Winter is a challenging season for the entire home, but it’s the roof that takes the brunt of it. From cold winds to hail, the roof has to withstand a lot of things and it’s easy for the structure to get damaged or outright fail if it’s not ready for the season.
Read on as Hinkle Roofing, your local roofing experts, shares simple ways to better prepare the roof for winter.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
It’s a good idea to schedule a roof inspection before winter actually starts. The roof is a sturdy structure but it doesn’t always clearly show that it’s suffering from problems in a cursory inspection from the ground. Leaks, shingle cracks and granular loss are all hidden problems that can fly under your radar and manifest in full during winter.
By scheduling an inspection, you will know the exact condition of the roof. You’ll be able to do timely roof repair to head off problems before they become bigger concerns.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters are especially dangerous during the winter. As the accumulated moisture freezes, it puts unnecessary weight on the edge of the roof. In some cases, the gutter itself pulls down on the roof edge so much that it loosens the roof shingles. Fortunately, this risk is easy to avoid so long as you regularly clean the gutters.
Clean the Roof Surface
Debris on the roof, such as leaves and branches, should be removed. These are things you don’t want to be trapped under a layer of snow as they will break down and become hubs of mold growth and vermin infestation. Mold is unsightly while critters can even physically damage the shingles, leading to leaks.
Preventive Repair
Finally, schedule preventive roof repair so the roof is better equipped to handle the rigors of winter. Patch up leaks, replace old and worn-out flashings, and address any rot damage. Not only does this address structural concerns but it also helps make the roof more energy-efficient during the colder months.
Hinkle Roofing offers complete roofing services, from roof repair to replacement. We’ve helped commercial and residential customers sleep a little easier at night for over a hundred years. Call us today at (205) 352-1940 to learn more about our services. We offer roofing services in Tuscaloosa, AL.