The roof is one of the most important features of your residential or commercial building and is designed to protect the property from damage. The winter season is when the most damage can occur due to harsh weather conditions. If you want to preserve the roof and protect it from environmental elements, there are a few steps you need to take to winterize the materials.
1. Insulate the Attic
Insulating the attic is essential when winterizing the roof because the material will control the temperature inside of the building, which can prevent ice dams from forming during the colder months. You can use a spray foam gun, which controls overspray and is lightweight.
Ventilating the attic is also necessary to ensure that ice dams don’t form. Consider installing vents and fans, which will allow the air to circulate throughout the season.
2. Remove Snow
You can also prevent ice dams from forming by removing snow that has settled onto the roof with the use of a roof rake. You’ll need to gently remove the snow before it freezes, which can cause damage to the roofing materials.
3. Perform an Inspection
Hire a professional to perform an inspection on the roof to determine if any of the shingles or tiles are missing. The technician will also determine if the roof deck is exposed, which can lead to leaks. The flashing will also be inspected, which can cause water damage if it’s not sealing the roof correctly.
4. Trim Tree Branches
Trees that are in the yard can also pose a threat to the roof if they grow too close to the building. You’ll need to trim any overhanging tree branches to prevent it from puncturing the roof throughout the season in high winds. You may also want to remove trees that are in proximity to the home and are at risk of being uprooted in storms, which can fall onto the building.
5. Clean the Gutters
Cleaning the gutters is necessary before the winter season arrives to ensure that melted snow or rainwater can properly drain off of the roof and is redirected away from the property. If the gutters aren’t cleaned of clogs, it can result in the water backing up onto the roof, which will cause leaks to form and can lead to water damage in the building.
