One of the first steps you should take when preparing your home for winter is to check your roofline. Your roofline should be straight and there should not be any signs of sagging, curving or dipping. If you do notice, there are any of those things there is a good chance that you have a framing issue or a saturated roof deck. During the winter months your roofing is exposed to inclement weather that could cause the roof to cave in if not properly repaired. Make sure to have your roofing system inspected by a professional, licensed roofer to ensure that your roof is structurally sound.
Trim any low hanging branches:
– Getting your roof ready for the winter months also consists of preparing the trees near your home to remove any low-lying branches that may become weighted down by ice and snow and cause damage to your roofing system. If the branches are already over the roofing surface, you may want to consider calling a tree specialist to come in and remove them to avoid any unnecessary roof damage from removing them yourself.
Check your attic or crawl space for any signs of water damage:
– It is very important that you check your attic or crawl space since that is where you will usually find the first signs of a roof leak. Make sure to check the decking on the underside of your roof as well as the attic walls and floor for moisture and or leaking. If you do see any indication of leaking or excessive moisture you should contract a licensed roofing contractor to come out and assess the issue.
Remove Debris
– Make sure to remove any loose debris such as leaves, sticks and twigs from your roof. This will help to prevent damage. Be sure to remove all leaves & debris from your gutters as well to prevent your gutters from clogging and backing up which can also cause roof leaks and interior damages.
Check Chimney Flashings
– Inspect your chimney flashings and make sure that all of the metal flashing is secure and there are no gaps or areas where water is able to penetrate. A lot of common “roof” leaks stem from the chimney leaking. Make sure that the caulking on the chimney flashings is in good shape and not cracked or deteriorated.
Get Your Roof Professionally Inspected
– Make sure to get your roof inspected annually by a licensed Roofing Contractor. Any unresolved simple roof repairs can turn into costly roof replacements. Sometimes there are some issues that an untrained eye is unable to see, and it is important that before winter comes you ensure that that your roof is prepared to handle the inclement weather.
Middle Creek Roofing Can help with your Roofing needs!
Getting your roof winter ready does not have to be nerve-racking for you, Middle Creek Roofing is here to help and can come out and complete a Roof & Attic Inspection for you. Give us a call today to schedule that at 1-717-949-2414! We would love the opportunity to come out and provide you with some peace of mind for the upcoming winter season!