Make Your Roof Last Longer With These 5 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

Proper winter roof maintenance is essential because the roof is an essential part of the house. After all, it shelters you and other members of your household from the elements. The most effective way of ensuring your roof is always in its best condition is by scheduling regular maintenance by roofing professionals.

They thoroughly inspect your roof, identify any current or potential issues and address them. Doing so keeps your roof in top condition and prevents costly and inconvenient repair later. We’ve been working on roofs for many years, and here are six roof maintenance tips we think every homeowner should know.

1. Prevent and Remove Ice Dams

Ice dams can wreak havoc on your roof. They happen when debris clogs the gutters and snow melts and refreezes along the edge of the roof. The refrozen snow and debris accumulate and creates a blockage similar to a dam.

More water from frozen snow further accumulates behind the dam and freezes, making it bigger. The dam grows larger, damages your roof and eventually forces water into your home. As part of your scheduled winter roof maintenance, your roofer cleans the gutters to make sure they drain properly.

2. Clear the Snow

You don’t want snow sitting on your roof for too long. Wet snow can cause your roof to leak or possibly collapse as it exerts much pressure. Periodically remove accumulated snow and ice to avoid these risks, especially if your roof is old. This task is hazardous because the roof is slippery, so it’s best done by a trained, insured roofer with the appropriate equipment.

3. Fix the Leaks

Homeowners often become aware of roof leaks when they cause water damage. However, you can identify them early by checking for missing or damaged shingles and minor water damage in your home. Spotting them can be difficult, though. So it’s a good idea to hire an experienced roofer who knows how to detect and fix leaks. Professional roofers also inspect the roof thoroughly and take steps to minimize the risk of leaks occurring.

4. Check for Sags in Your Roof

Your roof should always be flat. Inspect your roof regularly for any sagging areas, which are potentially hazardous as they may be a sign of a major leak or impending collapse of the roof. Professional roofers are best qualified to carry out these inspections as they carry out winter roof maintenance. They have the skills and experience to determine the cause of the sagging and the best solution. If you notice any sagging in your roof, call your roofer and have them look at it before winter.

5. Fix Wind Damage ASAP

Wind can be extremely powerful during the winter, and it may damage your roof severely. If your area just experienced a winter storm, it’s advisable to check your roof for any damage. Some of the damages you need to look out for include damaged gutters, flashing, shingles. Be on the lookout for missing shingles as well. If any of these parts of your roof are damaged, call your roofing company to repair them as soon as possible before the damage worsens.

Get Professional Winter Roof Maintenance

We’ve spent years perfecting our skills and honing our experience in roofing to ensure your roof withstands the harshest weather and keeps you safe. We take pride in offering affordable and timely roofing services. So if you need roofing maintenance, contact Pitch Masters Roofing today and request an estimate.