Protect Your Roof From the Snow With These Roof Winterizing Tips

Winter can be a relaxing time, snuggling in front of a fire in warm slippers and a fluffy robe. The last thing you want to deal with in the dead of winter is a leaky roof caused by snow and ice. Before you get caught in an unwanted icy deluge in your living room, take a look at the following tips to winterize your roof.

What Is Roof Winterizing?

Roof winterizing is the process of getting your roof ready for cold temperatures and harsh weather. When you prepare properly for the ice, snow, and cold, then you are less likely to have roof emergencies, such as leaks, and prevent more serious issues, like roof collapses. This can save you thousands of dollars on the cost of mold remediation, roof replacement, and the like.

Do I Need to Winterize My Roof?

First, you may wonder, “Do I need to winterize my roof?” Winter can be hard on a roof, especially if you live in a snowy climate. The buildup of snow and ice can cause winter roof leaks. It can also damage roofing materials, cause mold or mildew to develop in your attic, and even cause partial or total roof collapses that may lead to a roof replacement. Even in warmer climates, where winters are rainy or windy, you can mitigate possible damage by taking a few simple steps to ensure your roof is in good condition and will last for years to come.

Tips for Winterizing Your Roof

Here are the tips you should follow to winterize your roof. 

1. Check and Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters prevent ice and snowmelt from leaving the surface of the roof. If gutters have leaves and debris inside, meltwater can build up in the gutter trough and turn to ice. That ice can back up under shingles and cause damage to your roofing materials, as well as to your soffit and fascia materials.

Clean your gutters at least once or twice a year, depending on the number of trees in your yard. To prepare for the winter months, clean your gutters in the fall. Later in the year, clean them again in the spring. Gutter cleaning costs $160 on average.

2. Remove Overhanging Sticks and Branches

Limbs and branches that hang over your roof can become dangerous when snow and ice pile on in the winter. The added weight can cause limbs to bend and snap, posing a potential hazard to your roof. Trim tree branches back far enough that they do not hang over the roof. The general rule of thumb is that all foliage should be at least three feet away from the roof. If the branches are too high or your roof pitch is too steep to be safe for walking on, call in a professional tree trimmer to complete the job safely.

3. Visually Inspect the Roof for Damage

Give your roof a thorough once-over to check for damage to shingles, vents, flashing, and other roofing materials. If you notice damage, give a local roofing professional a call for a more thorough inspection and estimate on any necessary repairs.

4. Inspect Your Attic

Attic ventilation and insulation are vital for maintaining a healthy roof over the winter. If your attic is not adequately insulated or ventilated, you can develop ice dams that may damage your roof or cause moisture and condensation to collect inside the attic, which can turn into mold, mildew, and rot. If you spot any signs of these issues, have a local roofing or attic professional take a look.

While inspecting the attic, you should note the importance of knowing how to winterize roof vents. Keep your vents open all winter long. Also, regularly clear any ice or snow buildup on the outside of the vents.

5. Insulate Your Attic

Insulating your attic is a key step in preventing the formation of ice dams. Your attic space needs at least R-40 to R-60 insulation. When you lack proper insulation, hot air in the attic can cause ice and snow to melt on the middle of your roof. The snow and ice then run down and refreeze lower on the eaves, which will eventually lead to ice dams.

6. Check for Pest Damage

Weather is not the only nuisance that can damage your roof. Pests like termites and vermin like squirrels can wreak havoc on your roof and attic supports. If you see pest damage, get in touch with a local exterminator or wildlife worker to remove the troublesome animal and call your roofer for an inspection.

7. Check Your Chimney

Your chimney gets a lot of use during the winter and, if it is not in good shape, it can cause problems, not just inside but up on the roof as well. Check the flashing surrounding the chimney for gaps, tears, and bends. Your local roofing company can help if you notice any flashing issues.

8. Plan for Snow Removal 

Maybe you have been a model roof owner and tackled all the above tips. If so, great job—but the work is not done! Once winter hits and it is snowing (or slushing) on a regular basis, you should plan to remove snow from your roof. 

If snow and ice builds up on your roof, it could cause ice dams, which can damage your roof and lead to costly repairs. You can hire a local roof cleaner to remove the snow and ice safely so you are able to stay comfortable (and warm) inside.

Does Roof Winterizing Protect From Snow and Ice Damage?

Yes, learning how to winterize your roof can protect your roof from potential snow and ice damage. With high roof replacement costs, it makes good sense to do all the preventative maintenance you can.

Roof Leaks

Keeping your gutters cleaned, trimming overhanging branches, and repairing roof damage before the winter season will all prevent roof leaks. In particular, it is important to get an annual roof inspection so you can catch any issues like broken or missing shingles, water damage, structural decay, holes, and more.

If problems like these are left unfixed, it could lead to even bigger problems in the winter. Roof inspections cost $235 on average. And if your inspector finds anything that needs immediate repair, hire a roof repair company near you.

Ice Dams

Consistent snow removal, attic inspection, and attic insulation all work together to help prevent ice dam formation. Even so, you cannot always prevent ice dams from forming. If you suspect you have one, get a professional out to help remove it right away. Letting it sit can lead to more costly issues, like roof and ceiling leaks.

Roof Collapse

Most roofs can handle 20 pounds per cubic foot of snow or ice, but this hinges on your roof being in good condition. By conducting regular roof inspections and checking for loose or damaged shingles before the winter hits, you lower the chances of roof collapse. Additionally, planning for regular snow roof removal services will help you avoid roof collapse. Hiring a company before the busy season will ensure that you get the service you need this winter.

Winter Holiday Decor Tips

You have worked hard to winterize your roof, so keep these holiday decor tips in mind to keep it in good shape:

• Avoid staples; use light clips.

• When attaching light clips to gutters, be mindful of the weight.

• Do not use nails on shingles.

• Avoid putting heavy decor on your roof.

• Use inflatables for roof decor and tie them down.

Always follow these safety tips when putting up decorations:

• Hire a professional for holiday decor installation for safety reasons.

• Do not climb on ladders or roofs when it is snowy or icy.

• Clear your roof of all ice and snow before decor installation.

• Be careful installing electrical wires on roofs.

• Only install outdoor-rated lights and decor outside.

• Do not plug extension cords into other extension cords.