How to Winterize Your Roof

Winter is finally here and now is the right time to winterize your roof to avoid potential damages. There are many benefits when it comes to winterizing your roof. A winterized roof can help maintain a comfortable home temperature. Winterized gutters are less prone to damage and do not need frequent repairs.

You’ll find that having a winterized roof is a key part of practicing proper roof maintenance in Sonoma County. Here are some steps you can take to winterize your roof.

Inspect Your Roof 

Get onto your roof to inspect it. Check your downspouts to see if they are free of dust and debris. Look for signs of damage such as leaks, loose or missing shingles, stains, and weak spots. Do not ignore these signs. Before winter hits in full force, have your roofing contractor take a look at your roof and address these problems.

Check Your Gutters

Gutters are an integral part of your roofing system. Functional gutters drain water away from the foundation, helping avoid water damage. When gutters become clogged with leaves or debris, they cannot direct water away from your home.

To prevent this from happening, inspect and clean your gutters. Remove leaves and debris, and flush the gutters and downspout with water.

Get a Professional Inspection

Even if you do not notice any visible signs of roof damage, have your contractor look at your roofing system to complete an inspection.  Some signs of roof damage are not readily noticeable. If you miss these signs, your roofing system can develop problems during the winter months.

During a pre-winter maintenance session, your contractor will check and clean the gutters, downspouts, and shingles. The professional will inspect the attic to check for signs of aging, moisture, mold, and leaks.

Watch Out for Overhanging Branches

Even small branches can scratch roofs. If a tree branch hangs over your roof, it can be blown off the tree by the wind. A broken branch can scrape against roof shingles, stripping off layers of asphalt. Its leaves can fall directly onto your roof or into the gutters, clogging them.

To prevent this from happening, trim back any branches hanging over your roof.

Check Caulking and Flashings

When appropriately applied, caulk prevents bugs and water from entering your home. Flashings direct water away from critical areas of your roof. Over time, caulking and flashings can get damaged or go missing. To protect your roof from damage, replace wrinkled caulking and loose flashings.

Planning to prepare your roof for winter but do not where to start? ARS Roofing, Gutters, and Solar can help. We are committed to helping families get the most out of their roofing systems year-round. We use high-quality materials designed by industry experts. To enquire about our roof maintenance services in Sonoma County, call us at (707) 584-5900.

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