Your roof sustains a lot of damage during the winter months, which is why you need to make sure you prepare your roof for the winter months.
Clean the Gutters
First, you will want to clean out your gutters, which likely have lots of leaves inside them. Your gutters will have to drain a lot of water throughout the winter months, so you need to make sure your gutters are cleaned. You may also want to install gutter covers to keep large debris out of your gutters and ensure they flow smoothly throughout the winter months.
Update the Sealant
Second, if you have any sealant on your roof, such as around a plumbing stack or an antenna on your roof, now is an excellent time to apply a new layer of sealant. Sealant and caulking wear down over time, which is why it is a good idea to freshen them up each year. Doing this before winter will keep water from leaking around any object that protrudes from your roof.
Check Your Chimney
If you have a chimney, before you start up your fireplace, you will want to have a chimney sweep come out and clean it up so you can safely start fires in your fireplace. You should also have a roofer inspect the chimney and fix any issues with the chimney structure, such as loose bricks or missing mortar.
Clean Up Your Roof
Next, you need to clean up your roof. Get rid of any debris on your roof, such as small branches or trash that may have landed on your roof. Debris can allow water to build up, which can lead to roofing issues.
Check the Roof Valleys
Fifth, you need to carefully check the roof valleys, which are one of the areas on your roof that is prone to wearing down at an accelerated rate. The roof valley is where two sides slope together. Check and see if the granules are wearing down or if the shingles are damaged. If your roof valley shows excessive signs of wear, you will want to get it replaced before winter to prevent roof leaks.
Get a Formal Inspection
If you have not had a formal inspection of your roof this year, call up your residential roofing contractor and schedule an inspection. They may notice areas that are worn down that you may not notice on your own. They will let you know what needs to be fixed and take care of it, ensuring your roof is ready for winter.
You can help get your roof ready for winter by cleaning the gutters, removing debris from the roof itself, sprucing up the sealant, and checking for excess wear and damage. You can also bring in a professional to ensure your roof is ready for the harsh conditions it will experience during the winter.
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