How to Prevent Roof Damage This Winter

Do you need help with cleaning, repairing, or preparing your roof for winter? Then you can trust the handymen at Gateway Home Services to get the job done right.

Seasonal changes require maintenance around the house to prepare it for the next temperature fluctuations and weather conditions. Your roof is the first line of defense against rain, snow, sunshine, and wind, so it has to be kept in its top condition if you don’t want any leaking, tears, and other costly problems.

Even though it is January, there are still a few months of potential bad weather. Here is what you should do to prevent roof damage during the cold season. With over 30 years of experience in the handyman and remodeling business, our goal is to help our clients with the small tasks they can’t get to.

Check That Your Roof Is Properly Vented

Allowing warm air to get out and cool air to get in is very important in keeping your roof well vented. This will prevent one of the biggest problems roofs have during winter, which is ice damming. This happens when the snow on your roof is melted by the sun, or radiating heat coming from the roof freezes towards the edge of the roof, forming dams and icicles.

Every time icicles form, break them down before they hurt someone or damage your property, and inspect the ventilation in your roof.

Check the Humidity Level in Your Attic

A humid attic is a recipe for disaster, as it can damage your construction, encourage the growth of dangerous mold, and make the air in your house unhealthy. You should check the humidity level in your attic when the weather starts getting colder, as it easily raises above-recommended levels when it’s cooler.

If you notice a high air humidity level, you might have to repair the insulation, pipes, or dehumidifiers or check the ventilation in your attic.

Choose a Water-Resistant Underlayment

If you constantly have problems because of water infiltrating your roof, a water-resistant underlayment is your only solution. During winter, you can get multiple layers of snow melting, freezing, and depositing on top of each other, creating a solid, thick layer of frozen water.

All that ice and snow lying on top of the roof may eventually infiltrate through the cracks between the shingles and lead to a saggy ceiling, moldy attic, or create other problems. An underlayment that will stop water from infiltrating will prevent all of these problems for years to come.

Periodically Clean the Snow off Your Roof

If snow accumulates on the roof and forms a thick layer, hire professionals to clear it or do it yourself, taking strict safety measures. A clear roof is protected from damage and will do its job for years to come, even if winters in your area are particularly harsh.

By maintaining your roof during every seasonal change, you prolong its life and keep your house protected, so don’t skip these steps when winter is coming.

Can We Help?

Do you need help with cleaning, repairing, or preparing your roof for winter? Then you can trust the handymen at Gateway Home Services to get the job done right. Contact us today to request a free quote.

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