Heavy rain, hail, and snow are all severe weather conditions that will soon appear during the winter months. Before any winter storm hits, it’s important to prepare your roof for any possible winter weather damage. Here are a few simple maintenance maneuvers you can do all on your own to prevent leaks, debris, and other such inconveniences from bogging you down during the winter season.
Step 1: Check Leaks, Flashing and Vents
How do you know if you have a leak in your roof? Water spots on your ceiling and walls are a good sign there’s a problem. The most common leak-prone areas are where water can finagle its way inside your home. Missing shingles, loose vents and poorly sealed flashing, for example, all present potential problems, so scout these areas of your roof first.
Step 2: Fix Leaks Fast
Even small leaks can lead to big problems if not taken care of, so if you don’t want mold or rotted insulation in your home, act on the warning signs at first sight. It is possible to perform some simple shingle and flashing replacements yourself, but it’s important to note that you should never put yourself in danger just to save a few bucks. If conditions aren’t ideal and you don’t have a full grasp of the situation at hand, hire a professional.
Step 3: Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
The first big winds and rains tend to rustle remaining leaves and tree debris loose, where they invariably will find their way onto your roof and inside your gutters. Clogged gutters and downspouts are disasters waiting to happen, so be sure to give all that rainwater a safe and unobstructed place to go – preferably three or more feet away from your home’s foundation.
Step 4: Schedule a Professional Inspection
Let’s face it, there’s only so much you can do to prep your roof from the elements. If a problem arises that you can’t effectively fix, save time and headaches by calling in the pros. Trained eyes can often spot problems more easily, and these problems can often be fixed on the spot. It’s easy to find someone you can trust that’s also verified by others.