One of the parts of a home most prone to failure is the roof. This danger is also present and, in many ways, exacerbated during the winter. Leaks that develop during the winter can be absolutely disastrous not only for your roof but also for the stability of your entire home. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help ensure that you completely avoid the danger of a winter roof leak.
Maintain Your Gutters
One of the best tips for protecting your roof from leaks during the winter is to make sure your gutters are clean, fully operational, and free from significant problems. First, ensure that your gutters are actually clean. Even if you cleaned them once earlier in the year, they could have gotten re-clogged with leaves, dirt, and gunk. You should also inspect downspouts to ensure that they are actually redirecting water away from your home and foundation.
Stop Ice Dams
Your biggest adversaries in regard to winter roof damage are ice dams. An ice dam can build on the edges of your roof when melting snow refreezes. When an ice dam forms, rainwater and snowmelt can’t drain away from your house via your gutter system. Instead, the water is redirected into your home’s structure. Leaks will form, and that water could begin to find its way inside your home, where it will rot wood and cause all kinds of problems. Beyond the gutter maintenance already mentioned, other strategies for preventing ice dams include:
- Finding and sealing any air leaks
- Installing gutter heaters and heat tape
- Properly insulating your attic
- Properly ventilating your roof
- Raking excess snow off your roof if safe
Trim Problematic Tree Branches
Watch out for anything that can cause punctures or shingle damage on your roof. For many homeowners, trees are a common cause. Trees should be planted far enough away from your home so that their limbs, branches, and leaves don’t become an issue. However, many homeowners have decades-old trees that are too close to the house and are difficult to part with. In this case, you should remove any problematic limbs and branches. Nothing should hang over your roof.
Inspect Your Attic
Throughout winter, and all of the year for that matter, you should inspect your attic for leaks and water damage. You should also ensure that your attic has at least 10 inches of insulation installed. Doing so can make a huge difference.
If you’re planning a roofing repair job in the city of Boise, ID, please give our company, Point Roofing, a call.
