Winter Is Coming: Prepare Your Roof For The Cold

Owning a home or business is a huge responsibility.  Maintenance must be done throughout the year to ensure your investment is protected.  As winter is quickly approaching (thank goodness for some cold weather finally!), there are several things you can do to winterize your roof.   Performing preventative maintenance will save you from a roofing emergency.  By checking and repairing these parts of your roof, you can cruise through the winter knowing that your roof is in good shape:

1. Remove or trim overhanging tree branches

Branches can cause a lot of problems for your roof, so they need to be trimmed or removed.  Large overhanging branches will become very heavy with snowfall and will break and fall onto your roof.  Low hanging branches will scrape your roof and damage your shingles.  

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

We can't stress enough the importance of keeping your gutters and downspouts clear of debris.  Rainwater and melting snow need to be able to drain properly in order to prevent water damage to your roof, siding, foundation and other parts of your home or business.

3. Inspect the roof and repair

Repair loose, damaged and missing shingles to prevent leaks.  Check the roof flashing (the material placed around joints and openings in your roof) for signs of wear or damage.  Cracked caulk should be removed and replaced.  Have a qualified roofing contractor in Birmingham inspect and repair any issues that are found.

4. Insulate your attic

Your attic should be properly ventilated and insulated in order to prevent heat loss as well as the formation of icicles and ice dams.  Be sure to consult with the experts at Bill White Roofing and Specialty on proper insulation levels and ventilation techniques.

5. Look for warped wood

Inspect the woodwork around your home or business especially around the roof and in the attic for warping and mold growth.  These are signs of water damage, usually pointing to a larger problem like a leak.