Getting your home ready for the winter months is not difficult but does require a bit of forward-thinking. Like all other parts of the house, the roof requires regular inspection and maintenance to make sure that it can withstand rough weather during cold months and operate at optimal performance. Follow these five steps to help prepare and strengthen your roof for fall and the winter seasons and remember to use safety precautions.

1. Clean Debris

Your roof accumulates dirt, dust, and debris throughout the year. The types of debris include seeds, grass, twigs, leaves and small branches from tress. If left on top of the roof during fall and winter season, this debris will start collecting moisture and over time, will put your house at risk for mold and algae growth and rotting. To clean up the debris, safely use a ladder to climb up the roof and use a broom or an air blower.

2. Clean Gutters

Leaves typically accumulate in gutters which can clog the most vital path for your roof to safely drain. Neglecting to remove leaves in the gutter before fall and winter seasons could cause clogs in the downspouts, which eventually causes the rainwater to overflow your roof and allow water under shingles causing moisture damage. The extra weight from the wet leaves could also cause damage to the gutters by bending them. Take extra time cleaning out the gutters of your roof as leaves tend to stick more in the corners and crevices.

3. Check for Attic Air Flow

Proper ventilation in the attic plays a crucial role in keeping your roof in its utmost condition. A poorly ventilated attic could shorten the life of the roof as the effect is essentially cooking your roof from the inside and outside. Check your attic insulation and replace or add extra insulation if it looks crumbly or frayed. If you see bald patches, make sure to cover them up and install new insulation.

4. Remove Overhanging Branches

Make sure that any branches overhanging your roof have been removed, especially if your house is surrounded by trees or has trees nearby. During fall, the leaves from the branches may start falling off to the roof and accumulates, causing damages to the gutters and the roof itself.

5. Have a Professional Inspection

Call for a roofing professional to inspect your roof for any roof damage like cracked, frayed, curled and missing shingles. They have the appropriate tools and expertise to do the assessment and if required, repair or replace your roof.

These steps will ensure that your roof is ready for the different conditions the fall and winter seasons can bring. Knowing that your roof is in good condition will give you the peace of mind when the bad weather hits. It will be worth your time and effort.

If you need help with any of the steps or if you feel your roof needs to be replaced before the winter months, our team here at Century Home Improvements is ready to help! Call us at 717-367-6693 or fill out our online contact form.