At Roofing Annex, we don’t just want to repair when most issues can be thwarted by a solid prepare checklist. As the cold season looms near, we like to say that it’s “time to winterize your roof”. Some homeowners may take the following items as a DIY checklist but for their safety and that of their roof, we never recommend homeowners step foot on their roof.
Hiring a reputable roofing contractor to help winterize your roof is always a good idea especially if you’ve had broken gutters, ice dams, or other winter woes in the past. If you saw high winds or large hail over the last year you may wish to seek help before it snows! Asking for a simple free evaluation is the right place to start. If the roofer advises a winterizing package they’ll base the price on square footage and write an estimate. Shop around but don’t take so long in doing so that you miss your window. Our tip is to ask for a price match from the more expensive company to get the best work done.
The Midwest sees a good deal of snow and our markets of Cincinnati and Chicago are right there in the thick of it. As a roofing contractor known for installations over repairs, we remind our clients that just because they have a new roof doesn’t mean they get to skip out on winterizing. Overhanging trees, poor ventilation, and poor insulation may still affect you!
When it’s Time to Winterize Your Roof You Need to Review the Following Aspects:
Gutter Cleaning
Cleaning gutters of debris that may freeze and further clog drainage is essential to keeping your gutters from overloading. Every year we get phone calls come spring to repair gutters that have broken off due to the ice weight. This can be a costly out-of-pocket expense and affect siding and landscaping as well.
Remove Overhanging Limbs
Removing overhanging limbs, large or small, can save on expensive emergency repairs. Small branches that hover just a few feet above a roof can break free and slam your roof with enough force as to make a good sized puncture given the right circumstances. A few cuts and you can save big money!
Mold Removal
Power washing mold, algae, or lichens from the roof is a great way to keep your shingles in place and water out! Algae roots go under shingles and expand when frozen which lifts shingles enough to harm fasteners. Mold may be rotting wood both outside and in the attic so be sure it is looked for.
Attic Insulation Review
Ice dams are mostly due to improper attic ventilation. Stopping ice dams is simple – just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Increasing ventilation, adding insulation to the attic floor, and sealing air leaks that warm the underside of the roof will prevent this major leak creator.
WANT TO GO IT ALONE?
We know we can’t stop the DIY crowd.
Here are some tips to winterize your home yourself.
Repair Missing or Damaged Shingles
Carefully traversing a roof with proper gear and knowing how to make affective repairs is a learned skill for pros to wield. If there is too much fresh (within the last 12 months) storm damage to the roof, an insurance claim may need to be submitted. Be sure you’re working with a contractor advocate your claim. This may be the most impotent aspect to winterize your roof and the one point where it’s ALWAYS best to consult a pro.
Flashing, Vents, and Ports
A roofing system is comprised of ventilation, gutters, flashing, and other non-shingle components that are all designed to let your roof breathe, shed water and protect exhaust ports. Knowing the wear and tear of a vent, the spacing of flashing, and caulking needed for things like skylights is essential. No other time of year is more important to have these things checked on and kept in good repair. Ice can turn seemingly small issues into big ones!
Your roof is the first line of defense for your home yet it is one of the most overlooked parts of the house until it’s too late. Getting a free inspection with a consultation where the technician shares photos of issues is a great place to start!
Roofing Annex provides Winter Prep Services in the greater Cincinnati Area in towns like Dayton, Delhi, Hamilton, Harrison, Indian Hill, Liberty Township, Madeira, Mason, Maineville, Middletown, Montgomery, and West Chester.
Call today to schedule a free roof exam or get a quote for your Winter Prep Servicing. 513.685.9092
