Your roof is a vital part of your home exterior, and it’s essential to have it in top shape before winter hits. Taking necessary precautions and completing regular roof maintenance will allow you to enjoy the beauty of winter without allowing it to contribute to roofing issues and create the hassles involved in winter repairs.
Take care of minor roof issues now so they don’t become major issues this winter. Read on for tips on preparing your roof for Wichita’s winter.
Get Your Roof in Top Condition before Winter Arrives
1. Clean your gutters.
When gutters become clogged due to the accumulation of dirt, debris, or roof granules, your roof decking is at risk of moisture intrusion. Why? Because if gutters aren’t working properly, they won’t divert water away from your home and the water will back up into your roof decking, causing rot, mold, deterioration, and leaks.
2. Inspect your ceilings.
One way to ensure your roof is not leaking is to look at the ceilings of the highest story of your home. If you see discoloration, you likely have a roof leak. Contact a reliable professional for an inspection to address the root cause.
3. Evaluate your asphalt shingles.
Grab a pair of binoculars and step away from your home to take a good look at the condition of your roof shingles from the safety of the ground. If you have missing shingles here and there (or many!), it’s vital that you have them replaced. Even one missing shingle could turn into big problems if left unattended. To be ready for winter, your roof should be fully intact, give you the best protection from the elements, and contribute to your home’s energy efficiency.
4. Check for missing granules.
Asphalt granules protect your roof from damaging UV rays. They also help shed rainwater and snow to keep moisture from staying on your roof. When they are deteriorated or missing, worn-out granules look like a mixture of small pebbles and patches of silver and white. If some of your asphalt shingles are missing a substantial amount of granules, your home is vulnerable to roof leaks.
Granules can go missing due to hail damage, aging, high winds, and more. When many granules are missing, it’s important to contact a reputable contractor (like us!) for a roof inspection to find out if you need a roof repair or replacement.
5. Hire a professional to clean your roof.
When moss, lichen, or algae make your roof their home, they can cause costly damage. Black algae can actually live and feed on your asphalt granules, creating vulnerabilities to leaks. When winter comes, if you haven’t dealt with these problems, they can escalate. Hire a licensed and insured contractor with experience. Have them clean your roof now to prevent additional damage this winter.
6. Look for roof leaks.
Grab a flashlight and climb up into your attic to check for roof leaks. If your insulation is moist, wood is rotting, or you spot an obvious leak in your roof, have it repaired promptly by a reputable roofing contractor. Don’t leave problems unaddressed or they will get worse—and winter will amplify things.
7. Trim your trees.
If you have low-hanging branches on your trees, they could rub up against your roofing and damage your shingles this winter if you don’t trim them. Preserve your roof’s components by cutting back any nearby trees or limbs to keep them from coming into contact with your roof or siding. High winds can cause branches to detach and be thrown into your roof, potentially puncturing it and causing immediate water infiltration to your home. Avoid these costly issues by keeping trees well-trimmed and far away from the proximity of your asphalt shingles.
8. Check for roof sagging.
If your roof is sagging, that’s a clear indication that its integrity is compromised. If left unaddressed, this could lead to roof collapse during the winter due to the extra weight of snow and ice. A sagging roof is a serious issue. Contact an experienced roofing contractor promptly and ask for an inspection and estimate on a roof replacement. It would be smart to replace your roof before winter to ensure the safety of your home.
9. Inspect your roof flashing.
Flashing helps prevent leaks, so issues with it can cause serious moisture damage inside your home. Flashing is made of aluminum or galvanized metal and functions as a layer of protection that directs water off your roof and keeps it from passing into your home. It’s located where your roof intersects the edges of your chimney, skylights, and more. Ice and snowstorms can cause flashing to tear, loosen, or lift off your roof entirely, leaving your home vulnerable to water intrusion. If flashing is damaged or missing, hire a reputable roofer to replace it before winter arrives.
How Winter Weather Can Impact Roofing Components
Heavy rain can lead to damaged asphalt shingles and roof leaks. This can lead to the unhealthy growth of mold and mildew, which weakens your roof’s structure. High winds can blow off loose or damaged roof shingles, as well as break tree limbs and cause them to harm your roof. The weight of packed snow can put pressure on your roof, cause cracks, and eventually lead to structural damage.
Ensure Your Roof Is in Optimal Condition with Keeter Roofing & Remodeling
When roofing gets worn out, costly leaks result. Don’t compromise your home’s protective layer by neglecting to care for it properly. Keep your roof in excellent shape with regular inspections and needed repairs. At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we stand behind our workmanship with unwavering commitment. In the rare event that an issue arises, we prioritize making it right for our client. We maintain open communication and actively seek resolutions.
It’s important to verify your roof is in good working order before winter. Get a free roof inspection to confirm your home’s protective covering is in optimal condition and leak free.
