Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, which means that protecting it is extremely important. This is especially true if you live in cold, snowy northeast Ohio, where we’re prone to snow and extreme temperatures.
While summer, fall, and spring can all cause issues for your roof, winter is by far the most detrimental and dangerous. Therefore, it’s important to prepare your roof for winter and perform any necessary roof repairs.
If your roof requires roof repair or maintenance, Ken’s Parkhill Roofing has you covered. Contact us or call (216) 381-7414 to learn more about our services.
What Risks Does Winter Pose to Your Roof?
The main reason that winter is the most dangerous season for roofs is because of how extreme the weather can get in Euclid. You can sneak by during other parts of the year without performing basic roof repairs and inspections. In the winter, however, any roof issues will become abundantly clear. Here are some of the biggest risks that winter poses to your roof.
- Ice and snow can accumulate and form ice dams on your roof.
- Buildup in your gutters can freeze.
- Small holes can leak because of snow and melting ice.
- Snow and ice can form cracks in your shingles if damaged.
- A lack of airflow can cause ventilation and air quality problems because everything is closed up tightly during winter.
Because of the many complications that winter weather can cause, getting it prepped and ready is crucial.
6 Things to Do to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
Now that you know what can happen if you don’t take care of roof repairs and maintenance let’s look at what you should do to prepare your roof for winter.
Check and Clean Your Gutters
One of the biggest risks during winter is having cluttered gutters that freeze and don’t drain properly. When this happens, water can build up on top of your roof, run down the inside of your walls, or spill over on shrubs and bushes. Therefore, checking and cleaning your gutters should be step one of winter roof preparation.
Check Your Shingles
Next, perform a visual inspection of your shingles and roofline. Look for discoloration, signs of wear and tear, and other anomalies.
Remove Debris on Top of the Roof
While performing your inspection, climb on your roof and remove any branches, debris, or obstacles that shouldn’t be there. It’s also a good idea to take a leaf blower or rake on your roof and eliminate excess leaves and debris.
Poke Your Head Into the Attic
Climbing into your attic is never fun, but it’s a crucial part of doing your own roof inspection. Check for light shining through your roof, inadequate insulation, or ceiling damage from water leaks. Doing so can prevent roof repair.
Inspect Your Flashing and Vents
The flashing around your chimney and vents going through your roof are prone to pinhole leaks and wear and tear. While you’re on the roof, check these flashings for signs of damage.
Trim Trees Around Your Roofline
If you have low-hanging trees with limbs that stretch over your roof, it might be a good idea to trim them preemptively. There’s a good chance that a winter storm with strong winds will knock those limbs loose, and they’ll fall directly on top of your roof.
Invest in a Professional Roof Inspection From Ken’s Parkhill Roofing
While there are plenty of things you can do yourself to prepare your roof for winter, the best thing you can do is contact us or call (216) 381-7414 so the professionals at Ken’s Parkhill Roofing can perform a proper roof inspection. We’ll be able to see issues that you can’t and take care of problems before they fully manifest. We can perform any necessary roof repairs and make sure your roof is ready for a Euclid winter.
