How to Prepare a Roof for Winter Weather

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Everyone should prepare their roofs for the coming winter because cold winter weather can cause damage to a roof if not prepared. An unprotected roof, for example, can develop leaks, ice dams, and other problems when it is assaulted by heavy snow and ice, as well as freezing temperatures. If you take your time and follow the winterization tips covered here, it will save you from having to spend lots of money on repair work later on. Read on to learn some practical strategies to follow in preparing your roof for winter and the ensuing harsh weather conditions.

Everything related to the roofing system should be inspected, and if a problem is found or suspected, such as roof damage, then it’s best to repair it as soon as possible.

Visually examine the shingles for signs of wear or for any signs that they are too old to provide adequate protection. Check for loose, cracked, and missing shingles, and repair any issues or replace them to avoid water leaks. Focus on vents, skylights, and chimneys, especially, because much of the time they can be leaky.

Check for any signs of leakage, and repair any and all damages before the onset of winter weather. Small damages–such as a leak left unattended—can be capable of leading to bigger issues as water turns to ice and then dilutes when it rains.

Check the condition of the flashing in the chimney area, vents, and valleys on the roof. Make sure all the protruding flashing is properly secured, and fill in any crevices or openings which may allow water penetration and ice backs.

Clear the snow and ice from the roof, gutters, and downspouts to ease the process of drainage during melting. Gutters that are clogged will result in ice and these can easily damage the shingles or may lead to cases where interior leaks occur.

Seal Vulnerable Areas

– Use a sealant, especially around the vents, skylights, and chimneys, to ensure there are no openings where water can infiltrate the house. Purchase and apply an exterior flexible sealant that is specifically designed for use on roofing materials.

– Cover all openings on the roof deck and where the roof joins the walls of the home, sealing any cracks and exposed nail heads. This makes it easier for the roof to shed water, particularly in conditions where there is wind-driven rain and snow.

– Make sure to apply a roof sealant around the flashing, the valleys, vents, and joints to reduce the chances of moisture infiltration. Keep in mind that it is better to use a sealant that is long-lasting and rubberized.

Manage Roof Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when ice forms along the roof top and melts as it flows to the colder edges of the roof. This retains water that can siphon on the shingles and bring about leaks. To discourage ice dams:

– Install waterproof membrane liners or rubberized asphalt underlayment at the often exposed areas of the eaves to the shingles. This provides an opportunity for the melting snow and ice to run off the roof floor as opposed to infiltrating from the bottom.

– Cover the eave edges with metal ice dam membranes or heating cables which are commonly referred to as de-icing systems. They also help reduce the chances of formation of ice layers as water is free to drain off in the right manner.

– Use a fascia drip edge with flanges extending to beyond the fascia board. This ensures that water from melted snow falls off the roof rather than trickle under the roof edge.

– Sweep roof floor at the areas of overhangs and valleys frequently during winter, since this is where snow tends to accumulate. Doing this causes better drainage and smaller chances of ice dams forming on roofs. A roof rake can be used for snow management from the ground without causing complications.

Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

– A tree standing next to the roof should have most of its branches trimmed to avoid contact with the roof. Heavy snow and ice can also build up on branches overhanging the roof and the weight can cause branches to break and then fall on the roof, damaging the shingles.

– Remove any objects such as leaves, pine needles, and any other organic material from the roof before the onset of the winter. Rainwater tends to accumulate on debris, and when this happens and is encased in snow, it results in the decay of shingles or leads to the growth of fungi.

Make sure your roof is properly winterized so that your roof system is not damaged, your interior doesn’t become flooded with water, and so your structure is not compromised when the snow and ice build up. It is also important to check the roof sometime before the winter season begins so that any necessary repairs–sealing as well as other preventative measures–can be done. Preparing your roof for winter is important since it leads to lower energy bills and reduces the likelihood of having to repair the roof during the colder months. Taking some time–even a few minutes–to prepare the roof for winter can spare you thousands of dollars in the long run.