As you know, the colder months are notorious for bringing some extra wear and tear to your roof. 

Wondering how to maintain your roof this winter to help prevent costly damage while making your stay indoors more pleasant? This article can help you out.

As the temperature dips, you'll want to ensure that your roof is ready to support your home. Though ensuring that your roof is in its optimum condition year-round is essential, it's especially vital to focus on roof maintenance during the winter as the snow, and freezing temperatures can cause maximum damage to your roof if not appropriately handled.

Without further ado, here are winter roof maintenance tips to see that it's operating at peak performance.

1. Get rid of debris from your roof before the snow falls

Ensure that your roof is free of any debris or buildup. Large amounts of leaves and other types of dirt can become waterlogged in your roof and can rot. When the debris is mixed with snow and ice, it can cause damage to your roof, resulting in a leak. It is best to hire a professional to execute the task of clearing your roof off debris as climbing roofs without any professional training can be hazardous.

2. Clean your gutters

One of the first places where freezing precipitation accumulates is in your gutters. Thus, you should regularly check it for any signs of ice dams. 

If you clean your gutters and drainpipes, it will help drain the water quickly from your roof as snow and ice melt. In case your gutters are not free of debris, snow can quickly pile up on your roof, leading to damage. Ice damming in your downspouts and gutters are a result of clogged gutters.

Moreover, ice dams are responsible for constant moisture around your home, and your home's siding and foundation can be destroyed by standing water.

3. Remove snow as soon as possible

If you let the snow to sit for too long in your roof, it can cause damage as it is heavy. Don't allow precipitation to remain on your roof as it may lead to an ice dam when it melts. It is normal to have water on a roof; however, if you allow it to re-freeze, it may cause havoc. 

Note that as the temperatures drop below freezing, the ice that has melted will freeze again, creating a dam in or around your gutters. 

Eventually, it may loosen your shingles or cause a leak in your roof. Try to keep your roof dry longer by removing all ice and snow from your roof as soon as possible.

4. Check your flashing 

Don’t forget to check your existing flashing as even if it was installed correctly before, over time, flashings usually become warped or even loosened. 

In case it's out of order, fix it as soon as you can. When you have improper flashing, snow and other icy precipitation can easily enter your roof and can cause an interior leak.

5. Remediate damage caused by wind

Not only snow and ice, but wind can cause havoc to your roof during wintertime. In case of a major storm or different types of natural disasters such as cyclones in your area, wind can be just as damaging as wet precipitation. Examine your roof to see no damage has been left by the wind. 

Take measures to repair any spots that may have been damaged. Check for broken, missing or damaged shingles and other roofing materials. If you leave it untreated, they may eventually cause leaks and even end up serving as breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and mildew. 

6. Check your attic ventilation

If you are unaware, the performance of your attic determines the performance of your roof. In case you leave your attic poorly ventilated or insulated, you face the risk of exposing your roof more directly to the harsh winter elements. It may lead to issues such as ice dams to form.

Though professionals are best for this job, you can inspect your attic with a flashlight. Check for any dripping water in your attic space. There may be signs of condensation like water stains on the ceiling, walls, or floor of your attic. In that case, call in a roofing contractor.

7. Repair your shingles

If you find any loose shingles or shingles that show signs of damage, replace them before the colder months come.

Shingles are responsible for protecting your home against the elements such as snow and ice. Thus, it is essential to keep your roof’s shingles in tip-top condition. It will increase the lifespan of your roof and prevent further damage.

8. Trim your trees

This is given as the trees surrounding your home can pose a threat during the colder months if there are weather extremes. Cut down any trees that pose a hazard or trim them. 

If there are ice and snowstorms, it may lead to trees falling down and destroying your roof or home altogether. You will also be putting the life of your family at risk.

9. Hire a professional for roof maintenance

To get your home in its optimum shape, consider hiring a professional to tackle the significant work. By allowing a professional to handle the job, you will have peace of mind, and you will be saving your back and ensuring safety as well. Many homeowners try to take the DIY route to save money, but it endangers your life, and if it is not done correctly, you will have to redo again.

Winding-Up

Though the holiday season brings warmth and joy, it also brings lots of things that can put your roof and home at risk. Ensure to keep your home safe this winter by following the tips mentioned above. Be proactive so as to save time, wealth, and lives. 

If you ignore minor issues, they may lead to bigger ones, and you may end up having to pay a hefty amount for repair. 

Note that roof maintenance work is best left to professionals as they are trained to perform the task. They also have the right tools and safety equipment with them to conduct a seamless roof maintenance routine.