4 Maintenance Tips for your Roof this Fall

10/3/2019

Winter weather puts your roof to the test. Autumn is the best time to prepare for the extreme weather that’s around the corner.

When winter finally arrives, it will also bring with it the snowfall, freezing temperatures, and windstorms that really test the integrity of your roof. The dead of winter isn’t when you want to be tackling roof maintenance or dealing with damage. Take advantage of fall’s more moderate temperatures to proactively minimize the risks.

How does winter affect your roof?

Winter weather is hard on your home’s exterior, especially the roof. Understanding the risks can help you properly prepare for extreme elements and avoid more expensive repairs down the road. Here are the most common ways winter weather affects your roof:

Snow

After a few days of heavy snowfall, it can really start to pile up on your roof. If the roof gets heavy enough to exceed its load-bearing capacity, it can bow, crack, and eventually even collapse.

Along with the dangers of the snow itself, using the wrong tools for snow removal can cause damage, as well. Snow shovels, rock salt, and calcium chloride can all damage shingles — in some cases even voiding your warranty.

Ice

As snow melts and runs down to the roof's edges, it can refreeze into something called “ice dams.” These ice dams are bad news for many reasons. They block your gutters and prevent water from finding a pathway off your roof. They cause ice to build up on your roof, resulting in excessive weight and water damage. They also eventually come crashing off the roof, damaging the area and items below.

Ice dams are especially likely to form in gutters that are full of leaves and debris. Check out this article for info on how to safely remove autumn leaves from your roof [link to previous article if possible].

Wind

Some of the year’s strongest wind storms occur during the winter. Loose or degraded shingles can be blown off entirely by a stiff winter wind. This damage is compounded when the winter wind is accompanied by freezing temperatures that make the shingles more brittle and easy to break.

4 steps to winterize your roof

Complete the following steps this fall to get your roof ready to weather the winter.

Remember: never attempt roof work without the necessary experience, equipment, and physical ability. If you have your doubts about DIY roof maintenance, don’t hesitate to hire a pro.

1. Trim trees – The extra weight of snow and ice can cause branches to come crashing down. Trimming away branches that have grown too close to your home prevents them from hitting your roof and also reduces the amount of leaf build up.

2. Remove leaves and debris – Piles of leaves and debris can trap water, attract mold, and cause ice dams. Avoid damage by cleaning the leaves from your roof and gutters.

3. Schedule an inspection – Stay ahead of any issues by having an experienced technician look over your roof before winter. A roofer will not only be able to discover current damage, they will be able to recognize signs of issues that may form in the future.

4. Make all necessary repairs – It is much simpler, and usually less expensive, to repair a roof in the fall. Not only that, but small repairs now can prevent big problems down the road.

Now is the time for preventative roof maintenance

It’s always best to enter the cold season with a sturdy, reliable roof. Maintaining your roof properly in the fall gives you protection and peace of mind for the winter.