Aside from the extreme cold, winter has many downsides, most of which can be costly if not managed properly. As a homeowner, you must prepare your roof for winter. The heaps of light and fluffy snow test your roof’s resilience. This article advises you on preparing your roof for winter.

Inspecting and Cleaning Gutters

Your gutters are essential for draining melted snow and rainwater to avoid ice dams on your roof. You can’t afford to have gutters clogged with debris in winter. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with many problems, including water pooling, leakages, icicles on the side of your house, and damage to your interior.

Furthermore, your roof is at risk of ice dams in winter, especially if the gutters are clogged. So, the best way to avoid these problems is to inspect and unclog your drains before winter sets in and ensure they are fully functional.

Remove Tree Branches Hanging Over the Roof

Tree branches hanging over your roof will lead to the buildup of debris in the gutters and on the roof, causing water pools and ice dams on your roof. Even if you clean the gutters without removing the branches, more debris and leaves will accumulate on the roof during winter. So, you’ll still have clogged drains when the snow hits.

Heavy tree branches hanging over your house are also hazardous, especially during heavy storms and rainfall. If the leaves and branches trap too much snow, they’ll break and land on your roof, causing severe damage. The long units also serve as the access point for rodents like squirrels and raccoons to your attic.

Inspect Your Roof Flashing

Flashing is an essential part of your roof because it prevents leaks. So, if your roof flashing is faulty, you’ll have a terrible time during winter because melted ice and rainwater will find their way into your interior space, causing severe damage. Therefore, inspect your roof flashing to ensure it’s intact before winter checks in.

Inspect Your Roofing Shingles

When too much snow gets stuck on your roof, the shingles might get lifted, allowing water to seep through the roof into the house. So, you must check your shingles and repair the damaged ones in readiness for the winter.