With the inevitable chilly, wet and snowy weather just around the corner, it’s the right time to take the steps to winterize your home. Any good home winterization plan should include the roofing system. Use these tips to help your roof help you stay more comfortable and save energy this winter season.
Make Repairs
Weak spots in your roofing system will undoubtedly be exploited by the elements. Repair shingles that are loose or damaged, and be sure to replace any missing shingles. If you have a tile roof, replace any cracked or broken tiles.
Cutback Tree Limbs
Even healthy tree limbs can come crashing down on your roof in high winds or under the weight of snow and ice. Cut back any tree limbs that may threaten your roofing system, and you may just save yourself an emergency repair and prevent water damage to your home.
Roof and Gutter Cleaning
Your roof and gutters should be cleaned before each winter season. Algae growth on your roof can take root beneath the shingles. In freezing temperatures, the algae may expand and expose roofing materials to the elements.
Your gutters play a vital role in the integrity of your roofing system. Clogged, rusty and damaged gutters allow water to penetrate the timber and can even damage your yard and your home’s foundation. Repair any damaged sections of your gutters, and be sure to clean the gutters and downspouts before the first snowfall.
Check Attic Insulation
Insulation is like a blanket that keeps your home warmer during the winter, and even cooler during the summer. Take a look in your attic to see if your insulation is in good shape, and to measure if you have enough.
Remove insulation that is damp or moldy. Make sure insulation covers the eaves but not the vents, which would block ventilation. If you use loose-fill insulation in your attic, make sure that it is evenly distributed.
Adding insulation, when needed, is a simple way to save energy, improve your comfort and actually help protect your roofing system. The federal program Energy Star recommends attics in our Minnesota region be insulated to R-60.
Professional Roof Inspection
If you are a do-it-yourself type of homeowner, it may be very tempting to go up on your roof to attempt some of these winterizing steps. A word of caution — don’t do it. Walking on a roof is dangerous. One misstep or stumble could be disastrous. Further, walking on any roof should be held to a minimum and only performed by professionals to prevent damage to shingles or tiles.
Schedule a professional roof inspection if you haven’t had one in recent years. You will help your roofing system last longer and improve the efficiency of your home.
To learn more about winterizing your home, or if you need roofing services for your Minnesota home, contact the trusted professionals at Welter Construction today!
