Winter-Ready Roof: Practical Winterization Tips

The beautiful fall season is coming to an end in Utah. The state is already starting to see snowy weather as roads are already starting to fill with snow. Apart from getting your winter clothes out, it would be best to get your home ready for the cold season.

Everyday maintenance activities include servicing and possibly repairing your HVAC system, getting your lawn ready for the cold season, and snow and ice removal. However, if you get caught up in these tasks, you may end up forgetting an equally important chore: maintaining your roof.

The First Line of Defense

Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. It bares harsh winds, rainfall, and snowfall every year. If it gets severely damaged, you and your housemates may end up in danger.

Common roof problems during winter include:

• Leaks - Melted snow could end up leaking into the crevices and holes on your roof. These leaks are more than just an annoyance. Water can significantly damage your home's electrical wiring and encourage mold growth on your walls and ceilings.
• Snow and ice buildup - Snow may seem light, but it can weigh as much as a pound per square foot. If it continues to build upon your roof, it could cause the component to break or even collapse. Especially true if the roofing material or structural components have broken down over time.
• Tree branches - Snow can also accumulate on tree branches. The buildup can be heavy enough to cause the limbs to snap and ultimately break off. This can pose a threat to people spending time in your yard. If the tree branch is directly on the roof, its weight could severely damage the roof.
• Icicles - Icicles form on your roof gutters when it's both sunny and cold. While they look like neat winter decorations, they can be harmful to people and pets if they break off. Plus, they also put unnecessary weight and stress on the gutter.
• How to Keep Your Roof in Good Shape

Your roof is one of the most vital components of your house. Please keep it in good shape this winter with the following steps.

• Keep Flashing Maintained - Your roof flashing is a thin piece of galvanized sheet metal that connects gaps in your roof. It also doubles as a component that directs water away from crucial parts of your roof. You often see flashing surrounding chimneys and skylights. If this gets damaged, you can expect leaks galore. Inspect flashing for any damage or corrosion. If you see any, hire a roofing contractor to replace them immediately.
• Have Your Fireplace and Chimney Serviced - Your fireplace is directly connected to your roof through your chimney. If your chimney encounters problems, you could end up with backdrafts. Backdrafts happen when the chimney doesn't draw up fire correctly, causing smoke and the potentially toxic chemicals that come with it to enter your home instead of going through the exhaust. Fire up your fireplace and see if it's functioning correctly. If you're experiencing backdrafts, extinguish the fire and get it serviced by a fireplace contractor.
• Keep the Roof Free of Debris - Through the months, your roof will pick up a bunch of debris, whether it's leaves from your trees or rogue baseballs thrown and forgotten by your neighbors. These may not seem like much, but they can add to the weight of the possible snow build-up. Before winter, you should clean out all the debris on your roof with a soft broom. Do the same for your roof gutters and drains. You want them to be clear, so they can quickly drain out melted snow.
• Ensure a Stable Structure - Go to your attic and inspect your roof's structure. It's going to carry the brunt of the snow buildup on your roof. Check for any rot or cracks on the joists. If they show any signs of damage, have them inspected and fixed by a professional as soon as possible. You should also ensure that the insulation is still thick.

Poor insulation can lead to ice dams. An ice dam forms when the edge of the roof prevents snow from melting and draining off. The water can freeze and thaw again, depending on the temperatures. It can also seep into the holes in your roof and cause leaks. For good measure, make sure your insulation is thick enough to reach the top edge of your joists.

Your roof is your most significant shield against the harsh cold of winter. However, it can get beat up as the months and years go by. Use these suggestions to keep your roof in great shape in time for the cold season. This way, all you need to worry about is dealing with the rush of the holiday season.

Related Articles:

• Essential Steps to Get Your House Ready for Winter
• Tips for Preparing Your Roof for the Winter Months