Winter will arrive on December 21st. And with winter fast approaching. Williams Roofing wants to make sure you and your home and family are ready. One thing that needs to be prioritized is winterizing your roof. Your roof is the barrier that stands between your family and the winter weather. So, you want to make sure it is performing well and able to keep you warm, cozy, and dry throughout the winter months. You only need to take a few simple steps to avoid roofing problems before the cold rainy weather sets in. This will give you confidence that your home will remain safe and dry.
CHECK YOUR ROOFLINE
The first step that should be taken when winterizing your roof is to look at your roofline. The roofline should be straight. No signs of dipping, curving, or sagging. A sagging or dipping roofline can mean there are framing issues or a saturated roof deck. In Central California, roofs are exposed to heavy rain and wind that can cause stress on the roof, worsen sagging, and even lead to more severe damage. Problems you may detect are probably not a cause of immediate concern. But if it is accompanied by a leak a prompt repair may be necessary.
CHECK CHIMNEY FLASHING FOR LEAKS
Chimney flashing is the strip of metal that seals the juncture of the chimney and the roof and is a very common spot for roof leaks. Leaky flashing can often be mistaken for a leaky roof. Make sure the flashing isn’t loose or damaged and that the caulk holding it in place isn’t cracked or deteriorated. It’s also very important to look for signs of water intrusion near the chimney.
CHECK THE ATTIC FOR SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE
Now that you have checked your chimney head up to the attic. Many times, the first signs of a leaky roof can be found there. If you see water spots on the walls, wet roof decking, or even puddles of water on the attic floor that is a sure sign you might have a leak.
REMOVE DEBRIS
After you have thoroughly examined your roof, it’s time to move into the cleaning phase. It is very common for leaves, twigs, and other waste to collect on the roof during fall. If you leave all that debris on the roof all winter, the debris will become saturated, leaving the roof susceptible to water damage beneath the soggy debris. It’s easy to remove the debris with a leaf blower or even with your hands.
CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Gutters have the same application as the roof. A catch-all for leaves and other debris. It is very important to clean out the gutter system to prevent obstructions and allow rainwater to drain off the roof properly.
TRIM LOW HANGING BRANCHES
Trimming branches that hang over your roof is a major part of winterizing. Trimming the low hanging branches will eliminate the risk of branch related damage throughout the winter. It will also help to keep the gutters clear of debris. If the branches extend over your roof, it may be dangerous to try and remove them yourself. Call a tree trimming service to ensure that yourself and your roof is safe during the process.
WILLIAMS ROOFING CAN HELP WITH YOUR WINTER ROOFING NEEDS
Remember, roof damage can go from needing a simple repair to requiring a total roof replacement very quickly. If you have any concerns about the health of your roof, hire a professional who can check for problems that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.
Winterizing your roof is a task you should undertake every Fall, but it doesn’t guarantee that your roof won’t be affected by rain and wind during the winter months. If you find yourself in need of a professional roofing contractor this winter, Williams Roofing would be glad to provide our services. Our expert roofers are trained to identify roof damage and manage necessary repairs. Schedule your free evaluation today.