lead to additional moisture damage.
Check for Leaks
Have you seen large water spots on the ceiling and walls? If so, the chances are high that there’s a leaky roof problem. Another way to find out if there is a leak is to do a physical inspection of the roof. Are there missing shingles? Do you see loose vents? Are the seals in your roof flashing worn out? These can all be indicators of a potential problem.
If there are leaks, act fast. Small leaks can turn into much more significant issues quickly.
Consult with a Professional Roofing Company
Denver’s winter tends to start early and can last through April. Get a head start and prepare your roof for severe winter storms and hail. We know that working on a roof can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have any roofing experience. HomeGuard is a professional roofing company that gets it done right the first time!
