The best way to protect your roof in the winter is to have proper gutter protection put in place. Cleaning your gutters a few times a year is not enough to protect your home from the damages clogged gutters, ice dams and heavy ice or snow may cause.
An unprotected gutter system can clog with dirt, leaves and debris, interfering with the diversion of rainwater from your home. Clogged gutters can contribute to your soffit and fascia rotting and roofing damage. When water begins to collect in your gutters with nowhere to go your fascia and soffit begin to rot, eventually causing your gutters to pull away from your home and fall off.
Most gutter protection disturbs your shingles, ultimately voiding your roof warranty. That’s why it is best to choose a company such as Leaf Filter that installs gutter protection directly on your existing gutters. Not only does LeafFilter never disturb your shingles or void your roof warranty, but they will never clog. Only water will enter your gutters eliminating homeowners having to ever clean there gutters again and keeping your roof protected.
Having reliable gutter protection in place also prevents ice dams. Ice dams form when the heat inside your home cause ice or snow to melt, run down the edges and refreeze. This forms a blockage which may cause your roof to leak, damaging ceilings and walls inside your home. Keep your attic no more than 10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature and have good insulation on the attic floor to prevent ice dams.
Once you have reliable gutter protection in place to protect your roof, it is time to focus on the actual roof. If your home is 15 years old or more, the roof will likely need to be replaced. Look for early signs of leaks such as damp spots near your fireplace or peeling paint by roof overhangs. Also search for cracked caulk and missing or broken shingles. If you suspect signs of roof damage find a professional inspector in your area using HAAG Certified Inspector.
Lastly, take a look at your trees. If they are filled with dead wood, large hollows and a few leaves this could indicate a future fallen tree that may damage your roof. Look for overhanging tree branches that need to be trimmed. Trimming the branches may prevent damage to your home, roof and cars that can happen as a result of a strong snow or ice storm.
Installing gutter protection, hiring a roof inspector and potentially hiring someone to trim overhanging branches are a small price to pay for protecting your roof and home from any damage winter may cause. These ideas will get your roof and home through winter safely.