Every year, winter creeps up on us before we’re ready. For Ohioans, it’s about much more than just a cold breeze in the morning. We are prone to inconsistent weather patterns from year to year, making it difficult to know if the first freeze will happen in December or early October. With that kind of climate, it pays to be on top of your roof so you can fix minor issues before they become major problems.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutters may seem like a small concern, but properly functioning gutters can go a long way towards protecting your roof and foundation from moisture buildup. It’s not a fun job, but it is one that most homeowners can tackle with minimal equipment and prep. A properly working gutter system can help prevent water damage, ice dams, and snow build up. Make sure you have a friend to ensure your safety and help with the job.
When checking your gutters, give some time to the following concerns:
Clean out and rinse: Make sure to remove all debris and gunk from your gutters, including the sediment that lies along the bottom. Check for shingle granules and rusted or discarded roofing nails in the gunk. This may indicate a problem with your roof.
Clean out your drainspout: Many people forget that the whole purpose of a gutter is to move water away from your home so it can drain properly. If your drainspout is stuffed up, it can’t do its job. Make sure it is clear from top to bottom.
Check your fastenings: Look for bent, broken, rusted, or missing fasteners on your gutter. Not only do poorly functioning fasteners make your gutter wobbly, but they can also damage your roof shingles if they come loose.
Is your gutter correct? You want to check for bent, cracked, split, or hanging gutters that disrupt the water flow away from your roof. It’s much easier and less costly to replace a small section now than to replace the entire gutter system later.
Debris and Removal
Not only do you want to remove any debris from your roof, but you will also need to do a check around your home and cut down any overhanging tree branches that could come down during a bad storm. Take some time to assess your home and property and look for any items that could go flying if the winds pick up. Yard décor, patio furniture, holiday decorations, and other such items need to be stored away before the snow hits. This will help protect not just your roof, but your house from accidental damage.
Schedule an Inspection
Nobody knows your home as you do. But nobody knows roofing like us. Most roofing contractors offer a free inspection that can give you comprehensive information on where the areas of concern are and just how concerned you should be. A good inspection will provide a workup on any issues they spotted from your roof or attic, as well as any potential repairs or upgrades you need. This time of year can be very demanding for roofers, so it’s best to book early.
Remove Snow Regularly
Never get up on your roof during the winter. You can safely remove a lot of winter snow buildup from the ground with a telescoping rake. This will help prevent ice dams that can build up over time and seep through your roofing layers into the attic, causing mold and mildew. Regular removal also relieves the weight of heavy snowfall and helps to prevent sagging and collapse. Just remember not to scrape the roof shingles,s as that can lead to damaged shingles and exposed underlayers.
Consider Upgrading
Not every upgrade requires you to take on financing and a multi-week project. Many small upgrades can do your roof a world of good this winter and prevent larger projects down the line.
Gutter Covers & Filters: Covers and filters for your gutter do more than just block large debris like twigs and branches. They help keep out sediment like shingle granules and dirt that cause a gunky, sludge-like buildup at the bottom. They also help prevent ice dams from forming in your gutters and downspouts.
Maintain Attic Insulation & Ventilation: A well-insulated attic, along with exhaust vents and eaves, helps maintain airflow and temperature inside and outside your home. Ensuring you have adequate insulation, checking your exhaust vents and overhang eaves to make sure they are functioning correctly, will prevent ice dams and excessive snow build-up.
Install Snowguards: Snow guards may seem counterintuitive, but as long as you are clearing the snow from your roof before it builds up to extremes, then they can be a useful tool. Snowguards work best on steep, pitched roofs where falling snow and ice can cause damage to people and property. The guards hold the snow in place where it can be removed in patches as opposed to all at once.
Install Heating Cables: Heating cables are electric cables installed along roofs and gutters to help prevent snow and ice build-up. Most are self-regulating, meaning that they can maintain the needed ambient temperature. They do run off electricity, making heating cables a somewhat pricy solution.
From small DIY checks to full roofing inspections, Roof Dudes are here to help. We’re Ohio locals, so we know what roofs in the area need to keep going strong year after year. When it comes to winter weather prep, we know how to get the job done right so you can enjoy the cold season from the snug safety of your home.