A functional roof is a matter of necessity, rather than choice. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your home, your roof protects it from the elements and helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Winter weather can be hard on your roof. Low temperatures can cause a variety of issues for your roof that negatively impact its structural integrity.
Here are some ways winter weather can affect your roof.
Water Damage
Water is the elixir of life, but it is also one of the most destructive forces of nature. No matter how superior your roofing material, if water gets through the outer surface of your roof, it can wreak havoc on your home.
In Antioch, our winters are wet. Water in the winter season can cause serious damage to your roof. If heavy rainfall occurs, water can enter under the roof tiles, causing major (or even irreversible) damage to your home’s structure. Both slanted and flat roofs are susceptible to water damage.
Water can enlarge pre-existing leaks and damage your ceiling, walls, floor, and drywall. It can also create the ideal condition for mold and mildew growth and cause your roof can become an eyesore.
To prevent water damage, periodically inspect your roof. Repair cracks with mortar as soon as you spot them and have missing shingles replaced immediately.
Regularly clean your gutters and install gutter guards. Regularly check flashing around vents, skylights, valleys, pipes, and chimneys for damage. Have a tile roofing contractor near you in Antioch inspect and maintain your roof at least once a year.
Wind Damage
Strong winds during winter can cause more damage to your roof than you might think. A gust of wind can blow away tiles or damage your flashing. Strong winds can also wear down the ridges and rakes on your roof and tear away any tiles that aren’t properly attached. When wind blows away tiles, water can enter your home through the gap.
A strong wind can cause an overhanging branch to fall down on your roof. Debris such as leaves, twigs, and branches can clog your gutters and cause water to pool on your roof.
To prevent damage, trim back overhanging branches. Periodically clean your roof. Remove debris before they get stuck in your gutters.
Tips to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
They say prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting for your roof to get damaged and then repair it, take a strategic, proactive approach by preparing your roof for winter.
Here are some ways to get your roof ready for winter.
Perform a Visual Inspection
Visually inspect your roofline. Watch out for signs of dipping, sagging or curving. If your roofline is sagging, get to the root cause of the problem. More often than not a sagging roofline is caused by a saturated roof deck or framing issues.
If you notice signs of sagging, do not panic. A sagging roofline is not the end of the world. When not accompanied by leaks, a sagging roof isn’t an immediate cause of concern and in most cases is structurally okay.
Check the Attic for Signs of Water Damage
Check your attic for signs of water damage such as wet roof decking, water spots on the wall and water pooling the attic floor. If you spot leaks, reach out to your roofing contractor for help immediately.
Inspect the Chimney Flashing
Your flashing seals the area where the chimney and roof meet. Flashing is one of the most vulnerable spots for leaks. Check your flashing to see if it is loose or damaged. If the caulk holding the flashing is damaged, replace it. Watch out for signs of water intrusion near the chimney.
Clean Your Roof
Roof cleaning is understandably one of the most hated household chores. It is backbreaking work and involves a lot of bending. If you are tempted to strike roof cleaning off your list of household chores, remember that an unclean roof is a recipe or disaster.
If debris is left on a roof, it can become waterlogged, and the roof may become susceptible to water damage.
Do not allow debris such as leaves, stones and tree branches to accumulate on your roof. Periodically clean your roof to get rid of dirt and debris before they can cause serious damage.
Blow debris with a leaf blower. Thoroughly clean your roof with water and a household cleaning solution.
Gutters are one of the most important, yet ignored components of a roofing system. Your gutters play a major role in preventing water damage by moving water away from your home. Over time, gutters can become clogged with debris and dust.
Periodically clean your gutters. Remove bird and rodent nests clogging your gutters. To prevent debris from getting into your gutters, install gutter guards.
Have a Professional Maintain Your Roof
It is imperative that you have your roofing contractor inspect your roof before winter arrives. The purpose of professional maintenance is to identify and address current and potential issues before things take a turn for the worse. During a roof inspection your contractor will:
➢ Check different parts for signs of leaks
➢ Inspect the decking
➢ Check your vents for obstruction
➢ Inspect your tiles for signs of damage
Roof Tile Custom Specialists is committed to helping homeowners in Antioch get the most out of their roofs. We use tried and tested methods to get to the root causes of roofing issues and address them. To make an appointment, call (925) 634-8700.