Your home is usually one of the most significant investments you will make during your lifetime. It is not only an asset that will (with proper care) grow in value, but it is also an investment in a place where you will be able to spend quality time with friends and family. However, like all assets, it requires care and maintenance in order to provide exceptional returns.
One of the most essential parts of your home is your roof. Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to structural problems affecting every part of the home’s structure – and can also lead to leaks and damage to furnishings and other assets – as well as electrical systems. The end reuslt of this damage is costly repairs, insurance claims and eventually increased premiums.
However, there are ways that the homeowner can reduce the possibility of damage to the roof – especially when it comes to the damage that is caused by adverse weather conditions and temperature swings during the course of winter.
Here are 2 strategies to ensure that your roof is able to weather the worse that winter has to throw at it.
Visual inspection of both the interior and exterior
The first step in winterizing your roof is to conduct a visual inspection of both the interior and exterior of the roof. Make sure to check flashing for damage, as well as shingles, tiles, and vents. Make sure that the flashing and caulking are in pristine condition. Degraded flashing and caulking will quickly lead to leaks during winter – and that can be the start of some serious problems.
On the interior check for damp spots that can quickly spread and result in further damage.
Next, check for blockages to the guttering and downspouts. Make sure that all guttering is clear of leaves and debris. Overflowing gutters will not only lead to exterior damage, but the water can quickly make its way into walls and cause structural failures that will lead to more serious leaks.
Check for blocked gutters is especially important when there are trees that are overhanging the roof, as they deposit vast amounts of leaves during autumn (the right time to be checking the exterior of the roof). In fact accumulations of snow, high winds, and rain can cause tree limbs to fall onto the house. Large tree limbs can cause damage to the roof and other property structures that may in extreme cases lead to the home becoming uninhabitable – and again, insurance costs are likely to increase due to claims for damage caused by tree limbs.
Lastly, make sure that your attic insulation is in perfect condition. This traps heat in the home insulates it from the cold and can help to prevent ice dams on the roof by keeping the roof cool. Ice dams will quickly melt – and this will in turn cause extensive damage to the roof.
In order to enjoy peace of mind both prior to and during winter, the homeowner should consider bringing in a roofing specialist to inspect the roof – and perform any repairs that are required. In this way, the only thing you will be struggling with this winter is finding the perfect recipe for that homemade hot chocolate. Don’t forget the marshmallows.