Prepare Your Roof for the Winter Ahead

Winter brings a lot of highs and lows: high holiday spirits and low, low temperatures. Don’t let the snow and cold catch you off guard; begin checking your home and preparing your roof now, before it’s too late. A few simple checks and precautions can prevent a headache when you’d rather cozy up to the fire. Taking precautions early will also allow a northern Virginia roofer to handle repairs quickly.

Ice dams are dangerous and problematic for homeowners, often resulting in water finding a way into the home, with nowhere else to go. Condensation caused by escaping heat colliding with cold weather can freeze, and trapped water will have nowhere else to go but inside. They can also destroy parts of your roof and create more leaks. When it comes to winter roof protection, you want to prevent ice dams at all cost.

Check for leaks.

Survey the shingles, around skylights and chimneys, and eaves. Patching these leaks are easier in mild weather. Get into the habit of checking for leaks and for loose shingles while cleaning your gutters. Don’t overlook the attic, upper crawlspaces, or upstairs ceilings for damages.

Ensure the flashing around your chimney is in good condition.

This will prevent a penetration points for melting ice, snow, and rain. Water caught between the flashing and the roof can freeze and exacerbate the damage, so replace it at the first signs of wear and tear.

A well-insulated attic can do more than lower energy bills.

If heat is escaping through your attic, there is going to be a higher risk for ice dams. During the day, sunlight will also heat the air in your attic. Ensuring your vents are clear, and properly located, will keep condensation to a minimum, thwarting moisture damage.

Keep your gutters and spouts clear.

Leaf guards will also limit the amount of undoing the fall season will do to your hard work. The simple act of cleaning gutters can significantly lower the risk of occurrence of ice dams. Overflowing gutters can also cause blockages, and the ice can pull them loose from the anchor point or collapse. You might even consider adding extensions to your spouts. This will keep the frigid water and melting snow farther away from your foundation.

Clear off debris.

Something as small as a grouping of pine needles can hold moisture, running the risk of mold and rot, which can break down shingles, and increase the risk of ice dams. Roof membranes become hard and less flexible in the cold weather, and therefore easier to puncture by sharp objects.

Whatever your roofing needs this season, call Style Roofing.

Whether you need a northern Virginia roof replacement or a small list of repairs, we will get your roof in tip-top shape before it’s too late. Stay warm and dry this winter, and call Style Roofing.