Ways to Winterize Your Roof
Although we were fortunate to have a mild start to this winter, the next few months are forecast to bring below-freezing temperatures. For homeowners, that means it’s time to start preparing your house for winter. Protecting your biggest investment and family home is a good way to make sure that you’re not dealing with big maintenance problems in the future.
Your roof is one of the biggest and most expensive parts of your home to repair or replace. That means it’s particularly important to pay attention to it before it’s covered in snow. Before winter really hits us, make sure to get these jobs done as part of your yearly roof maintenance.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
During the fall, leaves and other debris can clog your gutters, making it impossible for them to collect melting snow. Cleaning them out not only allows them to work properly, but it also improves the appearance of your house. In the case of downspouts, debris can get lodged inside the pipes, making it impossible for water to flow through.
Insulate Your Attic
Many people assume that their attic was insulated when their home was built and that they can, therefore, skip this step. The truth is that many homes are only given a thin layer of insulation if any at all. Furthermore, it’s possible for this insulation to wear away over the years. New insulation works better than the products available on the market years ago, and it can help to keep your house a lot warmer. Many people find that they save enough in home heating costs to pay for the new insulation within a few years. In older homes, it’s possible that new insulation can pay for itself in just one winter.
Trim Back Branches
As snow accumulates on the tree branches above your home, it can cause those branches to snap off and come crashing through your roof. That repair could cost you thousands of dollars. If you have branches that are touching the roof, it’s possible for the wind to cause them to scrape your roof and knock off shingles. Get these branches trimmed back now so they don’t cause a problem later.
Clean Your Roof
Too many people assume that as long as they don’t see any dirt, their roof doesn’t need to be cleaned. The truth is that accumulations of dirt, leaves, sand and salt build up over time, causing the shingles to wear out prematurely. Trapped water can help algae and moss to grow, further eroding away your structure. Fortunately, a professional cleaning can help prevent these problems. Professionals can remove the dirt, debris and water from your roof, preventing future maintenance problems.
Contact Forte Surfaces for Roof Cleaning
If you live in the Central Indiana area, be sure to contact the professionals at Forte Surfaces today to take care of your roof before the worst of winter really kicks in. While we’re cleaning, we can also check for weak spots and advise you on what repairs you need to make, and which ones can wait for warmer weather.
