The warmth of summer might be dwindling, but there are still plenty of things to take care of before winter hits. Most people don't get a chance to enjoy their roofs during the season because they're too busy preparing for the snowstorms that will inevitably come. The good news is that you can get your roof ready for winter by completing these few maintenance tasks:
Scrape the Roof
The first thing you'll want to do is scrape off the top layer of your roof. It can be done without causing any damage to your shingles and will help prevent ice dams. Whether you do this yourself or hire a professional, your goal should be to remove as much snow and ice as possible. While you're at it, you should also check the gutters near your roof and clear them out if they contain a lot of snow.
Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is another thing that can prevent your shingles from shattering when they freeze over. The snow and ice that collect inside your gutters make melting snow and wind easier to break through the roof. So instead of waiting until spring, go ahead and clear the snow out of your drains to help prevent water damage.
Seal the Roof
Sealing your roof is vital because it will help prevent any ice dam issues. It will keep water from getting between the shingles and freezing over so that you won't have to worry when there are significant snowstorms.
Clean the Chimney
It's not only your roof that ice dams could damage, but your chimney can too. The snow that might collect on the insides of your chimney can break off and freeze over, which will cause a lot of damage to your fireplace. Before winter, you should get up there to properly clean out the insides of your chimney to prevent this damage.
Fix Any Issues
You must do the necessary maintenance on your roof before winter hits to help prevent any major issues. If you have any shingles missing, now is the best time to replace them and ensure that everything looks suitable for the cold season. The residential roofing contractor that you choose should help with this and assist you when it comes to your roof.
Like any other home maintenance, residential snow removal is crucial for the safety of your family and the quality of your home. By maintaining your house's roof properly and removing snow regularly, you can prevent a lot of significant damage and make sure you are prepared for all types of winter weather.
