How to Protect Your Roof During the Winter

Your roof should be inspected and cleaned routinely throughout the year, but it is even more important before the winter season. During the winter, the temperatures drop and the weather tends to get worse, so you need to be prepared for more rain, snow, ice, and hail. Here are some ways to protect your roof during the winter season.

Inspect the Roof to Prevent Hail Damage

One of the main sources of damage to your roof during the winter is hail. If you live somewhere that gets extremely cold temperatures, you probably deal with a good amount of hail. Hail can potentially damage any roof, but you are a lot more susceptible to the damage if you already have roofing materials in dire need of repairs. This is why it is essential that you have your roof inspected before any major storms hit. If you have shingles on your roof that are old, worn, and starting to peel, definitely replace them before the storms arrive.

Get Proper Ventilation in Your Attic

Ice dams are another major risk in the winter, which typically begin with improper attic ventilation. Ice dams form when snow is on your roof that melts prematurely, even though the temperatures outside are still cold enough to re-freeze it. This is typically caused by a roof that is too hot from lack of proper ventilation. Since it is still cold out, the hot roof melts the snow, but then when it is liquefied and sitting at the edge of your roof or in the gutters, it re-freezes, causing ice dams. These can be very damaging to your roof, so it is important to prevent them with better attic ventilation.

Clean Out Your Gutters

During the winter, snow and ice can get built up in your gutters if they are clogged, so you should remember to clean them out regularly. Not just before the winter season, but periodically throughout winter as well. Remove any leaves, branches, and debris you find in the gutters, leaving them clear for water and melted snow to make its way down the gutters and downspouts and away from your roof.

Remove Snow From the Roof

Snow is bad for your roof, not just because of the risk of ice dams, but also because the weight can start damaging roofing materials. After a major snow storm, it is a good idea to get up there and remove the excess snow with a roof rake. Be careful not to damage your roofing materials, so hiring a professional to rake the roof might be a better option.