HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR ROOF

Before the snow starts to fall, it is important to winterize your roof. Snow and ice buildup could lead to costly issues during the winter season. Let’s look at the ways you can winterize your roof to avoid serious roof repairs. 

TRIM OVERHANGING TREES 

Tree branches break off, fall on your roof, and clog your gutter system. Branches put unnecessary weight on your roof and damage your shingles. Overhanging tree branches cause problems once the snow starts to fall. When there is snow build-up on weak branches, the snow eventually breaks off the limb it is sitting on. The limbs hit the roof when they are hanging over the roof. Trim any overhanging branches before winter in Waupaca to avoid roof damage. 

CLEAR CLOGGED GUTTER SYSTEMS

During the fall in Green Bay, WI, leaves and branches clog your gutter and downspouts. Bees, birds, or wasps are another source of clogged gutters because they build their nests in the gutter. The water builds up because the debris blocks the water from going through the gutter and downspouts. Make sure your gutter system is clear before winter to avoid water damage. Gutter guards are another option to keep the gutter system clean. The guards reduce the amount of time you spend clearing your gutters before winter. 

LOOK FOR ROOF DAMAGE

Check your roof for any damage and make repairs immediately. A sign you may have roof damage is water damage inside of the home. If you are unsure, call in a professional roof repair company. Water spots on your ceiling or walls are a clear indication there is damage to your roof. Leaving the roof damaged and unrepaired causes costly issues when winter starts in Waupaca, WI. If you do not see any visible damage to your roof, hire a professional roofing company to come and inspect your roof. Professionals identify problem areas you may have overlooked. 

INSULATE YOUR ATTIC

Insulation helps protect your roof from ice buildup on the shingles and prevent heat loss. Moisture or condensation develops when your attic is not insulated or ventilated properly. Excessive moisture and mold ruin the structure of your home when water damage is not taken care of immediately. The insulation installed should be equal to the R-value of where you live. The R-value determines the amount of heat the insulation retains. 

CHECK YOUR FLASHING

Make sure your roof’s flashing is intact before winter. The flashing is a metal strip covering vents, chimneys, or roof valleys. The flashing protects these areas from water damage. Without the flashing, water leaks onto your roof’s structure and causes major issues. 

HIRE A ROOF CLEANER

To get ahead of the Green Bay area winter season, hire a roof cleaner to remove snow regularly. Huge amounts of snow cause stress on your roof. Snow build-up puts weight on your roof and may eventually cave in. Hiring a roof cleaner eliminates several issues from occurring from snow and ice build-up. 

The structural integrity of your roof is vital to keeping your home from taking on water damage during the winter season. If you live in or around Waupaca, WI, Badgerland Restoration is here to help repair any roof damage before winter.