Winter is Coming, is your Roof Ready?
Winter is on the way. How do I know? Lets just say it’s a hunch. Or maybe it is the pile of leaves overflowing from my gutters. Or could it be the moss turning a bright shade of green on my roof. What ever clues you use, the calender does not lie. We’ve had a beautiful Summer and fantasic early Fall, but the rain storms are lining up out over the ocean.
Winter is on the way. How do I know? Lets just say it’s a hunch. Or maybe it is the pile of leaves overflowing from my gutters. Or could it be the moss turning a bright shade of green on my roof. What ever clues you use, the calender does not lie. We’ve had a beautiful Summer and fantasic early Fall, but the rain storms are lining up out over the ocean.
The first thing you need to do is a thorough inspection of your roof, looking for damage such as broken roof shingles, cracked flashings, or anything that could lead to a leak this Winter. If your roof is older, it might be time to get a professional roofing company to come out and do a roof-top survey of any repairs they feel are necessary.
Don’t forget to clean the gutters. Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of roof damage and need to be maintained on a regular basis. Also, make sure the gutters are well attached and the downspouts are connected to drains to take the water away from the house.
Roof leaks in the middle of Winter are no fun, in fact, they can be quite dangerous. Roof problems generally happen where the roofing material meets something else, like siding, or a chimney, or skylights. These areas, if correctly done, will have metal flashings that are a huge importance for the water-tightness of your homes roof. Make sure these are in good condition and appear to be watertight. Caulk areas to keep water from running into cracks or splits.
Roof maintenance is an important part of owning and caring for a home. If your not the handy andy, then call a professional roofing contractor and let them inspect your roof for you. Oh, by the way, the green stuff, it should be treated before Winter really starts to keep the water flowing down hill.
