With fall beginning, now is the perfect time to prepare your house for the cold weather months. There are a variety of things that should be checked, but an often-neglected area of housing maintenance is your roof. After all, you rarely see your roof at eye level. Follow our four tips below to get winter ready roofing and extend the life of your roof.
Clean Debris from your Roof
Over the course of the year, dust, twigs, and other assorted debris can build up on your roof. If left unattended, this kind of debris can attract moisture from rain, sleet, and snow. This can put your roof at a much higher risk for mold , moss, and rot. These problems not only build over cold and wet winter months, but can be masked by poor weather. Clean off a majority of your roof by utilizing a simple ladder and broom. If you find there already is moss growing, you can clean it with a method like this.
Clean and Clear Gutters
Almost all houses have gutters. Yet, as with the roofs mentioned above, debris gets lodged in the gutters, trapping moisture and putting further strain on the edges of the shingling. Cleaning out the gutters prevents any further moisture buildup and allows proper drainage of rain and snow. If necessary, replace those old, rusted gutters with certified new ones. Cleaning gutters is something you can do yourself, but can also be handled by a professional cleaning company. As an extra preventative measure, you may want to consider installing gutter guards.
Trim Any Low-Hanging Tree Limbs
This should seem self-explanatory, but trimming any low hanging limbs around the roof will prevent further debris from accumulating. It is a simple step, but one which can pay dividends in the lifetime of your roof and gutters. As with so many things, the best remedy for a problem is preventing it from ever occurring. Not only will trimming branches away keep tree debris from your roof, but, in the event of snow or ice buildup, none of the precipitation will amass above your roof.
Check Your Attic or Crawlspace for Signs of Water Damage
After cleaning your roof and gutters, you can add another layer of preventative maintenance by checking the underside of your roof in your attic or crawlspace for signs of water damage. Sometimes there are no outward signs on your roof exterior, as water can accumulate in small imperfections in the shingles. If any damage is detected, repairs or replacement can be handled by reaching out to qualified professionals. Finding and fixing problems while they are small can be the difference between a few hundred dollars and a costly repair. If left unchecked, water damage can accelerate the need to completely replace your roof.
For all your roofing and construction needs , don’t hesitate to reach out to Galaxy Construction and Roofing. We are more than capable of handling whatever home problems you have. Together, we can make sure your roof is ready to weather the storm ahead.
