Snow, sleet, ice, heavy winds, freezing temperatures—your roof faces a lot during cold weather, so prepare it for winter with tips from the friendly neighborhood roofers at Ontario Exteriors. The Rochester, NY-based roofing contractors have provided the area’s best residential and commercial services since 1995, and have compiled these tips to help the community maintain their roofs no matter how low the temperature drops. 

Top 5 Winter Roof Prep Tips From Your Rochester Roofers

1. Check For Leaks

Check for signs of leaks on your roof and inside your home, such as damaged flashing, missing shingles, and water spots on the ceiling. Get every leak repaired so your roof is sealed against winter rain, snow, and ice.

2. Clean the Gutters

Give your gutter system a thorough cleaning every fall and again in the spring to remove leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris. Clogged gutters give rain and snow the opportunity to back up under roofing shingles instead of flowing away from your home.

3. Add Insulation

Add insulation to your attic or crawlspace if you have not already to prevent ice dams. Ice dams form when hot attic/crawlspace air melts snow on your roof. This melting snow refreezes along the edge of your roof, resulting in dangerous, heavy ice dams that can easily cause leaks.

4. Remove Debris & Invest in a Snow Rake

Clear your roof of debris with a broom or leaf blower. Do not use a power washer, as the force of the water can loosen shingles. Invest in a snow rake as well to keep your roof clear of the white stuff all winter long.

5. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Schedule an inspection with the knowledgeable roofers at Ontario Exteriors for the professional assessment your roof needs before winter gets underway. The roofing contractors provide any repairs or replacements the system needs to last for decades.

Create a maintenance schedule with Ontario Exteriors so your roof never faces the elements unprotected. Call (585) 421-0880 to make an appointment with the roofing company or visit the website to review past projects. Follow the roofers on Twitter for great tips and home ideas.