10 Ways to Avoid Roof Damage This Winter

The onslaught of heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures during the winter season can be particularly harsh on your roof, which is why it is important to take necessary precautions in order to protect it from the elements.  

In this post, we share 10 tips for avoiding roof damage as temperatures continue to plummet.

1. Remove Snow Buildup

Snow buildup is the biggest threat to your roof in the winter months. It is best to take steps to remove it before it accumulates and gets too heavy for the structure of your roof. Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to damage from excessive snow loads.

A roof rake is the best tool for removing snow buildup from a roof. If you need to clear large volumes of snow from your roof, however, it is recommended to hire a professional so they can safely get rid of layers of compacted snow and dense ice with specialized equipment.

2. Remove Ice Buildup

In addition to snow buildup, you should also be mindful of ice buildup on your roof. When ridges of ice form for a long period, they can be especially difficult to remove, not to mention hazardous to the rest of your home. Gutters are the most common areas for ice formations. You can remove icicles from your roof using a snow rake or a broom. Just make sure you exercise caution while doing this project.

3. Remove Debris From the Roof

Debris sitting on your roof is never a good thing. It is a good practice to inspect and remove any litter that can blow off in the wind and dislodge shingles at the end of the fall season. Piles of damp leaves can lead to mold while nuts or berries can attract insects, so make sure you stay on top of those as well. Just protect yourself from hazards as roof-related falls are prevalent. You can do this by letting a professional roofer do the maintenance instead.

4. Keep Gutters Clean

Your gutters are responsible for collecting roof runoff and channeling it to a drainage system away from the foundation of your home. When your gutters are clogged with fallen leaves and other debris, rain or melted snow will not be able to drain properly, causing the gutters to overflow or water to back up into your roof. This can lead to all sorts of problems such as mold growth, rotted beams and ice dams – all of which can require roof repair.

5. Fix Missing or Damaged Shingles

Replace broken, curling or missing shingles before the cold weather arrives. Doing so can prevent moisture from seeping into your attic and wreaking havoc on your belongings. When you fail to fix your missing or damaged shingles ahead of time, you could face thousands of dollars in repair by the time you notice signs of moisture damage indoors.

6. Check for Leaks or Cracks in the Roof

You should also check for leaks and cracks in your roof. You might think all your shingles are in good shape, but a leak can tell you that there is an underlying problem you need to remedy. When left unchecked for a long time, even a minor and localized leak can snowball into mold and mildew in the attic, damp insulation, and discoloration on the ceiling and walls. If your sloped or flat roofing is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be best to have an experienced roofer perform a thorough inspection of your roof and check for any wear and tear that could lead to major problems down the road.

7. Reseal Around Roof Fixtures

Every puncture made through your roof to install a piece of equipment like a satellite or a vent introduces the potential for elements to enter your home. The good thing is that there are several products that can keep unwanted moisture out, though you might need to carry out regular touch-ups depending on the materials you choose. Loose, corroded or damaged flashing, for instance, might require replacement. Fall is the perfect time to reseal these areas so that moisture will not be able to penetrate your roof and cause trouble.

8. Trim Trees Near the Roof

Falling tree branches due to ice and snow are one of the primary causes of roof damage in the winter. Branches swaying in the wind can also scrape the protective granules off your shingles, which can allow moisture to penetrate the roof. Tall, overhanging trees can even give animals like squirrels and rodents access to your roof. These animals can gnaw at your roof and attempt to enter your attic to evade the cold. You can easily avoid all of these issues by trimming tree branches to at least 10 feet from your roofline. Another great benefit is that it minimizes the buildup of leaves and moss on flat roofing.

9. Improve Attic Insulation

Because insulation plays a vital role in keeping your home protected from winter weather, you want to make sure that you have adequate insulation in the right spaces. The attic is arguably the most important place in your home to insulate. Since heat naturally rises, your attic holds a lot of heat generated in your living spaces. During the colder months, having that heat escape through an insufficiently insulated attic will definitely push up your energy bills.

10. Check for Siding Damage

When your roof has a problem, it can affect your siding – and vice versa. During a routine inspection of your roof, do not forget to give your siding a once-over to see if your soffit and fascia boards are secured.

Contact Us for All Your Residential and Commercial Roofing Needs!

Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. is a GAF Master Elite® residential and commercial roofing contractor located in Campbellville, Ontario. You can count on us to make your next shingle or metal roofing project as simple and hassle-free as possible from start to finish. Just give us a call at (905) 875-2888 to get in touch with us, or complete our convenient online form to request a free, no-obligation quote.