The Charlotte area luckily doesn’t experience all that much snow or rain during the winter months. Nonetheless, the last thing you want is for your roof to have any issues that lead to it leaking. That’s why it’s a good idea to take some basic steps before winter comes just so you can be certain your roof is free of any issues and ready to handle the winter weather.
Check Your Attic for Any Signs of Roof Leaks
Even a minor roof leak can eventually cause major damage. One of the worst-case scenarios is that the water ends up causing any of the roof trusses or rafters to rot since this can potentially result in part of the roof no longer being structurally sound. If you have multiple damaged rafters or trusses, you’ll also potentially need to have the entire roof removed to fix the issue.
Another thing you want to avoid is water seeping under the shingles and soaking into the wooden sheets that make up the underlying roof deck. If these sheets rot or crack, it can make the roof unsafe to walk on and even create a risk of that section of the roof collapsing should a severe snowstorm ever occur.
All of these potential issues are why it’s a good idea to go into your attic a few times a year and look for any visible signs of water damage. The other thing to check for is if you can see light anywhere through the roof since this definitely means your roof is at risk of leaking and needs to be repaired, if not replaced.
Make Sure Your Roof and Attic Have Sufficient Ventilation
When you go into your attic, the other thing you want to check is what the temperature feels like. Your attic may feel slightly warm if your heating is on since some hot air can still end up rising through the attic floor even if it’s properly insulated. Nonetheless, your attic still shouldn’t feel all that much warmer than the temperature outside if your roof is sufficiently ventilated. If your attic feels hot, it usually indicates that your roof doesn’t have sufficient ventilation.
Having a properly ventilated attic and roof is important for several different reasons. One is that it can make a major difference in how hot your home gets during the summer and how much your air conditioning has to run. Without sufficient ventilation, you can also end up with your attic being overly humid. This is an issue since it can lead to mold issues as well as cause condensation to form that can cause the roof deck and rafters or trusses to rot, crack or warp. During the winter, having sufficient ventilation is important for preventing ice dams from forming after a snowstorm. Although ice dams aren’t all that common in our area, they can still happen and cause major damage to your shingles and gutters while also increasing the chances of your roof leaking.
If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, it is well worth hiring a roofing company to add extra vents to the gables, soffits or on the roof itself. By doing so, you can save money in the long term by increasing the life of your roof and avoiding issues that could result in leaks or damage.
Clean Out Your Gutters
One of the most essential steps for preparing your roof for winter is to clean out all of your gutters. Clogged gutters are an especially common problem in the fall and winter since lots of the leaves falling from nearby trees can end up getting stuck inside your gutters. The purpose of your gutters is obviously to collect any water that drains off of your roof. The downspouts then direct the water away from your house so that it doesn’t end up pooling up next to the foundation, which could damage the foundation or cause water to leak into your basement or crawl space. This is why it’s important to make sure that your gutters are clean so that any water can always drain away. If your gutters are clogged and the water backs up, it will eventually overflow and start collecting near the foundation. Gutters that don’t drain properly can also result in water seeping under the shingles at the edge of the roof and potentially leaking inside.
Cleaning out your gutters is something you can do yourself if you have an extension ladder. However, you obviously want to be extremely cautious and make sure that the ladder is secure so that you don’t risk falling and suffering a serious or fatal injury. The risk of injury or death is why many people choose to hire a professional to clean their gutters every fall just to be safe.
Have Your Trees Trimmed
Another important step for protecting your roof from potential damage is to regularly trim back any nearby trees so that no branches are hanging over the roof. If a major storm or strong winds were to break the branches and they fell on your roof, there’s a high likelihood it could suffer major damage. The best time to trim trees is always after they’ve lost all of their leaves and gone dormant for the winter since this lessens the chances of the trees being harmed or potentially getting a disease.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
By far the best way to ensure that your roof is in good shape and ready for winter is to have a professional roofing contractor inspect it. Some types of roof issues such as hail damage can be extremely difficult for an untrained eye to spot. That’s why it’s always best to hire a professional who knows exactly what to look for.
When inspecting a roof, a roofer will generally always go up into the attic to check for leaks and any other potential issues. They’ll also go up on the roof to look for any issues such as storm damage, parts of the roof that are sagging and cracked, loose or missing shingles. They’ll also check the flashing around chimneys, roof vents, skylights and where any angles meet. These places are always most prone to leaking so it’s important that the flashing on them is in good shape and properly sealed. If the inspection reveals any issues, you obviously want to get them repaired before winter comes just to make sure your roof is in good shape and not at risk of leaking.
Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations is a locally-owned company offering exceptional roofing and gutter services in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. We take a customer-focused approach to roofing and will always work with you to ensure all of your roofing needs are met in the most effective way. We specialize in all aspects of roofing including repairs, maintenance and replacement and are dedicated to ensuring each customer gets the personalized attention they deserve and is fully satisfied with our service. Whether it’s a minor repair or a complete replacement, you can count on us to provide prompt, professional work at an honest price. To schedule an inspection and ensure that the roof on your Charlotte home is ready for the winter weather, contact us today.
