7 Tips for Preparing Your Home and Roof for Winter
7 TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR HOME AND ROOF FOR WINTER WITH ASSURANCE EXTERIORS
Your roof is the first line of defense against harsh winter weather and should be given proper care to ensure that it can stand up to the elements. Don’t wait until you’re freezing in your house this winter to find out that roof repairs are needed! The experts at Assurance Exteriors, a roofing contractor in Kansas, have been providing roofing solutions for homes across Kansas for more than 13 years, so we know all about keeping roofs safe from damage during the most extreme conditions. We offer a full range of repair options including durable shingles, ice and water shield installation, gutter cleaning and replacement as well as hail damage restoration.
TIP 1: ANNUAL INSPECTIONS FROM PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT ROOFING CONTRACTORS
If you haven’t had your roof inspected this year, call an expert roofing contractor to come out and perform a thorough inspection of your roof’s condition. Roofing contractors will be able to assess the roof’s overall condition, determine if any repairs are needed, recommend repair work that should be done in the near future, and provide any necessary roof leak repairs.
By having independent contractors who are professionals, inspect at least once every year, you’ll be able to identify any potential problems before they become too big of an issue. Just because it may not rain for 3 months doesn’t mean your roof is completely waterproof!
TIP 2: INSULATE YOUR ATTIC OR ROOF TO KEEP IT WARM
One way to keep your home in good condition during the winter is to insulate it. This will help to keep it warm and protect it from the cold weather. There are a variety of insulation materials available, so you can choose one that is best suited to your needs and budget.
If you’re not sure which type of insulation is right for you, contact a local roofing contractor for advice. They will be able to recommend the best type of insulation for your house and install it for you.
TIP 3: CLEAN UP ALL LEAVES, DEBRIS, AND SNOW BEFORE THEY BECOME A HAZARD
One simple step to protect your residence in the winter is to make sure it’s free of any leaves, debris, or snow before it can become a hazard. If your home is covered in leaves and other materials, you need to get up there right away and clean them off. If you don’t, they can pile up on top of one another and cause damage that will be more difficult to repair.
If you, the homeowner, are unable to safely do this yourself, contact a contractor or company that specializes in these types of services.
TIP 4: REPLACE SHINGLES THAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY HAIL OR HIGH WINDS
One of the most common roofing issues during the winter is hailstorm damage. If hailstones have damaged your roof shingles, you’ll need to replace them before they can cause any more damage. Once shingles are damaged, they start to curl up and away from the other shingles. This will let in more water, which can lead to leaks or ice dams.
Replacing shingles isn’t something that should be undertaken on your own, so schedule roof repairs to be done by quality roofers like Assurance Exteriors.
TIP 5: CHECK GUTTERS TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE CLEAR OF ANY LEAVES, DEBRIS, OR SNOW BUILDUP
When fall rolls around and the leaves start falling from the trees it is important to keep an eye on your gutters. Don’t forget that roofing maintenance should be done periodically throughout the year, but this includes checking gutters’ leaks and blockages. Leaves clog gutters and make it difficult for water runoff. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your house. Make sure you get up on your roof every couple of months (or more) during the fall season and check your gutters for any clogs or other issues.
Contact a trustworthy roofing contractor to take a look at your house and gutters if you are unable to do this yourself.
TIP 6: ENSURE DOWNSPOUTS ARE FREE FROM CLOGS SO WATER CAN DRAIN OFF THE ROOF PROPERLY.
It’s important that downspouts remain clear during the winter to help ensure that water is drained away and plants and other surfaces don’t get iced over with moisture. It may be necessary to use a roofing shovel to remove any snow or ice buildup as needed.
If you find your roof downspouts themselves are clogged, you can clear them out yourself, or contact a roofing contractor for advice on cleaning them out as soon as possible.
TIP #7: CLEAR OUT ANY ICE DAMS ON THE ROOF WITH A SHOVEL AS NEEDED
One thing that homeowners need to be on the lookout for during the winter is ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining away from the roof. If this water backs up, it can cause damage to the roof, gutters, and eaves. One way to prevent this from happening is to clear out any ice dams on the roof with a shovel as needed. You can also use salt or calcium chloride to melt the ice dam. Ice dams will also wear down the waterproofing on your house over time as well.
Quality roofing contractors and roofers are able to identify these problem areas before they become a larger issue, be sure and ask your contractor to inspect for areas where ice can build up during your annual inspection.
Home roofing maintenance is something that should happen regularly, but never put it off until tomorrow. Now is the time to take care of roofing repairs and replacements before next winter rolls around.
If you need repairs or installation, give Assurance Exteriors a call today! We are happy to provide free inspections so we can find any issues with your house now. Once spring hits, roofing companies will be swamped for weeks or even months at a time, so don’t wait until things start heating up to get your house inspected. Trust the pros at Assurance Exteriors for all your home improvement needs. We offer affordable solutions that are custom-designed based on your budget and needs. Put our years of experience to work for you!
About Assurance Roofing and Exteriors
We are one of the industry-leading roofing contractors in your area that is committed to providing the very best roof replacement and roof repair services to our clients. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our roofing and siding services. For more information call us at (785-231-8838), or schedule a free inspection today!