The winter season is always associated with fun and festivities, but you have to be prepared for you to enjoy the winter season. Preparation for the winter helps you avoid costly repairs that may result from a leaky roof and frost. By winterizing your house, you ensure that you’ll have an unproblematic winter, here are ways to winterize your roof.
Check Your Gutters
Your gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year because if they aren’t properly cleaned, they will cause you untold damage during the winter. If you do not clean your gutters before the winter, you will experience a massive overflow when the snow begins to melt since the gutters would have been clogged. Clogged gutters will lead to ice dams on your roof, thus preventing proper water drainage from your roof. Poor drainage of water from your roof will cause backups that will damage your roof’s integrity, the shingles, and the interior of your house. Also, if you don’t clean your gutters and winter comes. The continuous thawing and freezing process will result in your gutters falling off the roof due to the added weight. They may end up causing an injury or an unexpected loss. So, it is important to ensure that the gutters are cleaned before and after the winter season.
Line Your Roof with Heat Cables
If you live in an area that experiences massive snowfalls, then heat cables are an accessory you should have before winter comes. Heat cables line your roof to prevent huge snow build upon them. It is recommended that you mostly fit them on the side of the roof that happens to receive less sunlight to thaw the ice and snow.
Inspect Your Roof
Before winter comes, you must conduct a roof integrity survey. A roof integrity survey will ensure that you are aware of the integrity of your roof and which parts need repairs or a retouch. If the surveyor informs you that your roof needs a repair, you should heed that warning to avoid any unnecessary costs in the future since they can check the shingles and flashings for damage. Roof repair in Richmond, VA requires a certified and licensed repair person to ensure that the work is done to perfection. Certified roofers evaluate parts of the roof, such as the valleys and the sealant on the vents, using the right tools. They also have the necessary safety to ascend and descend from the roof as such tasks may be dangerous.
Insulate Your Attic
One of the vulnerable points on your roof is the attic, so you must ensure that your attic is well insulated before winter comes. By insulating the attic, the shingles will always be cool since there won’t be any ice dams forming n them. It also reduces the amount of heat loss from the house hence saving you cash on electricity bills. It is important that when insulating the attic, you use the appropriate material that matches your area’s R-value, which indicates the material’s ability to retain heat.
Trim Any Overhanging Branches
Having branches hang over your roof is very dangerous, especially during the winter, because of the added weight caused by the pilling ice and snow. The excess weight may cause the branch to become a potential hazard to your roof since it can snap and cause extensive damage to your roof. It is highly recommended that when trimming the branches, you should cut them such that there aren’t any branches overhanging on top of your roof. If the branches are higher than your reach, you should call for a professional tree trimmer.
Check For Any Pests and Interior Damage
Pests also happen to be a cause of concern when approaching the winter season since they tend to cause interior damage, which weakens the roof’s integrity, especially pests like termites and vermin. So, before the winter arrives, you should hire an exterminator before any serious preparations begin. Also, it’s not only pests that cause the roof’s integrity to be in question. Water also weakens roof stability, so you must ensure every part of the roof’s interior is in the perfect shape.
Inspect Your Chimney
Always ensure your chimney is professionally cleaned, remove any obstructions, and perform the necessary repairs. Also, ensure that there aren’t any birds or animals residing in your chimney before using the fireplace. Ensure your chimney is cleaned at least once every nine months to have those toasty evenings that you wish for during the winter.
The winter season is always very unpredictable; hence, you will be wise to prepare for it adequately. If you lack the tools and know-how to prepare for the winter, you are advised to seek out professionals to ensure that the work is done to perfection. Have a nice winter.
